Venue:
Salem 2 Ballroom clear filter
9:00am EDT
Opening Session & Keynote
Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Speakers 
Davidson Early College High School
My name is Bernard Boateng, and I am a First Generation American. I am the son of two immigrants who emigrated from the West African country Ghana. I am a rising freshman at Duke University who is interested in studying and applying Chemistry and Computational Biology to Global Public...
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Lead Learning Experience Designer, Lanier Learning
Lead Experience Designer, Dee Lanier is the author of Demarginalizing Design and co-author of The Promises and Perils of AI in Education. Dee is a passionate and energetic educator and learner with over two decades of instructional experience on the K-12 and collegiate levels. Dee...
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Education Consultant, RTI International
Dr. Demond “De” McKenzie is an expert in education and leadership development with over 20 years of experience. Currently he serves as an education consultant and leadership coach for RTI’s Education Services team, where he leads design and facilitation of professional development...
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Lieutenant Governor
Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt has a distinguished record of service in education and public leadership. Prior to her political career, Hunt practiced law and founded a consulting business to assist families with the college application process.She served in the North Carolina House of Representatives...
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10:45am EDT
Pour Over and Problem-Solving
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Presenters 
Lead Learning Experience Designer, Lanier Learning, LLC
Education Consultant, RTI International
Dr. Demond “De” McKenzie is an expert in education and leadership development with over 20 years of experience. Currently he serves as an education consultant and leadership coach for RTI’s Education Services team, where he leads design and facilitation of professional development...
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12:00pm EDT
Lunch and Special Greetings
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Speakers 
Vice President of Social Impact, Fidelity Investments
Cris Charbonneau leads communications, program strategy, and engagement for the Fidelity Scholars Program, an Invest in My Education (ME)℠ initiative that supports under-resourced students in achieving college completion and career success through scholarships, wraparound resources...
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Education Consultant, RTI International
Dr. Demond “De” McKenzie is an expert in education and leadership development with over 20 years of experience. Currently he serves as an education consultant and leadership coach for RTI’s Education Services team, where he leads design and facilitation of professional development...
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President, NC Community College System
Dr. Jeff Cox is the 11th president of the North Carolina Community College System and a lifelong champion of North Carolina public education.
Prior to leading the System, Dr. Cox served as the President of Wilkes Community College from 2014 to 2023 where he led a fantastic team of faculty and staff that more than doubled the completion rate at the college, raised $20 million to support strategic initiatives, and created...
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11:30am EDT
Lunch & "Future Ready" Student Panel Discussion
Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Speakers 
I am a proud 2026 graduate of Hertford County Early College, where I will earn my high school diploma along with an Associate in Science, Associate in Arts, and a Business Certificate. Throughout my high school career, I have remained actively involved in my school and district, serving...
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Senior Director, Center for Education Services, RTI International
Dr. Fredrica Nash is Senior Director of Education, Communication, and Training (ECT) at RTI International, where she leads a multidisciplinary team of staff delivering technical assistance, professional learning, and integrated communications and production services to federal, state...
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Student, Middle College at GTCC Jamestown
My name is James Ortiz, I am 16 years old, and I am a student at the Middle College at GTCC Jamestown. My dream is to attend Duke University and become a heart surgeon. I love hanging out with my family and friends, biking, and playing video games.
University of SC
I am a 2025 honors graduate of both Kingstree High School and Williamsburg Technical College. I am currently a junior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Counselor Education. I am passionate about uplifting others and enjoy both singing...
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1:50pm EDT
Closing Session
Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:50pm - 2:30pm EDT
Speakers
Education Consultant, RTI International
Dr. Demond “De” McKenzie is an expert in education and leadership development with over 20 years of experience. Currently he serves as an education consultant and leadership coach for RTI’s Education Services team, where he leads design and facilitation of professional development...
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Student Success Coordinator, Challenger ECHS
Jess Guyer is an alumni of Challenger Early College HS’s first entering and graduating class where she returned a few years later as an English teacher. She has since earned her Master of Arts in Executive Leadership and her National Board Certification. She has recently made the...
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