Speakers Announced for TEDxPVAMU 2025: Dreaming Forward, Building Sustainability

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 13, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University is preparing to welcome the future—one bold idea at a time. On April 24, 2025, the University will host its fifth TEDxPVAMU event, themed Dreaming Forward: Building Sustainability. The event, which has become a hallmark of intellectual exploration on campus, will convene thought leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to discuss sustainability’s role in shaping tomorrow’s world.

This year’s theme reflects a growing urgency to address challenges in agriculture, climate resilience, education, and leadership. With a strong presence from PVAMU’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR), TEDxPVAMU 2025 promises an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

Since its inception, TEDxPVAMU has provided a platform for compelling ideas and transformative storytelling. The 2025 edition will continue this tradition, featuring a lineup of speakers whose work embodies sustainability, resilience, and innovation. The event will also introduce interactive exhibits, networking opportunities, and a mixer, ensuring that attendees engage deeply with the ideas presented.

Speakers include:

• Whitney Hawkins ‘09, M.Ed.– Education Leader & Instructional Coach
  Whitney Hawkins ’09 is a dedicated educator with 15+ years of experience in curriculum development, literacy, and instructional coaching. A proud graduate of PVAMU with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, Hawkins earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University, specializing in urban education. She recently earned her principal certification from Lamar University. Currently an academic facilitator at Lake Highlands Learning Community in Richardson ISD, Whitney is passionate about improving literacy and creating equitable educational opportunities.

• Shellie C. Dick II ‘97, M.Ed.– Educator & Leadership Advocate
  With 26 years of experience as an educator and mentor, Shellie Dick ’97 is a proud PVAMU alumnus with a background in industrial technology and educational leadership. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a former collegiate track and field athlete. Based in Kingwood, Texas, Shellie has dedicated his career to shaping young minds and fostering community engagement. A devoted husband and father of five, Shellie brings a wealth of experience in mentorship, leadership development, and educational advocacy.

• Jeremy Peaches ‘15– Urban Agriculture Expert & Entrepreneur
  A second-generation farmer, PVAMU alumnus and agricultural innovator, Jeremy Peaches ’15, is transforming the way communities engage with urban farming and sustainability. He is the founder of Fresh Life Organic Farms and co-founder of the Black Farmer Box, which are initiatives aimed at improving food accessibility and environmental stewardship. As Texas’ first Urban Agriculture Specialist, Jeremy has implemented community-driven farming solutions through Lucille’s 1913 nonprofit farms. His work has been featured on Revolt, Disney, and Hulu, highlighting his commitment to food justice, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.

• Brandie Freely ‘07– Author & Well-Living Educator
  Brandie Freely ’07 is a visionary educator, author, and creator of The Free School and The Escapism Retreat. With over 20 years of experience in personal growth and transformation, she specializes in helping individuals embrace reinvention, intentional living, and self-discovery. Through her writing and curated retreats, Brandie encourages others to prioritize well-being, creativity, and the freedom to dream beyond limitations. Brandie is also a PVAMU alumna.

• Bobby J. Smith II ‘11, Ph.D.– Food Justice Scholar & Author
  An award-winning author, social scientist, and professor, Dr. Bobby J. Smith II explores the historical and contemporary relationship between Black communities, food justice, and agricultural policy. He is an associate professor at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, with affiliations in food science, human nutrition, and public policy. His groundbreaking book, Food Power Politics: The Food Story of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, reconfigures our understanding of civil rights, agriculture, and food inequities in America. Dr. Smith’s work has received national recognition, including awards from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Council of Learned Societies. Bobby is a proud graduate of PVAMU and its College of Agriculture, and he is a former Student Government Association president.

• Ali Fares, Ph.D. – Water Security & Climate Resilience Expert
  A globally recognized expert in water security, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, Dr. Ali Fares serves as an endowed professor at PVAMU, leading research in the water-energy-food nexus. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and edited two books on hydrology, flood mitigation, and sustainable water solutions. With a career spanning academia and applied research, Dr. Fares is at the forefront of climate adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable communities.

A Student-Led Initiative

Behind the scenes, PVAMU students are shaping TEDxPVAMU 2025. Led by the Honors Program, students are curating, organizing, and handling production in collaboration with the Center for Instructional Innovation & Technology Services, making this a true student-driven experience.

Registration details will be announced next month, and the event will be open to students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community.

As TEDxPVAMU marks its fifth year, it continues to serve as a catalyst for inspiration and action—where ideas don’t just remain dreams but take shape as solutions for the future. For those ready to dream forward, April 24 is a date to mark on the calendar.

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