The Blueprint Conference
A Signature Founders Week Experience
A University-Wide Career & Empowerment Summit
April 11, 2026
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Billy C. Black Building | Albany State University Founder's Day Convocation Speaker
Honoring Our Legacy. Building Our Future.
As part of Albany State University’s Founders Week celebration, The Blueprint Conference
stands as a powerful tribute to the vision, sacrifice, and excellence of those who
built this institution.
Founders Week reflects where we’ve come from. The Blueprint Conference prepares us for where we’re going.
Legacy created the foundation. Now it’s time to build your blueprint.
What Is The Blueprint Conference?
The Blueprint Conference is a high-impact, one-day professional development and empowerment experience designed to equip students with the tools, exposure, and connections needed to succeed beyond graduation.
Through dynamic main stage sessions, powerful industry panels, and focused breakout workshops, students gain:
- Career clarity
- Real-world strategies
- Professional confidence
- Direct access to alumni and industry leaders
- Actionable next steps
This is not just an event — it’s a launch point.
Featured Keynote Speaker - Eboni Ward
Entrepreneur. Strategic Visionary. Cultural Architect.
Eboni Ward is a powerhouse executive known for building global brands and shaping culture at the highest levels of entertainment and business. As a respected leader and founder, she has guided influential artists and organizations while demonstrating the power of strategy, authenticity, and excellence.
Her Founders Week keynote will challenge students to think bigger, move intentionally, and execute with purpose.
This will be a defining moment of the conference.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Julius Collins, JD
Dr. Donnie Wooten, PharmD
Dr. Paul Larkins
Erika Estrada Olufade
Main Stage Experience (Open to All Majors)
- University-Wide General Assembly Sessions
- Industry & Leadership Panels
- Alumni Spotlights
- Keynote Address by Eboni Ward
- Closing Charge: Executing Your Blueprint
Breakout Session Tracks
- Health & Science
- Technology & AI
- Business & Corporate Leadership
- Law, Policy & Justice
- Education & Leadership
- Creative & Media Industries
- Human Services & Social Impact
Each session delivers actionable strategies students can implement immediately.
Vendors & Exhibitors
Engage with employers, organizations, and partners offering internships, mentorship, and career pathways.
Sponsors & Partners
The Blueprint Conference is proudly aligned with Founders Week and made possible by partners committed to empowering the next generation of Albany State University leaders.
Who Should Attend?
All Albany State University students — across every major and classification.
This is a university-wide initiative rooted in legacy and focused on the future.
Be Part of the Legacy. Build the Future.
Registration opens March 2026.
- Shenita Carter
- Portia Slaton
- Jonathan Howard
- Robinette King
- Paul Larkin
- Theron Johnson
- Brian Williams
- Timothy Ellsberry
- Jameel Howard
- Jessica Johnson
- Phillip Bridges
- Chaz Ball
- Brandon Porter
- Octavia Evans
- Damira Shields
- Aunquarius Brown-Reed
- Tykivious Grier
- Charell Brown
- LaToya Williams
- Terrell Hires
- Mussettee Hill
- Tannia Weaver
- Tiffany James
- Michael Kearse
- Jennifer Green
Session Descriptions
Not Just Doctors: Real Careers Built on Science
Explore biotech, healthcare administration, public health, consulting, and research
careers beyond medical school. Learn how to strategically position your science degree
for long-term growth.
From Labs to Leadership: Exploring Health & Science Careers
Discover how professionals transition from clinical and lab roles into management
and executive leadership within healthcare systems.
What to Do When Your Major (or Grades) Aren’t Working
Learn how to pivot strategically, recover academically, and align your strengths with
new high-opportunity pathways.
From HBCU to High Tech: Competing in an AI World
Gain insight into building competitive portfolios, securing internships, and standing
out in AI, cybersecurity, and data science fields.
Future-Ready Tech: Skills, Strategy & Survival in the AI Economy
Understand how AI is reshaping industries and how students in any major can future-proof
their careers.
From Code to Strategy: Non-Technical Careers for Technical Majors
Explore consulting, product management, and business leadership pathways for STEM
graduates.
Careers That Pay: Turning Your Degree into Income (and Options)
Learn how to identify high-paying roles, negotiate offers, and leverage certifications
for long-term earning potential.
Money, Mindset & Moves: Careers That Pay and Scale
Explore financial literacy, credit strategy, investing basics, and scalable income
opportunities.
From Entry Level to Leadership: Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Understand corporate positioning, visibility strategies, and preparing early for leadership
roles.
Winning in Corporate America While Preserving Authenticity
Discover how to maintain identity and values while developing executive presence and
professional influence.
Justice Without a Badge: Exploring Non-Policing Careers
Examine justice system careers in forensic science, intelligence, compliance, and
advocacy beyond traditional law enforcement.
Defending, Prosecuting, Advocating: Legal Paths Explained
Gain clarity on legal career options, law school preparation, and LSAT strategy.
From Policy to Impact: Careers Across Government, Nonprofit & Industry
Explore public policy roles in government agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, and corporate
strategy.
The Business of Learning: Non-Technical Careers for Education Majors
Learn about curriculum design, administration, EdTech, consulting, and entrepreneurship
in education.
Teaching in the Age of AI: What Still Matters
Understand how to integrate technology responsibly while maintaining student engagement
and impact.
Beyond the Classroom: Educators as Leaders
Explore leadership pathways including administration, district leadership, and education
policy.
Creative Careers in a Digital World
Discover opportunities in branding, content creation, digital production, and creative
entrepreneurship.
Media in the C-Suite: Mass Communication in Corporate America
Explore executive pathways in corporate communications, public relations, and brand
leadership.
Understanding People, Changing Lives: Careers in Psychology & Social Work
Examine mental health, behavioral science, counseling, and community leadership careers.
Final Session & Speaker Alignment
From Classroom to Corner Office
Room: Main Stage (Solo Feature)
Speakers: Eboni Ward
Not Just Doctors: Real Careers Built on Science
Room: Main Stage (Panel)
Speakers: Senita Carter, Robinette King, Paul Larkin, Jennifer Green, Chaston Ransom
From HBCU to High Tech: Competing in an AI World
Room: Room A (Panel)
Speakers: Jonathan Howard, Chaz Ball, Tiffany Heppard
Careers That Pay: Turning Your Degree into Income (and Options)
Room: Room B (Panel)
Speakers: Timothy Ellsbury, Ashley Mount
Understanding People, Changing Lives: Careers in Psychology & Social Work
Room: Room C (Panel)
Speakers: Damira Shields, Tyikvious Grier, Mussette Hill
Justice Without a Badge: Exploring Non-Policing Careers
Room: Room D (Panel)
Speakers: Latoya Williams, LaJohndon Johnson, Emilola Abayomi
The Business of Learning: Non-Technical Careers for Education Majors
Room: Room E (Panel)
Speakers: Jemeel Howard, Brandon Porter, Michael Kearse
Media in the C Suite: Mass Comm in Corporate America
Room: Room F (Panel)
Speakers: Portia Johnson
What to Do When Your Major (or Grades) Aren’t Working
Room: Main Stage (Panel)
Speakers: Jemeel Howard, Brandon Porter, Michael Kearse
Money, Mindset & Moves: Careers That Pay and Scale
Room: Room B (Panel)
Speakers: Erika Estrada, Brian Williams, Jessica Johnson, Phillip Bridges
From Policy to Impact: Careers Across Govt. Non-Profit & Industry
Room: Room C (Panel)
Speakers: Theron Johnson, Aunquarius Brown-Reed, Terrel Hires
Defending, Prosecuting, Advocating: Legal Paths Explained
Room: Room D (Panel)
Speakers: Julius Collins
Teaching in the Age of AI: What Still Matters
Room: Room E (Panel)
Speakers: Tiffany James, Charrell Brown
Creative Careers in a Digital World
Room: Room F (Panel)
Speakers: Eman Hudson, Dusei, Jdiva
Winning in Corporate America While Preserving Authenticity
Room: Main Stage (Panel Feature)
Speakers: Lakeisha Branch, Octavia Evans
From Entry Level to Leadership: Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Room: Room B (Panel Feature)
Speakers: Tannia Weaver
Beyond the Classroom: Educators as Leaders
Room: Room E (Panel)
Speakers: Gabby, Mike
Brand You: How to Build Your Personal Brand Online
Room: Room F (Panel)
Speakers: Shenay, Crystal Thomas
Saving the World, One Paw at a Time
Room: Solo Breakout
Speakers: Kyle Thornton – The Grove Animal Hospital
Dreaming Beyond the Degree
Room: Solo Breakout
Speakers: Dr. Gabrielle Starr – Ladies of Favor, Inc.
Navigating Career Pathways: How Your Career Will Evolve
Room: Solo Breakout
Speakers: Shaneena Stinson-Rolfe – Memphis-Shelby County Schools