Theme: Living in Color

Above all, never let age extinguish the fire of your inner child.” - S. Ajna.

To live in color means to move through moments, challenges, decisions, and goals with a childlike presence. As we get older, it is easy to lose sight of the simple things that bring us so much joy, like spending excessive time with our hobbies, learning new information and skills, living unapologetically, or being creative and developing solutions despite any challenges. We must remain childlike– meaning we must stay bold, continue taking chances, and be unapologetic in our pursuit of life. We are looking for speakers who are pioneers in their respective fields, change agents of society, and those who have truly embodied “Living in Color” in their lifestyles.

Prairie View A&M University
100 University Dr.
Prairie View, Texas, 77446
United States

Bryan Robertson

Mental health advocate + author

Bryan is an author, mental health clinic owner, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker. He encourages professionals and children to promote self-awareness and overcome stereotypical labels. Drawing from his experiences overcoming ADHD and dyslexia as a child, Bryan utilizes his prior education experience from teaching and creating curricula to run mental health clinics and support those with mental challenges. He has been a featured speaker at colleges, including Texas A&M University, Rice University, and Prairie View A&M University.

Cory Dixon

Photographer

Cory Dixon, the red frame wielding photographer from Dallas and '04 Prairie View A&M grad specializes in events, portraits, and documentary-style weddings. Fueled by marketing and design he’s flipped that passion into commercial success. He's working with Nike, Bacardi, Live Nation, McDonald's, and BIYDIY RECORDS. Versatility and collaboration with a dash free form – that's Cory's recipe for unforgettable visuals and lifelong relationships.

Cynthia Lester

Computer scientist + educator

Dr. Cynthia Lester is an academic administrator with over 20 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives at Georgia State University. As Associate Provost, she is responsible for advancing the University’s strategic priorities, driving innovation, and promoting excellence across all areas of the institution. Before assuming this role, Lester served as the Interim Dean of Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, one of the largest associate-degree-granting colleges in the nation, where she was the executive officer for the college and was responsible for administrative, research, and service functions for its five campuses throughout Atlanta. She is a Professor of Computer Science with areas of expertise in Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction. Her passion is STEM Education, and she is working to expand the pipeline and create an environment where students from all backgrounds can succeed.

Jarren Small

Educator + philanthropist

Jarren Small is a millennial mogul from Missouri City, Texas. Mr. Small believes in striving for greatness and paying it forward. Mr. Small graduated from Prairie View A&M University in fall 2012 with his Bachelor’s in Mass Communication with a Minor in Marketing. While attending college, he developed a passion for the betterment of the student body by obtaining the position of Student Government Association president in 2011. Today, Small is the Co-founder of Legends Do Live (LDL) and Educational Entertainment (ED ENT). Legends Do Live is a nonprofit 501c3 that funds and equip disadvantaged youth and communities through workshop programs and events. Educational Entertainment is simply defined by its mission - The E stands for Everyone. Educate. Entertain. Evolve. Small’s goal is to make sure that he is a leading example of what the city of Houston invested in him as a child and wants the world to know that anything is possible with a positive mindset.

Kristen Collins

Entrepreneur + chemist

Kristen Collins, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Black to the Lab, is dedicated to inspiring young girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, Kristen holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Masters in Community Development from Prairie View A&M University. Passionate about science and community engagement, she combines play and learning through Black to the Lab, providing STEM toys and resources to bridge gender and racial gaps in STEM. Kristen's impactful work has earned her awards, including 1st Place in the Building Women for the Future and Delta Red Tank Pitch contests. As an advocate and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, she continues to lead in STEM education, showcasing the transformative power of passion and determination. Kristen Collins is reshaping STEM education, empowering the next generation to embrace their potential fearlessly.