Raleigh Youth Summit Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Sahjir Rivera

Sahjir Rivera is a Hispanic 19-year-old North Carolina Native raised in Durham. Sahjir is a survivor of gun violence and has transformed his traumatic experience into a powerful message of hope and resilience. 

Sahjir Rivera's goal is to educate and empower young teens to make informed choices and consider the potential consequences of their actions.

Antonio Neville

Antonio Neville is a well-known comedian, actor, and content creator from Rocky Mount. In Tony’s presentation, he will take you on his comedic journey from youth to young adulthood. You will learn all about perseverance, determination, and drive as Tony takes you along his multiple attempts to find his true calling: making people laugh through his life experiences. From trying to mimic family as a young kid, starting his college’s first comedy club (with three members), serving at restaurants to make ends meet, going “viral” on social media, and auditioning for acting roles, you are sure to leave inspired to find your passion through your trials!

Lora Lavigne

Lora Lavigne is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated journalist. She's currently a Weekend Morning Anchor and Reporter for WRAL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Raleigh.

She joined the WRAL team in 2020 and has covered a variety of topics during her tenure in Raleigh, such as local government, crime, the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 presidential election, natural disasters, and White House visits from President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.

Born and raised in New Orleans, she graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.A. in Mass Communications and a minor in Spanish. 

She was a collegiate athlete who cheered and danced for the university's football and basketball teams. 

Ms. Lavigne is also an advocate for autism awareness. She has also lobbied for bills passed in the Louisiana state legislature to protect students with disabilities in public schools. 

A proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists, she is honored to participate in this year's Raleigh Youth Summit.

Tamara Scott

Tamara Scott is an Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC11. She joined the station in June 2021 as a morning reporter. Tamara is originally from Raleigh and enjoys being back home, reporting in the community that raised her.

Before her full circle moment of coming to work at the station she grew up watching, she first headed down to ENC to earn a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Hispanic Studies at East Carolina University.

When she graduated in 2016, she got her first job in television news at WNCT, Greenville's CBS affiliate. She covered presidential rallies, Hurricane Matthew's devastating flooding, and several nationally-reported stories there.

After two years, Tamara headed north to report in Hampton Roads, VA.

During her three years at the NBC affiliate WAVY, she earned several Emmy nominations and won her first Emmy for the work she did reporting on the Virginia Beach mass shooting. She interviewed then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and several other local politicians and leaders.

She also co-produced a lifestyle segment called Jar Journeys, where she went on adventure throughout the community, reporting on affordable activities available to the 757 community.

Tamara is overjoyed to return home and excited to participate in the Raleigh Youth Summit! She enjoys speaking to the youth and educating them on all things media. 

She loves to spend time with her family when she is not on air. She is a wiz at Disney trivia and Marvel movies. She loves to try new restaurants and get to know people in the community.

Melvin Breeden

Melvin Breeden has an over fifteen-year career in community development. He joined StepUp Ministry after witnessing our deep passion for people and transformational community-based programs. Melvin is always seeking knowledge and is driven by the need to be impactful. He is a well-traveled community-based servant leader and has been engaged with various community-based work, including mental health, housing, youth development, parenting training, and the faith community.

Jasmine Brown

Jasmine Brown is a passionate advocate for financial empowerment and youth development. Through her nonprofit, FACTS for Youth, Jasmine equips students and athletes with the knowledge needed for financial independence. She is also an author of two best-selling books, The Money Club: A Teenage Guide to Financial Literacy and the Money Lessons with Dad series. Her latest book, Jasmine’s First Bank Account, will be released soon.

With 18 years of coaching experience, including her role as head swim coach at Holly Springs High School, she understands the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. A proud graduate of North Carolina State University and dedicated entrepreneur, Jasmine continues to inspire and impact her community through education, athletics, and financial literacy.

Dr. Shanita Brown

Dr. Shanita Brown is a teaching assistant professor at East Carolina University, award-winning licensed trauma therapist, and speaker focused on healthy relationships and mental health. With over 20 years of clinical mental health experience, she founded Transformative Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, to help individuals achieve optimal wellness amid trauma and life stressors.

Dr. Brown has delivered workshops nationwide to mental health professionals, advocates, faith communities and professional athletic organizations. Her work has been featured in scholarly articles, podcasts, and media outlets such as Checkin In with Michelle Williams, Bravo's Married to Medicine Dr. Jackie's Point of View, Essence, Self Magazine, and Self-Magazine. Dr. Brown is president-elect of the North Carolina Counseling Association. 

Jayden Cherry

Jayden Cherry is a dedicated student from Greenville who ispursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on Homeland Security at North Carolina Central University. 

Mr. Cherry is a member of the Tau Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He is committed to leadership, service, and academic excellence. In addition to his studies, Mr. Cherry is interested in strength training and building endurance. He has regular access to a gym to support his fitness goals. He is thrilled to be a part of this year's Raleigh Youth Summit to provide guidance to other like-minded individuals and spread awareness about mental health. 

Judge Craig Croom

Judge Craig Croom is a native of Kinston, NC and graduated from of W. G. Enloe High School in Raleigh, NC in 1985.  He has a B.S. in Administration of Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  In September 1989, he started his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Wake County Sheriff’s Department after graduating first in his class at the Wake County Sheriff’s Academy.

Judge Croom left the Wake County Sheriff’s Department to attend North Carolina Central University School of Law were he graduated cum laude in 1994. He joined the Wake County District Attorney’s Office in July 1995 and spent the majority of his tenure there prosecuting felony drug cases.  

Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. appointed Judge Croom to be a Wake County District Court Judge, and he was sworn in on July 30, 1999. He has since presided in 78 of 100 counties in North Carolina. His goal is to preside in all 100 counties.  

Judge Croom is committed to helping others on and off the bench. He served as the presiding judge in Drug Treatment and Recovery Court in Wake County for 10 years. He presided in juvenile court as a certified Juvenile Court Judge and has volunteered with Capital Area Teen Court. He spends a great deal of time speaking to young people in schools and churches throughout Wake County and North Carolina. Each time he visits a school, Judge Croom wears his motorcycle vest which displays a patch that says, “ I want to visit your house, the schoolhouse, so you won’t visit my house, the courthouse.”

Ricky Duncan

Ricky Duncan has over 20 years of total experience as a social worker and 10 years as a clinical therapist. Ricky studied social work at NC State University where he received his BSW and completed his graduate studies in social work at UNC-CH.

Ricky’s dedication to helping others has always been the fuel that has ignited his passion in having a positive impact on those in his community.

Ricky has his own private practice known as Converge Therapy LLC. Although Ricky started his practice with a focus on African American male teenagers, he also has several adult clients ranging from all age groups and diagnosis. Ricky also works in child protection as a supervisor at Durham County Department of Social Services. To extend his work as a social worker, Ricky will join the faculty at Central Carolina Community College teaching Case Management this fall. 

Delon Fletcher

Delon Fletcher, as the Program Director and co-founder of the Agarwal Scholars Program, inspires greatness within his school and community through Integrated Student Support. His infectious ability to connect with stakeholders and cultivate relationships allows him to empower students, families, educators, community partners, and school administrators with his message of "I See Greatness In You".

He is a highly sought after speaker and trainer, specializing in educational equity. His insights on community engagement and efforts to eliminate educational disparities in K-12 and post-secondary communities are widely-respected and valued.

Quinandria Lee

Quinandria Lee is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, former Middle School Counselor and CEO of Curated Space Counseling and Consulting, LLC. She holds a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in K-12 School Counseling, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina (LCMHC). With four years in private practice and five years of experience working in education as a K-12 School Counselor, she has experience working with a demographically diverse population of clients.

Quinandria is passionate about working in the mental health space to curate safe spaces for minority children, women, and men to have their voices heard, validated, and respected while destigmatizing the idea of therapy. With this passion, she is intentional about implementing cultural and social relevant therapeutic strategies and activities into sessions and workshops with clients.

Judge Ashleigh Parker

Judge Ashleigh Parker is a District Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District, which encompasses Wake County. Prior to her appointment by Governor Roy Cooper in 2017, Judge Parker served the citizens of North Carolina as an Assistant Attorney General at the North Carolina Department of Justice and as an Assistant District Attorney at the Wake County District Attorney's Office.

Judge Parker graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wake Forest University and cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law. At age 30, Judge Parker was the 3rd and youngest African American female to hold this position in Wake County since the District Courts were established over 50 years ago.

Judge Parker serves as the lead Child Support Judge in Wake County and one of two Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Judges. 

Judge Parker is passionate about increasing equity within the criminal justice system and educating our youth. She is the co-founder of the Capital City Lawyer's Association Law Day Program. Since its inception in 2014, this program has afforded over 1,000 minority middle and high school students the opportunity to engage in a mock trial, interact with minority officers and attorneys, and take a tour of the local jail. Most recently, Judge Parker is the co-founder of the Wake County Legal Support Center which opened in January of 2023. This center provides free legal information for individuals who wish to represent themselves with domestic and housing issues.

Judge Parker lives in Raleigh with her 2 boys, Isaac and Isaiah. For more information about Judge Parker you can visit her website at www.JudgeAshleigh.com.

Chanel Ratliff

Chanel Ratliff is a 25-year higher education professional born and raised in North Carolina. Ms. Ratliff’s career in higher education began with her alma mater North Carolina Central University in 1999. Ms. Ratliff then joined the enrollment management team of Livingstone College as the associate dean of admissions to enhance enrollment and improve overall vision of the university. After nearly six years with Livingstone College, she embarked on an opportunity to enhance the lives of adult learners with the University of Phoenix by serving as a corporate education liaison and adjunct instructor. During that time, Grand Canyon University sought to increase its presence in North Carolina. Chanel joined the enrollment and business development team of Grand Canyon University as a university development manager and currently works for the University of Arizona in the Business Education Services division as a Corporate Alliance Executive. 

She is originally from Charlotte and is a proud three-time Graduate of North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Information Science. She is also an active member of the Western Wake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 

Marcus Saunders

Marcus Saunders brings 14 years of dedicated experience in education. He currently serves as an assistant principal for Wake County Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services from East Carolina University and his teaching certification in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State University. Mr. Saunders furthered his academic journey with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, followed by a Master's in School Administration from North Carolina State University, driven by his passion for empowering new professionals and enhancing educational environments.

As a school leader, he is committed to cultivating a vibrant community where education transcends traditional boundaries, fostering an enriching experience that nurtures all students' minds, hearts, courage, and spirits. He actively engages with his community as a Wake Forest-Rolesville Alumni Chapter member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, exemplifying his dedication to leadership and service.

This will be his first time appearing as a guest speaker at the Raleigh Youth Summit, and he's thrilled about the opportunity to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders.

Caleb Smith

Caleb Smith grew up in Durham, NC. His favorite activities were soccer and video games. Caleb took a non-traditional approach to life after high school and decided to skip college and head overseas to play soccer in Germany. 

Upon returning to the states, Caleb set his eyes on the esports industry and opened North Carolina Esports Academy in October 2020. Caleb's goal was to innovate education and to prepare youth for the future workforce in the rapidly-changing tech industry. North Carolina Esports Academy accomplishes this through offering camps, field trips, after school programs, and more for youth in K12. Caleb was a 2022 Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient and a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient for the education category. 

Caleb believes that the future relies on the youth of today which is why he is so passionate about helping youth find their passion and purpose. Caleb regularly volunteers to help the youth. His favorite ways are through coaching soccer, being a guest speaker for students and running a nonprofit he founded called EdTech Unite that subsidizes STEM programs for youth and puts on STEM events.

Ian Solomon

Growing up in Eastern North Carolina (Kinston), the concept of community and helping others was something imparted in Ian Solomon by his parents and extended family. After graduating from high school, he attended NC A&T State University on a full academic scholarship (NC Teaching Fellows), where he majored in History Education. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1994 and began teaching at Northeast Guilford High School that same year. A career in education was the best way for him to serve people and make a positive impact on society. After three years of teaching, he received the NC Principal Fellows Scholarship in 1997, which allowed him to pursue his Master’s in School Administration full-time. He graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 1999 and began his administrative career in Wake County.

Ian’s career highlights include becoming the first African-American to lead not one but two schools in the district, Durant Road Middle School and Leesville Road High School. He also had the honor of opening one of two single-gender schools in Wake County, the Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy, in 2012. In the fall of 2022, he was recognized as a finalist for WCPSS Principal of the Year. 

As an educator who believes that relationships are core to one’s success, Ian has always advised young people that the company you keep matters. That concept is applicable to all stages of life and in all settings. 

Ian retired from the Wake County Public School System at the end of the 2022-2023 school year but could not stay away from the educational arena. He now works at Cardinal Gibbons High School as the Director of Student Success and continues to positively impact students. 

Ian is also a member of the Raleigh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and is very active in the chapter’s Kappa League program, utilizing his years of experience molding and mentoring youth to serve as a shining example of excellence, inspiration, and achievement for the young men in the program.