2025 Speakers

Addae’ Lane is a recent graduate of Jackson State University with a passion for the entertainment industry. From an early age, Lane has been captivated by the magic of past decades — the music, movies, and cultural moments that shaped generations and continue to inspire creative pursuits. Lane’s professional foundation includes internships with industry leaders such as Universal Pictures, where experience was gained in film distribution and marketing, and Beats by Dre, where Lane contributed to brand strategy. Additional experience in talent management was developed through work with Select Management Group. Currently, Lane contributes to Halftime Chat, a platform dedicated to celebrating the enduring influence of entertainment artists from previous eras, ensuring that they receive their well-deserved recognition. With a background in media, marketing and talent relations, Lane is interested in creating meaningful content and fostering authentic engagement in entertainment.

Jenna Hammoud is a senior at Ravenwood High School passionate about the intersection of technology, ethics and human-centered innovation. Her interest began with a firsthand experience of exclusion from technology when a humanoid robot struggled to recognize her voice but responded immediately to her father’s. This moment sparked her curiosity about how technology reflects human behavior and inspired her to explore how critical thinking can drive meaningful change. From middle school onward, Hammoud was immersed in technology education through her mother’s nonprofit Potentia360. As she entered high school, she became an ambassador and advocate for Potentia360, actively leading workshops and conversations on technology and ethics. These experiences deepened her commitment to AI literacy and critical questioning of tech outcomes and decisions. Outside academics, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active and traveling whenever she can.

Keona Gwinn is a disability advocate, content creator, and Master of Public Health candidate from Atlanta, Georgia. Born with Spina Bifida, Gwinn uses her lived experience to advance conversations on accessibility, health equity and the importance of community-centered care. Her concentration in Maternal and Child Health drives her commitment to strengthening healthcare systems that support families and children. She is the founder of Adaptability Beyond Limits LLC, a movement and apparel brand that empowers individuals of all abilities to see adaptability as strength. Through storytelling, creative expression and community engagement, Gwinn works to transform narratives, expand representation and help others recognize that disability is not a limitation but a source of identity, resilience, and power.

At 13 years old, Levia Harvey is already planting seeds for the future—both literally and figuratively. A proud 7th-generation farmer, she works alongside her family on the Legacy of Love Orchard and Farm, honoring generations of resilience, stewardship and love for the land. At Rockvale Middle School, she shines both in and out of the classroom. She is an honor roll student and a member of the National Beta Club. She competes on the school's tennis team. Off the court, she channels her creativity as a competitive dancer with EnPointe Performance Studio. Harvey’s leadership journey began at Salem Elementary, where she served as both Vice President and President of the student body and delivered the sixth-grade graduation speech to her classmates. That same year, she was named a Rutherford County finalist in The Amazing Shake. Harvey aspires to become an architect and teacher. She envisions blending her many passions to build a life that connects people to purpose and to one another.

Lina Samuel is a junior at Rockvale High School, where she pursues the Health Science pathway with an interest for helping others and advancing well-being in her community. A three-year DECA competitor and dedicated HOSA competitor, Samuel brings innovation and leadership to both business and healthcare fields. She is the founder and president of the Medical Science and Research Club at Rockvale, where she empowers students to explore their curiosity for science and make meaningful contributions to the medical community. Beyond academics, Samuel is a talented writer and vocalist who uses creativity to foster connection and authenticity. Guided by empathy, discipline and integrity, she strives to bridge her interests in science, communication and service to make a lasting impact. Samuel represents the next generation of visionary leaders—poised, purposeful and prepared to create meaningful change wherever her path leads.

Madison Harbour, an 11th Grade student at Central Magnet School, is a dedicated student leader with significant involvement in STEM outreach and the arts. She currently serves as an Ambassador for Potentia360, a non-profit organization focused on empowering high school girls in technology, and is a co-founder of the Potentia 360@CMS chapter. Harbour holds leadership roles in several school clubs. She serves as the Curriculum Lead for the Society of Women Engineers at her school and is the Co-Founder and President of the Central Magnet Podcast Club. In the realm of music, her talent earned her a spot in the 2026 All-State Choir. She is also an active member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the CMS Show Choir. Outside her school commitments, Harbour enjoys playing guitar, singing, baking and the craft of crocheting. She is on track to become a computer engineer and is excited for what the future holds.

Mahi Nandrey is a high school senior passionate about science, health and the ways they shape people’s lives. Fascinated by how small ideas can lead to lasting impact, Nandrey enjoys exploring the science behind everyday habits and how advances in biology and technology are transforming healthcare. She plans to major in Biology on a pre-dental track, inspired by her goal of becoming a dentist and improving patient care through innovation and empathy. Beyond academics, she is an international DECA competitor and captain of her school’s cross-country team, roles that have strengthened her leadership, perseverance and collaboration. Dedicated to giving back, Nandrey volunteers with OneGenAway helping fight food insecurity in her community. When she’s not studying or volunteering, she enjoys being outdoors, baking and staying active through fitness.

Mondale Dalon Smiley is a Faith-Driven Business Strategist, Youth Development & Advocacy Specialist and Innovative Communications Lead whose work bridges theology, leadership and storytelling. A proud Detroit native, Mondale holds a B.A. in Entrepreneurial Leadership from American Baptist College where he served as Student Government President and campus ambassador. He is currently an M.Div. candidate at Vanderbilt Divinity School focusing on Religion and Economic Justice. As the Black Seminarians President and assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs, Mondale continues to hone his skills in public speaking both in and out of the pulpit. In 2025, Mondale earned 2nd Place in the International Oratorical Competition at the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Conclave in Tampa representing the Southwestern Region, a testament to his powerful, purpose-driven voice for justice, belonging, and spiritual transformation.

Roderick M. Johnson Jr. is a student, public speaker, and evolving thought-leader passionate about people, purpose and growth. He is currently studying Business Management at Belmont University. Johnson is committed to creating spaces where leaders develop clarity, confidence and a sense of calling in both their personal and professional lives. He is shaping a mindset around leadership that emphasizes becoming rather than arriving, the belief that leadership is not a title, destination, or singular defining moment, but an evolving process. His work centers on authenticity, holistic development and intentionally building communities where growth is nurtured and refinement is embraced. Driven by faith, curiosity and a heart for service, Johnson hopes to inspire others to lead with intention and embrace both who they are and who they are becoming. His aim is to challenge traditional views of leadership and empower people across generations to evolve, rise and make meaningful impact.

Samisha Kumar is a senior at Ravenwood High School with a curiosity for business and a passion for advocacy. She discovered her love for business through DECA, which eventually led her to compete internationally. Kumar conducts corporate law research on ethical supply chains, leads her school’s Dance Marathon to support children’s health, and tutors children in her community. As a Potentia360 ambassador, she hopes to empower young people with confidence and the skills to thrive in a technology-driven world, combining her interests in leadership and social impact. Kumar plans to study political science and business management in college and pursue a career in law, aspiring to bridge gaps in equality, opportunity, and accessibility. In her free time, she volunteers at her local food pantry, enjoys experimenting with new dessert recipes, and explores new cultures through travel. She also immerses herself in a wide range of book genres to continually broaden her perspective.