Dr. Kesla M. Holder

Dr. Kesla M. Holder is a driven and detail-oriented professional, excelling in leadership and support roles alike. Possessing strong interpersonal skills, she blossoms in collaborative environments while also thriving independently. Educationally possessing a master’s and PhD in Public Policy and Administration, specializing in Public Leadership, Kesla brings a wealth of expertise to her roles. Currently serving as BSU’s Graduate Resource Center Coordinator, she previously held the position of Youth Services Director with the municipal government sector, managing diverse initiatives with finesse. Kesla’s strength lies in her adeptness at multitasking and organizational prowess, fostering unified environments wherever she goes. Passionate about cultivating positive change, her active involvement in public service organizations reflects her dedication to making a meaningful impact in both professional and community spheres.

Dr. Marja B. Humphrey

A core member of the TEDxBowieStateUniversity planning team and co-lead of the speaker team, Dr. Humphrey is excited to be engaged in this inaugural event. Dr. Marja Humphrey, PhD, NCC, LGPC is an assistant professor and program coordinator for School Counseling at Bowie State University, preparing graduate students to work professionally serving in urban communities. Her research interests include counselor preparation, leadership, wellness, and online learning. Energetic and encouraging, Dr. Marja Humphrey believes in living life not on default, but with intention. An avid learner, connector, and truth-teller, Dr. Humphrey offers therapeutic challenge and support to individuals and couples who choose to pursue meaningful lives. Dr. Humphrey earned her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Maryland, College Park. When not working, she loves to travel and enjoy quality time with her family and friends over great food and music.

Kayla Little

Kayla Little is a recent alumna of Bowie State University. She graduated with honors after completing her studies in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Social Justice. Currently, Kayla serves as a valued staff member within Bowie State University’s Graduate Resource Center, where she extends her knowledge and support to fellow students embarking on their academic journeys.

C. Martin Beck

C. Martin Beck, MS, RN brings all the experience from his first career as a combat-decorated USAF medic, from his second career as an RN supervisor in Baltimore’s inner-city emergency departments, and from his third career as an academic writing instructor at Coppin State University in Baltimore to his fourth career as BSU’s Graduate Writing Specialist where his meticulous attention to detail and drive to ensure the highest standards of performance support graduate and professional writing, research, and publication. He is a commercial and academic editor, an artist whose work has been exhibited in galleries in three states, a celebrated poet, and a featured contributor to Zing News, Southeast Asia’s largest online news platform, where he serves as an expert on American culture and politics. In his spare time, he tutors international grad students in the US and UK and serves as Science Curator for Bowie State’s inaugural TEDx event.

Dr. Jarilyn Conner

Dr. Jarilyn Conner is an established communications professor with marketing and public relations skills, author, and mentor who has over 20 years of public speaking. She is grateful to be part of the esteemed Bowie State University Team as an adjunct in the College of Education supporting the Teaching, Learning, and Development (TLPD) Department and the newest program, which is Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning (CRTL) to our future teachers, principals, and administrators by providing rich information and tools to remain successful in the school system. Dr. Conner is well known as an advocate and public speaker in the African American Community who provides programs and resources through the different communities and breaks the stigmas and explains their rights as they face challenge and concerns of what are the best avenues of supporting individuals who are diagnosed with autism and disabilities.

Xiomara V. Medina, M.Ed, LGPC, NCC

Xiomara V. Medina graduated from Bowie State University with her M. Ed School Counseling in the Spring of 2017, obtained licensure in October 2017 and is now working as the Associate Director of Clinical Training and Field Placement in the Department of Counseling & Psychological Studies at Bowie State University. Previously she was working as an elementary counselor for the Howard County Public School System. Her passion is tackling barriers faced by LGBT students, homeless students and English language learners. Ms. Medina has served as President of the Professional School Counselors of Howard County and Treasurer of the Maryland School Counseling Association. She is passionately working to bring higher levels of cultural competency and actionable equity among Professional School Counselors in Maryland. She has guest lectured in the counseling programs at Bowie State and University of Maryland, given presentations at the state and national level in the area of cultural competency and collaborated on presentations bringing domestic violence awareness and homeless student issues to the BSU campus.

Dr. Darla M. Scott

Dr. Darla M. Scott served on the planning committee and is an Associate Professor in the School Psychology program in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Studies within the College of Education at Bowie State University.  With her doctoral training in culturally relevant cognitive development, Darla Scott is a developmental psychologist with several decades of hands-on experience in teacher professional development, educational grant funded projects, and program design with evaluation.  Dr. Scott has mastered an inquiry-based, student centered approach to teaching, research, and service throughout her professional career.  Her sincere love for scientific inquiry and instructional delivery shines through in her engaging and interactive classroom practices.  Dr. Scott committed to educational equity as a guiding principle for her career by her consistent work with historically black colleges and universities.  Darla is excited to see the opportunity to spread ideas worth sharing happen at Bowie State University! 

Dr. Cubie Bragg

Dr. Cubie A. Bragg, Professor at Bowie State University (BSU), Maryland, I serve as the Director of the Adler-Dreikurs Institute of Human Services and oversee coordination within the Department of Counseling Psychology. Additionally, I hold the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Bragg Training & Consultants Inc. and serve as President at the Family Education Center Inc. Leveraging my licenses as both a Counselor and Social Worker, I have provided training and consulting services to a diverse array of sectors, including federal government agencies, state, and local organizations, as well as private enterprises.

Yvette Caldwell

Yvette Caldwell, Associate Vice President for Philanthropic Engagement provides strategic leadership, direction, and management for all fundraising at Bowie State University.  Her efforts support board development, program development, major and principal gift solicitation, and strategic fundraising planning. With decades of experience in business development, fundraising and marketing, her career endeavors have taken her around the globe.  Her broad skill set has afforded her the opportunity to work with fortune 500 corporations and non-profits. She is a member of the American Marketing Association, Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Ms. Caldwell has graduate degrees from the University of Maryland, and an undergraduate degree from Howard University. Ms. Caldwell currently serves as the Chair of the Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities Council. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and resides in Mitchellville, Maryland with her son, Alexander.

Ingram Land-Deans 

Ingram Land-Deans is an International Transformational Speaker. Her joy is giving individuals hope, strength, and motivation  from a divine place of positivity and spiritual wisdom-as they are led into purpose.

Dr. Jennifer West

Dr. Jennifer West, Associate Professor in Bowie State University's School Psychology Program, has enjoyed over 35 years of experience in her field. With a fervent dedication to culturally responsive education, Dr. West earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Towson State University and her doctorate in School Psychology from The University of Michigan. Drawing from 15 years of professional school-based expertise, she arrived at BSU with a mission to empower educators in accelerating the achievement of low-performing students. Dr. West's extensive background in public schools equips her with an array of innovative tools to mentor future school psychologists as culturally responsive change agents. Dr. West is the proud mother of a 21 year old daughter, and she balances her academic pursuits with traveling and being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.