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BWEA, Inc.
Upcoming Events
Black Women's Educational Alliance, Inc. · Founded 1976
Rooted and Rising
50th National Biennial Anniversary
November 6-7, 2026
Crowne Plaza, King of Prussia, PA
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and sisterhood at BWEA's milestone Biennial Convention.
REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!
Registration includes:
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Two day convention admission
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Inspiring keynote and workshops
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Networking opportunities
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Vendor marketplace
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Special anniversary surprises and celebrations
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Digital souvenir booklet
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Commemorative gift bag
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Meals and refreshments
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Limited-edition 50th Anniversary T-shirt (registration package dependent)
Featured Keynote
Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson
“Dr. Ny”
Senior Advisor for Strategy Initiatives & Innovation
School District of Philadelphia
Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson (Dr. Ny) is a compassionate, visionary, and influential leader whose two decades in urban public education have been defined by measurable academic transformation and executive-level strategy. She currently serves as Senior Advisor of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, where she drives district-wide priorities at the intersection of instructional excellence and organizational strategy.
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Previously, as Chief of Curriculum and Instruction for the School District of Philadelphia, Dr. Ny led systemic instructional reform that earned the district recognition in two national studies for academic achievement gains in Math and Literacy — a testament to her ability to translate vision into outcomes at scale. Her expertise spans Academic Achievement, Evidence-Based Reading Instruction, Curriculum Design, Special Education, and Executive Leadership.
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Dr. Ny holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Coppin State University and a Master of Science in Urban Education, with Special Education certification, from Temple University. She completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Saint Joseph's University, earning her Principal, Curriculum Supervisory, and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. Her academic distinction includes the Overall Excellence Award in SJU's Doctorate of Educational Leadership program, Teacher of the Year, Leader of the Year, and recognition as a Social Justice Activist.
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Committed to cultivating the next generation of educational leaders, Dr. Ny serves as an adjunct professor in Saint Joseph's University's Doctoral program, where she co-developed and teaches “Critical Conversations in Social Justice.” She holds leadership positions in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Phi Beta Omega Chapter), the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (PA Chapter), and the Black Women's Educational Alliance.
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Featured Workshops
2026 Workshop Presenters
...with additional presenters to be announced.
​​Dr. Nikki Poindexter Ham is a professor, practitioner, researcher, and advocate who has dedicated her career to transforming school counseling from the inside out. As an Assistant Professor at Bowie State University, Maryland's first HBCU, she brings together the rigor of a scholar and the urgency of an advocate. Her research sits at the intersection of equity, mental health, and innovation, centering Black youth and the counselors who serve them.
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Dr. Poindexter Ham is the founder and Executive Director of the Ujima Center for School Counseling Scholars, a pipeline initiative building representation in the counseling profession one scholar at a time. She serves as Director of the American School Counselor Association and holds licensure as a Maryland Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor.
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Named after poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, she carries both a namesake legacy and the strength of ancestors who were formerly enslaved — honoring their resilience by creating the pathways and possibilities they never had. She grounds her work in the Adinkra symbol Nyansapo, the wisdom knot: wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence, and patience.
Dr. Nikki Poindexter Ham
Assistant Professor of Counseling, Bowie State University
Ed.D., LCPC, NCC · Founder & Executive Director, Ujima Center
Ronaldlyn Latham, fondly known as Ronnie, is an author, speaker, and dedicated public servant residing in Southern New Jersey, celebrating over 23 years of service with the federal government. She is the visionary author of Gracefully Broken, Beautifully Restored and Love, Lust and Starting Again: A Spiritual Guide for Dating After Losing a Spouse, a deeply personal work dedicated to her late husband, Rodney A. Latham. She is also a contributing author to The G.I.F.T. in Grief: A Journey of Transformation.
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She is the creator of the brand “Speak What You Seek Until You See What You Said,” and an empowerment advocate for those who have lost a spouse or a child, serving as a Team Member at Mending Hearts Ministry, where she provides online counseling to mothers who have lost children.
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Ronaldlyn has spoken on numerous platforms including church and outreach events, conferences, and podcasts, and was a panelist for the IGNITE 2025 Women's Empowerment Summit. She is the recipient of the Phenomenal Woman That is You Award, presented by Dr. Nadia Monsano of Elite Creation.
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Author, Speaker & Federal Employee
“Speak What You Seek Until You See What You Said”
Ronaldlyn Latham
