The 2025 NASAP Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) wasn’t just a conference—it was a life-shifting experience that awakened purpose, sharpened skills, and strengthened community among some of the most dynamic student leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country. Held under the theme “Legacy in Action: Bridging Purpose with Progress,” this year’s institute brought together hundreds of scholars, advisors, and changemakers for a week of collaboration, strategy, and soul.
And the presence of HBCU students was felt everywhere.
From the opening session to the late-night tribe meetings, HBCU student leaders showed up in full force—representing their campuses with poise, power, and passion. Whether they held positions in SGA, royal courts, or campus programming boards, these students took every opportunity to connect, learn, and lead with intention.
We spoke with 12 of these outstanding individuals to hear firsthand how NASAP SLI 2025 impacted them, what they took away, and how they plan to implement what they learned on their respective campuses.
1. Mimi Harris
Major: Exercise Science
Classification: Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: 2nd Attendant to Miss ASU, Albany State University
Favorite Part: Collaborating with diverse student leaders and learning the importance of every campus role in shaping the student experience.
Implementation Plan: Mimi plans to lead with consistency, authenticity, and intention—advocating for life-skills workshops and initiatives that leave a lasting impact, proving that real leadership shows up daily and leads with heart.
2. Daniel Williams
Major: Accounting
Classification: Rising Junior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: Executive SGA Treasurer & NPHC Representative, Tuskegee University
Favorite Part: Networking and bonding with fellow Alpha men and student leaders nationwide.
Implementation Plan: Daniel is bringing back a tech-based engagement solution inspired by his NASAP tribe project, encouraging Tuskegee students to start and finish strong—academically and socially.
3. Armani Dukes
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Classification: Rising Sophomore
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: SGA Vice President-Elect, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Favorite Part: Gaining perspective on what his HBCU could improve by learning from others.
Implementation Plan: Armani learned that leaders wear many hats, and he plans to use this lesson to be flexible and multi-faceted in addressing campus challenges.
4. Janiyah Carter
Major: Health Management
Classification: Junior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: Vice President, Student Activities Board, Howard University
Favorite Part: Tribe work and building lifelong relationships—especially as part of the winning tribe, Orange Kujichagulia!
Implementation Plan: Janiyah will focus on centering student voices and innovation to amplify the Howard experience through intentional, community-focused programming.
5. Trinitee L. Dickerson
Major: Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Classification: Rising Junior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: Campus Activities Board President, Alcorn State University
Favorite Part: Learning alongside other CAB leaders and tribe collaboration.
Implementation Plan: Trinitee will implement more inclusive, impactful events by enhancing collaboration, creativity, and campus engagement at Alcorn.
6. Jeremiah Brown Jr.
Major: Business Administration
Classification: Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: 97th SGA President-Elect, Livingstone College
Extra: 2025–2026 Associate Director, HBCU SGA Presidents Consortium
Favorite Part: Winning the tribe presentation with a perfect score—260/260—with Orange Kujichagulia!
Implementation Plan: Jeremiah will focus on visionary leadership, pushing bold ideas, and laying a foundation for systemic change and legacy-building at Livingstone.
7. Jonathan Bing
Major: Psychology
Classification: Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: 75th SGA President-Elect, Albany State University
Favorite Part: Building connections with HBCU leaders across the country.
Implementation Plan: Jonathan plans to sharpen his leadership skills by identifying and strengthening his growth areas to better serve ASU.
8. Trinity Richardson
Major: Health Education
Classification: Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: Campus Activities Board Chair, Lincoln University of Missouri
Favorite Part: Tribe bonding and collaboration. Shoutout to Kuji Kuji!
Implementation Plan: Trinity is prioritizing clear communication, time management, and staying attuned to student needs to lead with excellence.
9. Gala Juliette Marcus
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Classification: Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: 95th Miss Southern University & A&M College (2025–2026)
Favorite Part: The power of being in rooms full of Black excellence and earning titles like “Best Smile” and “Most Poppin Female.”
Implementation Plan: Gala plans to leave a legacy of purpose, create intentional student initiatives, and amplify voices to ensure every Jaguar feels seen.
10. Eden Boles
Major: Biology
Classification: Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: 87th Miss Howard University
Favorite Part: Experiencing sisterhood and solidarity with other queens and leaders.
Implementation Plan: Eden will use tools from NASAP to enhance inclusive leadership, connect with underrepresented students, and solidify her legacy with grace and strategic action.
11. Tynilya Watkins
Major: Business Administration
Classification: Rising Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: 73rd Miss Mississippi Valley State University
Favorite Part: Forming lifelong bonds and learning from shared experiences.
Implementation Plan: Tynilya sees leadership as a lifestyle and is committed to growing personally and professionally while uplifting others along the way.
12. Zaylen Gates
Major: Political Science
Minor: Homeland Security
Classification: Rising Senior
HBCU/Student Leadership Position: SGA President, Savannah State University
Favorite Part: Late nights spent working hard on tribe projects and bonding through purpose.
Implementation Plan: Zaylen will lead with structure, creativity, and energy—enhancing SGA meetings, introducing NASAP-inspired training, and refining the student constitution.
These remarkable leaders didn’t just attend NASAP SLI 2025—they represented, inspired, and transformed. Their stories remind us that HBCU excellence is more than a moment—it’s a movement.
