 Darla Edwards
From teacher, to principal, to educational consultant, Darla Edwards has over two decades of distinguished service in education. Befitting someone who has dedicated her life to improving the learning of others, Darla has continually sought to expand her own. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s in Educational Leadership (University of Lynchburg) and an educational specialist degree (Liberty University). Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree at William and Mary. Ms. Edwards’ expertise has been widely recognized, including by the governor of Virginia, who appointed her to serve on Virginia’s Board of Education, where she has become integral to developing policies in support of Virginia’s school children. Moreover, as a member of the University of Lynchburg Board of Trustees, Darla always has her finger on the pulse of higher education trends and initiatives.
Beyond the boardroom, Ms. Edwards has co-authored several educational publications and journal articles. In the entrepreneurial arena, she has been recognized with numerous state and national awards for developing an SaaS platform that strategically supports school districts and families. She also coordinates and hosts a yearly national education conference. In her spare time, Darla enjoys reading, running, hiking, and staying involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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 Tai Exumé
Tai is a second-year doctoral student in the Counselor Education program at William & Mary. Tai is from California where they worked with students and families experiencing housing instability. Prior to beginning their doctoral program, they graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound, and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of San Diego. Tai is an LPC-Resident in Virginia that currently works with college students, adolescents, and their families. Mx. Exumé has been part of the collegiate athletics community for eight years first as NCAA athlete and then a coach.
Their research interests include integrated mental health care, unique supports for LGBTQ+ youth, and BIPOC youth, as well as mental health of historically underrepresented and marginalized athletes.
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Tamika Jackson
Tamika Jackson is a doctoral student in the counselor education program at William & Mary. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Bowie State University, an MBA from Loyola University Maryland, and completed the Master of Divinity/MA in Counseling dual-degree program at Wake Forest University. Her vocational journey has led to experience in many areas including finance, congregational ministry, program development, chaplaincy, higher education, and counseling. Tamika serves as a student co-director in the Flanagan Counselor Education Clinic and is also a SACES Emerging Leader. Her research interests include the intersection of race/ethnicity, religion, gender identity and sexual orientation in marginalized groups as well as the impact of internalized racism and anti-Blackness amongst Black Americans.
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Shené V. Owens
Shené is a Ph.D. student in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. She currently serves as the Associate Director for the Center for Student Diversity at William & Mary, providing academic, social, and transition support for undergraduate and graduate students from underserved and/or underrepresented populations. Originally from Teaneck, New Jersey, Shené is active in her communities both in Virginia and the Tri-State area (NY/NJ), serving as a mentor to teens and young adults, leading self-care and/or self-esteem workshops, participating in community service efforts, and raising awareness to various causes. She lives by the West African term “Sankofa”, which teaches us that we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward. Shené is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. and holds both a B.A. in English Arts and M.A. in Counseling (College Student Development) from Hampton University. |
 Senttra Snowden-Gregg
Senttra Snowden-Gregg is a first year doctoral student in the Counselor Education & Supervision program at William & Mary. Senttra earned her undergraduate degree from Meredith College in English Literature and Secondary Education. She spent the first few years of her career in education primarily as a high school English teacher. Senttra received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2021. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and an LPC—Resident in Virginia. Senttra’s research interests center on the understanding of intergenerational trauma for Black people in America, specifically understanding the way in which trauma has been passed through generations and families creating PTSD for an entire community.
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