Keynote Speakers

Biography

Trovon C. Williams is Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of all marketing and communications strategies, branding, and public relations operations for the Association. Trovon has over 15 years of experience leading award-winning marketing, communication, and brand development initiatives in the technology, higher education, and government industries, both domestically and internationally.

Trovon spearheaded the NAACP's award-winning #WeAreDoneDying campaign in 2020, which shed light on underlying injustices in the United States' healthcare system while offering interactive content that prompted state politicians to act. Williams was also instrumental in the creation of "Hey Black America", a television series co-produced by the NAACP and TV One that examined how protest may serve as a springboard for advancements in education, housing, and democracy.

Trovon worked as Chief Marketing Officer at Perfecta prior to joining the NAACP, where he oversaw the company's global marketing and communications initiatives and brand transformation from a government-focused product to a commercial enterprise service offering. Trovon previously worked at the College of Southern Maryland as the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. Additionally, he has held senior marketing and communications positions with Iridium Communications, Citrix Systems, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

Trovon was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor's degree in marketing. He also possesses a master's degree in business administration from Stratford University. Trovon was inducted into Hampton University's "Top 40 Under 40" Alumni Society in 2017 and was also named a 2021 PR Week "Top 40 Under 40" award recipient. He is a member of the Forbes Communications Council and the American Marketing Association, as a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member.

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: Advocacy Has One Direction: Forward

• Description: Nonprofits and advocacy organizations have been confronted with the necessity of transformation over the past several years in order to remain viable and effective. We take a close look at how nonprofit organizations and their leaders have evolved in order to meet the communications, technology, and authenticity demands of the 21st century. You will hear from Trovon Williams, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications with the NAACP, as we discuss the importance of strategically leveraging technological advancements and how organizations have reinvented themselves in order to take their brands to new and unimaginable heights.

Biography

Victor (“Vic”) Valentine is the executive director of the National Human Services Assembly, a 100+-year-old national organization dedicated to strengthening health and human services in the U.S. Vic brings over 20 years of experience in the areas of board and executive leadership development, strategic and operational planning, professional coaching, and philanthropy to his role as CEO of NHSA. Before joining the National Assembly, Vic served as founder and CEO of Nfrastruct, LLC, a nonprofit capacity-building consultancy. His past professional experience includes leadership positions with the Maryland Philanthropy Network, the New York City Urban League, the United Way of New York City, the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, and the Maryland General Assembly. A graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park and Wilmington University where he earned his BA in Political Science and MA in Public Administration respectively, Vic is also an alumnus of the American Express Leadership Academy for Nonprofit Leaders.

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: Leadership Diversification in the Human Services Sector 
• Description: With the hardships brought on by the continuing pandemic, social unrest, and economic uncertainties, the human services sector has a unique opportunity to diversify its workforce despite these challenges. Victor Valentine, Executive Director of the National Human Services Assembly, will provide a scan of the current landscape and offer solutions the sector can use to address the lack of diverse leaders throughout.

Biography

Dr. Lindquist has served as President of Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) since 2003 when she was recruited to come home by elders. She is member of the Spirit Lake tribe and her Dakota name is Star Horse Woman (Ta’Sunka Wicahpi Win). Dr. Lindquist completed a doctorate degree from the University of North Dakota in Educational Leadership in 2006 as a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow and has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota with an emphasis on tribal health systems. Currently, Dr. Lindquist serves on the North Dakota Ethics Commission; the Executive Committee for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC); the American Indian College Fund; and the North Dakota News Cooperative. She also serves on the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (CEOSE), a Congressionally-mandated advisory committee for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: Tribal Colleges & Community Connections
• Description: What is tribal college and what community do they serve?

Biography

Susan Tomlinson Schmidt has dedicated her life to serving others through more than 25 years advancing the missions of social-impact organizations. Currently, Schmidt is the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance president, an organization that develops talent for the nonprofit workforce.

Schmidt joined the Alliance in January 2013 as the chief operating officer, where she implemented several strategic initiatives, including the development of Leaderosity. This online learning system provides affordable and accessible access to high-quality professional development. As a result of her guidance in enhancing member services and building strategic partnerships, the Alliance is in one of the most rapid growth periods of the organization's history.

Previously, Schmidt was executive director of the Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Memphis. The Institute is a research center focused on the study of the regional nonprofit sector. While there, she also directed the university’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program.

She received her master’s in public administration from the University of Memphis and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional. Schmidt and her husband, David, a professional chef, have two sons, Patrick and Walker. They live in Leawood, Kansas.

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: Stories from Survivor Island: How two nonprofit leaders adjusted during crisis
• Description: If you've been feeling like the past two years were a bad episode of Survivor Island, you are not alone. Nonprofit leaders have experienced waves of highs and lows as we adjusted to a constant state of change. Decision-making with little or no data, shifts in working and service-delivery environments, lack of information, mis-information, new funding sources, loss of funding sources . . . it was all enough to drive you mad. Oh yes - morale and mental health too. Join us for a candid conversation about what worked, what didn't, and how we can reflect on these experiences, learn the lessons, and rebuild a better nonprofit sector.
  

Biography

Angela has been working in local nonprofits for almost 32 years, including the zoo, a theatre company, an ASO, a credit union, the blood bank, and Memphis' oldest nonprofit where they focus on early childhood education.

Since 2005 Angela has been in the field of HR. She started her HR career as an intern, did her time as a generalist, conquered the role of a manager, and is now the HR director for an organization that she hopes to retire from.

Angela earned her PHR certification in 2011 and maintains her credentials through webinars, seminars, and conferences because she has zero intention of ever taking the certification test again. Angela was also granted the SHRM-CP in 2015 and keeps it active through learning opportunities as well.

Angela became a member of the Susan Schmidt Fan Club in 2003 when she was introduced to American Humanics at the University of Memphis where she earned her MPA degree. Angela hopes to start the MEL program at Tulane next year.

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: Stories from Survivor Island: How two nonprofit leaders adjusted during crisis
• Description: If you've been feeling like the past two years were a bad episode of Survivor Island, you are not alone. Nonprofit leaders have experienced waves of highs and lows as we adjusted to a constant state of change. Decision-making with little or no data, shifts in working and service-delivery environments, lack of information, mis-information, new funding sources, loss of funding sources . . . it was all enough to drive you mad. Oh yes - morale and mental health too. Join us for a candid conversation about what worked, what didn't, and how we can reflect on these experiences, learn the lessons, and rebuild a better nonprofit sector.
  

Biography

At the age of 18, Terence established the East Harris County Empowerment Council (EHCEC). His dream was to bring much-needed resources to the youth and families of East Harris County. While being a full-time student, he began reaching out and collaborating with numerous organizations and individuals. As a result of this effort, he was able to secure funding and resources for EHCEC and other agencies.

Upon graduation, he committed to working on his vision full time. As Executive Director of EHCEC, he oversees the day-to-day operations and administration of all programs. He is committed and passionate about being involved in the programs and events offered by EHCEC. He is a community advocate and leader, working alongside various agencies and organizations around the Greater East Harris County community.

He graduated with honors and holds a degree in Political Science, Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Certificate in Corporate Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston. Terence also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Finance and Accounting from Rice University. He recently obtained a Master’s of Business Administration at Houston Baptist University. He is also one of thirty-five business students to receive the 2017 Future Business Legends Scholarship from the Texas Business Hall of Fame. In 2021, Terence was named as a Texas State Board of Education’s Heroes for Children. This award recognizes 15 individuals statewide who had served and supported their local school community, the staff, and most notably, the students of Texas.

In addition to his work at EHCEC, Terence is a consultant, presenter, public speaker and serves on various advisory committees. He continues to inspire people everywhere with his message of power, purpose, and passion. Terence resides in Humble, TX and enjoys sharing his lived experiences and volunteering for various causes.

KEYNOTE SESSION

• Title: Stories from Survivor Island: How two nonprofit leaders adjusted during crisis
• Description: If you've been feeling like the past two years were a bad episode of Survivor Island, you are not alone. Nonprofit leaders have experienced waves of highs and lows as we adjusted to a constant state of change. Decision-making with little or no data, shifts in working and service-delivery environments, lack of information, mis-information, new funding sources, loss of funding sources . . . it was all enough to drive you mad. Oh yes - morale and mental health too. Join us for a candid conversation about what worked, what didn't, and how we can reflect on these experiences, learn the lessons, and rebuild a better nonprofit sector.