Speakers worth showing up for.
Educators, founders, alumni, and mentors with stories that hit close to home. Lineup confirmed in the weeks ahead.
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Pheobie Thomas
Director · ERESC
Pheobie is the Director of Special Programs and Grants at the Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC), where she oversees programs that support underserved student populations across Northern New Jersey. In her role, she leads initiatives focused on homeless education, migrant education, afterschool enrichment, and community outreach services for students and families in multiple counties throughout the state. Prior to joining ERESC, she served as the State Coordinator for the McKinney-Vento and Migrant Education Programs with the New Jersey Department of Education, bringing years of experience in educational advocacy and student support. Pheobie has dedicated her career to improving access to educational resources and opportunities for vulnerable youth and families. Her work emphasizes equity, academic success, and community empowerment through collaborative educational programs and support services.
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Andrea Smith
Founder · MAAC
Andrea founded the Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC) to make sure every student, no matter where they come from, has a clear path to reaching their dreams. In addition to its founding vision of honing students-of-color's academic skills, MAAC's mission focuses on building social and emotional wellness and community engagement. She'll share opening remarks that frame why College Day exists and what we hope students take from the day. To date, MAAC has helped more than 1,000 high school scholars succeed in college and career, many of whom have gone on to win full merit-based scholarships, attend prestigious universities, and build resumes filled with prolific and meaningful accomplishments. MAAC remains a grassroots organization with big dreams. Through the continued hard work and support of the organization's board, staff, donors, partner organizations, and community engagement speakers, MAAC will continue to deliver innovative programming and services to ensure that every scholar gets the opportunity to succeed in college, career, and life.
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Dr. La'Tesha Sampson
Founder · Great Joy Counseling
Dr. La'Tesha Sampson is a licensed psychotherapist, professor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with more than 25 years of experience empowering individuals, families, and communities. She is the Founder and President of Great Joy Counseling & Consulting Services and the Executive Director of Great Joy Community Development Corporation, organizations that provide mental health, coaching, and community support services to thousands each year. Dr. La'Tesha Sampson currently serves as Director of the MSW and MPA Programs at Seton Hall University and has taught graduate-level social work courses at several universities. Her work and expertise have been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times, CNN, NBC News, and The Washington Post. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including two doctorates, as well as a Global Mental Health certificate from Harvard University. In recognition of her dedication to service, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden.
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Benjamin Davey
Founder · Benny's Bodega
Benny has dedicated 18 years to Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) and currently serves as a Resource Development Specialist focused on supporting and empowering families across New Jersey. He earned his Master's in Social Work from Fordham University and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2020 before launching his private counseling practice, It Starts Today, LLC. Ben was recognized as "Counselor of the Year" in Newton, New Jersey, in both 2022 and 2023 for his compassionate work with individuals and families. In 2019, he founded Benny's Bodega, a nonprofit organization that provides free essential items to low-income seniors and veterans in a welcoming and judgment-free environment. Under his leadership, the organization has received numerous honors, including "Nonprofit of the Year" for four consecutive years and several community service awards. Beyond his professional and nonprofit work, Ben is also passionate about mentorship and youth development through sports, earning recognition as a Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year Finalist for 2023–2024.
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Yajaira Pons
Founder & CEO · Fenix Consulting Group
Yajaira is the Founder & CEO of Fenix Consulting Group and MAAC's first assistant director of college programming. A first-generation Latina woman, Yajaira graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in political science and Spanish, and a minor in student leadership development. She was a part of a talent development program for underserved and under resourced students. Yajaira also has a master's from Manhattanville College. Working in higher education since 2008, she shares that her most rewarding position has been in admissions and financial aid.
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Jose Mercado
School Counselor · SPHS
Jose is a school and college counselor with more than 25 years of experience working in both high school and university settings. He earned his bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice and Puerto Rican and Hispanic Caribbean Studies, along with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Jose previously worked with the Educational Opportunity Fund program at Rutgers University's Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, where he advised first-generation students pursuing their Pharm.D. degrees. He later became a School Counselor at Science Park High School in Newark, a nationally recognized STEM magnet school where the majority of students continue on to higher education. Specializing in college and career counseling, Jose helps students identify career pathways, develop academic plans, and prepare for life after high school. He also continues to lead workshops for students, parents, and community members while offering private college and financial aid counseling.
