Meet Our Featured Speakers

Inspiring voices leading the conversation on Black Education Excellence

Keynote Speakers

Man in suit smiling against white background.

Day 1 Keynote | Wednesday, June 17

Dr. Will Moreland
2026 Teacher Leadership Summit Keynote
Founder, Moreland Training and Associates

Dr. Will Moreland is a world-renowned leadership expert, civility ambassador, and motivational speaker, inspiring individuals and organizations globally to achieve excellence. With over 50 authored books, including 35 bestsellers, and recognition as one of the Top 10 Motivational Speakers in the World, Dr. Moreland has dedicated his life to fostering positive change and growth. A
two-time combat military veteran and Business Hall of Fame
inductee, he is the founder of Moreland Training and Associates, where he delivers executive coaching, leadership development, and innovative training programs. Dr. Will’s influence extends to over 125 nations, and he is a sought-after speaker on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Residing in Phoenix, Arizona, he is a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather who loves old-school hip-hop, sneakers, jazz music, and tropical vacations.

Smiling person wearing glasses, outdoor background.

Day 2 Keynote | Thursday, June 18

Dr. Joy Lawson Davis
2026 Teacher Leadership Summit Keynote
Founder, Gifted Unlimited, LLC

Dr. Joy Lawson Davis is an award-winning international scholar, equity activist, author, consultant, and keynote speaker with a distinguished record of scholarship in the field of gifted education. Her specific expertise is in increasing access and equity in gifted education programming for culturally diverse students, including those who are twice exceptional. Davis has provided training and inspiring keynote messages with school districts, private schools, state agencies and international organizations, empowering them with best practices and resources to increase advocacy and enhance services for gifted learners who are often overlooked, marginalized and otherwise limited due to cultural bias, teacher training, and minimal family/school collaboration. Davis is the author of multiple publications, including six books, - “Bright Talented & Black: A guide for Families of Black Gifted learners”; “Empowering Underrepresented Gifted students: Perspectives from the Field” and “Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education”. Recently, she was featured in The Roeper Review as part of their ‘Eminent Scholar’ series. A recipient of multiple awards, Davis was recently named the winner of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from NAGC and the 2025 2e Center Hall of Fame Award from Bridges Graduate School for Cognitive Diversity.

Summit Emcees

Smiling woman in front of textured wall.

Day 1 Emcee | Wednesday, June 17

Dr. Racquel Armstrong
2026 Teacher Leadership Summit Emcee
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Arizona State University

Dr. Racquel “Rockee” Armstrong is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Teaching & Learning Innovation and a candidate for State Representative for LD 13 serving Chandler, Sun Lakes, and Gilbert. Dr. Armstrong blends her practitioner experience as a former teacher and school administrator with her scholarly research to support the development and sustainability of educational leaders across the globe. Her current research examines the intersection of identity, self-care and leadership to support the sustainability of school leaders in the field as well as equitable community collaborations in school. Outside of ASU, Dr. Armstrong serves as a Commissioner on the Arizona Juvenile Justice Commission and Chair of the Racial Equity Disparities Workgroup, State Social Action Coordinator for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and successfully runs a global consulting group. Dr. Armstrong holds a BA in Urban Studies-Economics from Wellesley College, a MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from the Fisher College of Business, and a PhD from The Ohio State University.

Day 2 Emcee | Thursday, June 18

Dr. Velma Trayham
2026 Teacher Leadership Summit Emcee
President & CEO, Black Chamber of Arizona

Dr. Velma Trayham is an award‑winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and global business strategist who serves as President & CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. Recognized as one of the nation’s Most Influential Women in Business by AZ Big Media, she is also a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award honoree for her service and impact. Dr. Trayham is the author of the upcoming book UNFIREABLE, which equips professionals and leaders to overcome “gatekeepers,” build resilience, and become indispensable in a changing economy. Through her portfolio of companies, she advances inclusive economic development by bridging business growth, housing access, and community empowerment. A nationally sought‑after, faith‑driven leader, she is widely recognized for helping communities, building and scaling buisnesses, and helping institutions unlock sustainable success.

Learn more about Dr. Velma & Unfireable here: https://unfireableofficial.com/

Featured Leadership Experience

Superintendent Symposium

The 2026 Teacher Leadership Summit is planning a dedicated Superintendent Symposium designed to bring together district leaders for focused dialogue around leadership, resilience, and system-level impact.

This experience is being developed to provide superintendents and executive leaders with a space to reflect, connect, and explore strategies for leading through today’s complex educational landscape.

Additional details will be announced soon.

Featured Guests

These were honored guests who welcomed and inspired attendees.

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Dr. Stephen Neal Jr.
Opening Welcome

Dr. Stephen Neal Jr. is an educational leader, school psychologist, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience serving students, families, and educators. He has held leadership roles in special education, curriculum, and professional development, advancing equitable opportunities and student success. Beyond education, he serves on the Phoenix Boys Choir Board and has mentored student-athletes as a six-time Arizona 6A state championship assistant basketball coach. Dr. Neal is currently a write-in candidate for Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Ian Dowdy
Center for the Future of Arizona
State of Education Data Overview

Ian Dowdy is an award-winning urban planner with 20 years of experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. As a strategic data professional, he specializes in translating complex data into actionable insights that inform public policy and decision-making. Since 2018, he has served as the Director of Strategic Data Initiatives at the Center for the Future of Arizona, where he has created data tools and metrics to help communities understand and address key challenges in areas such as jobs, education, natural resources, and health.

Featured Speakers

These distinguished educational leaders led featured general sessions that inspired meaningful dialogue and equipped attendees with practical strategies to advance educational excellence.

Dr. Eva Marie Shivers
Researcher and Founding Executive Director of Indigo Cultural Center

Eva Marie Shivers, J.D., Ph.D., is the founding executive director of Indigo Cultural Center, a national nonprofit research and consulting organization based in Phoenix. Her work focuses on culturally responsive and strength-based approaches that support children, families, and communities impacted by poverty, systemic racism, and historical marginalization. A former faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Shivers holds degrees from Arizona State University, Howard University School of Law, and UCLA. A nationally recognized researcher and speaker, she has spent more than two decades advancing racial equity through research, evaluation, policy, and professional learning.

Dr. Ovett Chapman Jr.
Author, Special Education Superheroes
Rethinking Conventional Practices to Best Serve All Students

Dr. Ovett Chapman Jr. is a school psychologist, consultant, and author dedicated to creating more inclusive and equitable educational systems. With nearly two decades of experience serving children and families in public schools, he provides professional development and consulting through Wellspring Education Solutions. Dr. Chapman teaches graduate students in school psychology and is the author of Special Education Superheroes: Rethinking Conventional Practices to Best Serve All Students (Routledge, 2025). He holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Arizona and was recognized as a Champion of Equity by the American Consortium for Equity in Education.

Student Leaders

AzABSE believes student leadership belongs at the center of educational excellence. During the 2026 Teacher Leadership Summit, Noah Benjamin and Siyana Da'Briel inspired attendees through music, reflection, and meaningful dialogue as they helped lead one of the Summit's most memorable general sessions.

Noah Benjamin

2026 Teacher Leadership Summit Student Leadership Panel Moderator & Performer
Phoenix Boys Choir | Incoming Student, Northern Arizona University

Hello, my name is Noah, and I recently graduated from Tolleson Union High School. This fall, I’ll be attending NAU as an Astronomy major, excited for both the cooler weather originally being from Michigan. As a member of the Phoenix Boys Choir, I’ve had the chance to travel, perform, and connect with people from different backgrounds. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and playing football. I’m passionate about learning, meeting new people, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. As I start my transition into college, I do see myself working more on my music career to better myself.

Siyana Da'Briel

2026 Teacher Leadership Summit Student Leadership Panel Moderator & Invocation Grand Canyon University

Siyana Da’Briel is an Honors student at Grand Canyon University, majoring in Legal Studies with minors in African American Studies and Professional Writing. A President’s List scholar, she is graduating a year early in Spring 2027 and is currently applying to law school. A California State Seal of Civic Engagement recipient, Siyana enjoys working with local officials and candidates, while mobilizing Gen Z. She is passionate about civic education, advocacy, and public service. She serves as President of the Government & History Club, is a published journalist, and serves as President of her university’s Black Student Union. As a contestant for Miss Juneteenth of Arizona, Siyana continues to use her platform to promote leadership, community engagement, and youth empowerment. She aspires to become a constitutional law and civil rights attorney before pursuing public office.

Special Musical Guest

Music has the power to inspire, unite, and elevate the Summit experience. AzABSE was honored to welcome Collette "Coco" Watson as the Special Musical Guest for the 2026 Teacher Leadership Summit.

COLLETTE "COCO" WATSON
Special Musical Guest | 2026 Teacher Leadership Summit

Collette "Coco" Watson is a singer, songwriter, and filmmaker originally from South Carolina and now based in Arizona. Throughout her career, she has opened for Boyz II Men and Lauryn Hill and has performed alongside acclaimed artist Eric Roberson.

Beyond the stage, Coco is a passionate storyteller and advocate whose work has been featured by EBONY, BET, OWN Network, TIME Magazine, and other national media outlets. Through music and film, she inspires audiences with messages of hope, resilience, and community.

As the Special Musical Guest for the 2026 Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators Teacher Leadership Summit, Coco's performances provided powerful moments of reflection and celebration, complementing the Summit's theme of Black Education Excellence: Reflect. Regroup. Reimagine.

Website: collettemusic.com
Instagram: @CocoWatsonLife

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Featured Speakers, Guests & Performers