Hing Potter is transracial-transnational Cambodian-US adoptee currently serving as a Coordinator in the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He advises student clubs and organizations, helps to develop and support leadership initiatives, and is involved with campus-wide programming. In his seven years as a student affairs professional, he’s had the privilege of working in residence life, orientation programs, admissions and campus life. He is involved in NASPA, a student affairs organization, volunteering in leadership roles on the Parent & Family Relations and Multi-Racial Knowledge Communities.
Hing is continues to work with community volunteer opportunities and has served on several local and national political campaigns. Over the past several years, Hing has additionally hosted Social Justice 101 workshops for community organizations and college classrooms helping others to develop a foundational understanding of social justice in the United States. During his free time, Hing is a freelance photographer and likes to travel to at least one new place each year. He received his B.A. from Boise State University in international relations and a masters in higher education administration from Northeastern University.
Kiet Le is the Director of Student Activities from Lamar State College-Port Arthur. He is from Mississippi where he attended the University of Southern Mississippi for his Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Industry Management. Kiet’s Master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration and Services is from the University of Central Arkansas. His professional experiences include success coaching with TRIO Student Support Services and various opportunities in residence life. Kiet’s hobbies include serving on mission trips, making jewelry for his non-profit business, working out so he eat more of his cooking and baking experiments, and serving in various roles within his church. He lives by the motto: “Life begins outside your comfort zone and where fear ends.
Fred Hodges, a product of adversity since an early age, made the intentional choice to overcome these hardships to form his identity and developing the dynamic speaker and man he is today. A native of the Pittsburgh area, Fred holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Master’s Degree in College Counseling from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. As Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Robert Morris University outside of Pittsburgh, Fred’s passion lies with programs that provide opportunities for student development and impact cultural awareness of diverse populations of students. Having spent 5 years in Higher Education, Fred has dedicated his profession to engaging and grooming young leaders while uplifting the lives of individuals regionally. Fred exemplifies the concept of authentic leadership and is best known for delivering his presentations “Me vs Me”, “Seven Keys to S.U.C.C.E.S.S.” and “Unique University” with a flare of passion and motivational energy! Fred believes “a true inclusive leader will not only invite you to the dance and ask dance, but will also include you in the planning of the dance”. Fred’s vision of impacting one leader at a time undoubtedly touches the hearts of others.
Nikki Gupton is a passionate Student Affairs professional who currently serves as the Specialist in The Center for Student Involvement & Leadership at John Jay College in New York, New York. She has over 7+ years of experience in higher education ranging from multicultural affairs, social justice, leadership, diversity and inclusion, residence life, orientation and more. As a first-generation college student, Nikki understands the importance of getting involved, connecting with peers, and developing those strong leadership skills. Nikki received her B.S. from University of North Carolina-Asheville and her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Mercer University in Georgia. She is dedicated to working with students to make sure they succeed in every sense of the word and have the best collegiate experience they can.
Gerald K. Johnson II serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of the President at Howard University, where he works directly with the Senior Advisor of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff to the President. Mr. Johnson is also the Treasurer of the Florida State University (FSU) Seminole Alumni Club of Washington, DC where he works closely with DC Area alumni on fundraising campaigns and yearly initiatives that further support the mission of FSU. Mr. Johnson has years of experience working with low-income and First-Generation college students and examining their educational experiences while serving in university settings such as the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement at Florida State University, the Division of Student Affairs at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and Campus Life at Florida International University. With a background in project management and organizational planning, his research will focus on how Performance-based Funding models have impacted the institutional practices of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and whether any modifications in response to these funding formulas have been beneficial or conflicting with their institutional missions.
Mr. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from Florida State University, a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University, and is currently pursuing his PhD at Howard University in Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies. In 2019, Mr. Johnson is very proud of his first publication opportunity as the author of Chapter 7: “How I Found my Voice”: A Black Man’s Journey Towards Self-Discovery, Campus Activism, and Academic Success” in the newly released book Personal Narratives of Black Educational Leaders. As a young educational leader, Mr. Johnson looks forward to developing a more knowledgeable understanding of higher education trends, literature and competency areas in order to promote a rich educational environment for students and staff at HBCUs.
Sharzad Mozaffar is a committed professional who embodies passion and empathy not only in her role as a counselor but also through her work as a peer mentor coordinator. As a first-generation college student, she is aware of the need for personalized support and the many challenges encountered when accessing higher education. Utilizing a strength-based approach, Sharzad wants to continue to support student’s individual growth and help them gain an understanding of their potential to navigate through the higher education system. Her interests include staying active, (gym, hiking, traveling, dancing) and spending time with family and friends.
Damarea Parker, With over 5+ years of experience in higher education, Damarea Parker currently serves as a Senior Program Coordinator for Associate Students at CSULA. As a proud African American male and former foster youth who was born and raised in Perris California, Damarea holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from California State University, San Bernardino, and Master of Science in Higher Education from California State University Fullerton. Damarea has served in multiple roles pertaining to student leadership and development, campus programs, engagement and involvement at the CSU Fullerton, CSU San Bernardino, and SJSU. Damarea is committed and passionate about exploring the issues of cultural enrichment, financial literacy, Self-development, and educating through works of speech, workshops, music, and acting.
Damarea has a passion for helping foster, low income, and minoritized men and women. Thus he became the founder and CEO of an Inspirational and motivational speaking company called Legendary Speaks to help men and women reach the fullness of their potential along with publishing his first book. He is a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated, co-founder of Black Scholars Maer, a student-led group that advocates for cultural diversity on college campuses and an active member in the Riverside and San Bernardino community.
Damarea loves writing and creating music, working with the youth and adults, and his reputation amongst the community consists of being a passionate and inspirational figure to all who meet him. Damarea’s two Favorite Quote is by Frederick Douglass and Winston Churchill: Without struggle, there is no progress; The price of greatness is responsibility.
Rasha Cheek was born and raised in the great state of North Carolina. She graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.A in Sociology. Additionally, she serves as an Class of 2020 eAdviser for with the College Advising Corps, where she helps high-achieving low-and moderate-income students navigate through the college admissions process.
Growing up as a low-income child in a single family home, she felt it was a challenge when obtaining opportunities to go to college. Rasha has inherited a love for advising & mentoring students and wants to continue on this path to become a respectable, higher educational professional. She feels that everyone has an opportunity to achieve their dreams, as long as they are willing to work hard for them to come true! In her spare, she enjoys staying active through volunteering, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends & family.
Nikita Lau used to serve as a Career Development Coordinator for the College of Business and Economics at California State University, Los Angeles. As a Coordinator, she served first generation, veteran, and international students to help them transition their hard work and resilient attitude from the classroom to the workplace. Nikita just graduated with her Masters of Science in Human Resources Management from her alma mater, University of Southern California.
Originally, from New Delhi, India, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the USC. Upon graduation, Nikita worked for companies like Target and Macy’s as an Executive Leader. In her roles, she has worked with individuals from all different socioeconomic backgrounds and expanded her skills in leadership, teamwork and customer service. Nikita’s transferable skills and flexible attitude helped her connect with students, faculty and staff. Nikita also served as Leadership coach and Facilitator last year for the Circle of Change Leadership Conference. She is excited to come back for again this year and help students become great leaders.
She is passionate about working with students and providing them the resources and guidance to succeed in and out of the classroom. She aspires to make a positive impact on students through empathy, motivation and service. Nikita is determined to make her family proud and considers them as her motivation to succeed.
Douglas Phenix is often known for his highly productive energy, caring personality and knowledge. Along with his desire to see those he support and work with, grow to their fullest potential. A passion to support and inspire others comes from Douglas’s own personal life journey of not having much support early and for most of his life yet then having to see the impact first hand it has more recently.
Douglas started off his education path not knowing anything so with that it was a rough start. With aspirations of becoming a video game designer he stumbled and bumped his way through the first few years of college. Two community colleges and 3 years later Douglas dropped out of college and did not see higher education as a thing for him.
After dropping out of college for a year and a half, Douglas felt an internal desire for change. So, he enrolled back into school this time at Diablo Valley College and still with majoring in graphic design. This time was different for him and he found a supportive community. Feeling encouraged and empowered he was soaring, and then one day his passion for graphic design felt him in an instant.
Yet, then Douglas found a comfort and passion for helping others. A new fire was lit and a driving force to a new career path. Finishing up his program in graphic design at DVC he then transferred to Cal State East Bay, majoring in Sociology and then attending Saint Mary’s College of California master’s program in Counseling.
Love is the center in which Douglas operates from and how he serves those each and every day. He has a motto he lives by “I believe I am a gardener in the lives of those I work with and meet, I am planting seeds of support and encouragement, watering seeds that are already there and/or removing weeds of doubts”
Whether those close to him call him Douglas or Doug the fun, focus and drive he brings every day is infectious and others naturally gravitate towards it.
Xavier Blackwell is a Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, and student affairs professional who inspires audiences nationwide.
Xavier’s personal passions are service to others, personal growth and intentional success. His programs include topics like: International Student Success, Leadership, Living Your Mission, Strength Based Performance, Powerful Communication, Team Building and Engagement, Diversity, and Abundant Living.
A proud business owner, Xavier Blackwell started his company Newstead Global in October of 2017. Newstead Global focuses on the success of international students at the intercollegiate level. Through trainings and leadership workshops, Newstead Global trains and coaches international students on how to pursue more abundant, successful, and overall happier experiences while traveling abroad to pursue their educations.
Also a current professional in higher education, Xavier serves as the Leadership Education Coordinator for the Office of Student Involvement at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. He has been in his current role for two years. Xavier has held several positions in student affairs, starting his professional career in Housing and Residence Life for Eastern Illinois University in 2008. In 2010 Xavier traveled east to the University of Pittsburgh where he served for 5 years with the Pittsburgh Panthers, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Xavier Blackwell is currently working on his PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. His research focus is international students and their transition into the US educational system.
A hometown St. Louis, Missouri native, Xavier is a proud graduate of Vianney High School, class of 2004. His mission is to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible, and to leave a meaningful legacy grounded in Christ, for our world.
Asha Nettles serves as the Director of Leader & Program Development at Associated Students (CSUF), Inc. She is responsible for the student leaders across the student government, commissions and programming areas and her work focuses on the development of their leadership, organizational and personal skills in the group and individual formats. He work also focuses on the continued development of a number of programs and services designed at supporting students and student organizations. She is a double-alum of California State University, Long Beach having earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and her Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling, option in Student Development in Higher Education. Throughout her experience, she continues to train and develop student leaders in governance, advocacy and policy decisions. Asha remains passionate about motivating, empowering and engaging students in becoming the best versions of themselves while developing a care for the world around them.
Hi my name is Judcine and most people call me Judy. I am a proud first generation student who has learned that pride through my experience at Regis College which I currently work for in the Center for Inclusive Excellence. I earned my Bachelors in Psychology and Concentration in Neuroscience in 2018 and am currently in a Master Counseling Psychology Program. I have a passion for connecting people together in any way possible, which is usually done through compassion and my bright energy. I grew up in Somerville MA and have lived their all my life. My parents immigrated to America from Haiti and I grew up with a fun culture clash. My side hobbies are singing and watching children from my big family. I encountered Circe of Change Leadership Conference because of my passion to connect people and provide ways for others to be empowered. I strive to give those who do not have a voice the microphone and headphones to understand their voice and use their voice.
