SPONSORS
HOST
PLATINUM
GOLD
Academyofhospitality &tourism
AdvisoryBoard
BRONZE
MEGA NAF STUDENT CONFERENCE
M-DCPS EXTENDS ITS GRATITUDE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR, AS WELL AS THE COMPANIES INVOLVED IN THE SYIP INTERVIEWS
college and career fair
STUDENTS SHOULD VISIT THE COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR UPON ARRIVAL OR DURING LUNCH
Miami Dade College
EDFED
St. Thomas University
Nova Southeastern Univeristy
Keiser University
Florida Engineering Society
ITOPIA
The Academy
America on Tech
Dade County Federal Credit Union
KPMG
SUMMER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
INTERVIEWING COMPANIES
A Reflection of Me
Heart & Hand Outreach
Arc of South Florida
M-DCPS
Loews Miami Beach
Urgent Inc.
Purple Orchid
Cuco Company
Avatar Buddy
Academia Coutoure
Encourage Dreams
Seaport/PortMiami
MEGA NAF STUDENT CONFERENCE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
JEROME "JUNK YARD DOG" WILLIAMS JEROME "JUNK YARD DOG" WILLIAMS
Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams is an NBA Legend, cultural icon, and global leader whose influence spans professional sports, education, technology, and community impact Revered for his relentless work ethic, infectious energy, and heart for service, Williams remains one of the most beloved fan favorites of his generation. Jerome’s basketball journey began at Magruder High School in Montgomery County, Maryland, where his grit and leadership quickly set him apart He continued his development at Montgomery College–Germantown, earning his Associate’s degree, before transferring to Georgetown University At Georgetown, Jerome distinguished himself both on and off the court graduating in 1996 on the Dean’s List with a degree in Sociology and minors in Business and Theology.
Drafted in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Jerome spent more than four seasons as a key reserve, earning a reputation for fearless defense, hustle, and unmatched intensity It was during this time that teammates Rick Mahorn and Grant Long famously dubbed him Junk Yard Dog a nickname that became synonymous with his style of play and enduring legacy
In 2001, Jerome was traded to the Toronto Raptors, a moment that marked one of the most celebrated chapters of his career Embraced wholeheartedly by the city, he became a centerpiece of the team’s identity, averaging 9 7 points per game during the 2002–2003 season and solidifying his status as a fan favorite and cultural touchstone His connection to Toronto remains legendary, with standing ovations greeting him whenever he returns
Williams later played for the Chicago Bulls before being traded to the New York Knicks in 2004 Offered a front-office opportunity with the Knicks, he announced his retirement from professional basketball in 2005 transitioning seamlessly from the court to leadership, media, and global ambassadorship
Following his playing career, Jerome became the NBA’s second Global Ambassador, expanding the league’s international and community engagement efforts. He also joined the MSG Network, where he executive produced his first hit television show, Make It Hot In 2006, he returned to the Raptors organization as a community representative, further deepening his legacy as a bridge between professional sports and community impact.
Today, Jerome Williams continues to shape the future of sports and leadership. He is now still an NBA Global Ambassador, serves as Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Global Ambassador, President of The JYD Project’s Shooting for Peace Initiative, and CEO of IP FAMBA, an NIL-focused technology company supporting student-athletes on their journey to professional and post-athletic success He is also the founder of Peace and the Coffee Bean, a purposedriven coffee brand rooted in community and connection. An accomplished author, Jerome has written five books, including his most recent, R O L E Player: Passing on the Wisdom, which challenges readers to maximize their opportunities, embrace purpose, and lead with intention.
Jerome resides in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife, Nikkollette, and is the proud father of four children: Gabby, Giselle, Jeremiah, and Sherae
STUDENT CONFERENCE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
JEROME WILLIAMS! JEROME WILLIAMS!
03.11.2026 | 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
2026 aGENDA
Superintendent of M-DCPS STUDENT CONFERENCE
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome
College and Career Fair
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Dr. Lupe Ferran Diaz
Career and Technical Education
Administrative Director
Greetings
Dr. Jose L. Dotres
Greetings
Fermin Vazquez
Campus President
Miami-Dade College North Campus
Greetings
Lisa Dughi
NAF CEO
03.11.2026 | 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
2026 aGENDA
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Speaker
Jerome Williams
Former NBA Player and Motivational Speaker
Closing Remarks
Carlos Vasquez NAF STEM Board Chair
10:40 AM - 11:30 AM
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Break and Transition
Session A Workshops
Session B Workshops
Lunch
STUDENT CONFERENCE
bREAKOUT SESSION LIST
SESSION A | 10:40 AM - 11:15 AM
Courtroom - J107
Miami Dade College: Career Pathways
KPMG - Careers in Accounting
FRLA: Launching Your Journey in Hospitality
Jerome Williams Fireside Chat
Florida Engineering Society: Before It’s Built: The Engineering Story
Florida International University: Law in the Hospitality Industry
Nova Southeastern University: Road Map to Healthcare Professions
Dream in Green: Green Careers to Solve the Climate Crisis
YG Institute Inc: Mindfulness in the Workplace
ITOPIA: Your Career Started Before You Graduate On the Device You Already Have.
Miami Dade College: What Makes You Valuable?
EDFED: Owning your Professional Presence
03.11.2026 | 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
bREAKOUT SESSION LIST
Courtroom - J107
SESSION B | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
ROOM
SESSION NAME
Financial & International Business Association (FIBA): How to Impress and Dress like a Pro
Miami Dade College: Seal the Deal with Strong Letters of Recommendation
NAF Alumni Panel
Miami EdTech: AI for K–12 Educators: Enhancing Teaching in the AI Era
Florida Engineering Society: Before It’s Built: The Engineering Story
Crystal Clear Hospitality: Hospitality at Home
Baptist Health & Baptist Hospital: Level Up Healthcare
Creative Media Group: Pixel to Pro: No Mid Content Allowed
Be Strong International: The Power of ConnectionSupporting Mental Health Through Real Conversations
eXcelR8*Now Inc.: Unlock Your Potential
ITOPIA: Behind Every Industry Is the Cloud
Miami Dade College's Signature Scholarships
PMO Business: How AI Decides If Your Resume or LinkedIn Gets Attention (And How to Win)
EDFED: Owning your Professional Presence
03.11.2026 | 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
maimi dade college - north campus
03.11.2026 | 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Photo submissions
HAVE ANY PHOTOS FROM TODAY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
USE THE LINK OR QR CODE BELOW TO SUBMIT YOURS!
Click here to access the photo submission page Or scan below
03.11.2026 | 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
THESE ARE THE FOLLOWING LUNCH OPTIONS FOR TODAY:
MEDITERRANEAN VEGGIE HAM & CHEDDAR
TURKEY & CHEDDAR
Alonzo&TracyMourningSeniorHigh
Biscayne Bay Campus
Christopher Shinn, Principal Don Festge, AOHT Lead Teacher Peter Falcon, AOIT Lead Teacher
American Senior High School
Humberto Brito, Principal
Manuel Cox, AOE Lead Teacher
Dwight Barnes, AOHT Lead Teacher
TBA, AOIT Lead Teacher
Barbara Goleman Senior High School Dr
Manuel Sanchez III, Principal
Acisclo Fernandez, AOF Lead Teacher
Laura Diaz-Rodriguez, AOHT Lead Teacher
Monica Uraga, AOIT Lead Teacher
Jonathan Herrera, AOLS Lead Teacher
Booker T Washington Senior High School
Anthony Simons III, Principal
Dickson Bidokwu, AOE Lead Teacher
Melanie L Fleary, AOHT Lead Teacher
Joseph Russell, AOF
Jean Cacares, AOIT Lead Teacher
Coral Gables Senior High School
Tony G Ullivarri, Principal
Jhon Diaz, AOF Lead Teacher
Coral Reef Senior High School
NicoleBerge-Macinnes,Principal
Dr NyreeWashington,AgScienceLeadTeacher
MiguelDoinguez,AOELeadTeacher
StaceyPhelan,AOHS
AnnaMirabal,AOFLeadTeacher
LeanneTellam,AOLSLeadTeacher
Dr.MichaelM.KropSeniorHighSchool
LeeKrueger,Principal
KimberlyWilson,AOFLeadTeacher
JamesLubin,AOHTLeadTeacher
FelixVarelaSeniorHighSchool
AdrianM Sanchez,Principal
ChristianProvenzo,AOITLeadTeacher
G Holmes Braddock Senior High School
AllenBreedingIII,Principal
BenjaminFerrero,AOITLeadTeacher
Hialeah Gardens Senior High School
Maritza Jimenez, Principal
Haydee Fernandez, Academy of Arts & Entertainment
Lead Teacher
Selene Castillo, AOAS Lead Teacher
Jeselie Martinez, AOEd Lead Teacher
Alex Garrido, AOE Lead Teacher
Enrique Fernandez, AOF Lead Teacher
Mauris Baluja, AOHS Lead Teacher
Maria Soler, AOHT Lead Teacher
Kia Allen, AOIT Lead Teacher
Jeanie D Shen, AOLS Lead Teacher
Homestead Senior High School
Samuel Louis, Principal
Laconstance McKinnon, AOHT Lead Teacher John Sanin, AOIT Lead Teacher
John A Ferguson Senior High
Wendy Barnett, Principal
Nicole Slater, AOEd Lead Teacher
Janet Toledo, AOHT Lead Teacher
Miami Beach Senior High School
Alfred Torossain, Principal
Linda S Merilus, AOHT Lead Teacher
Bernadine Bush, AOIT Lead Teacher
Miami Central Senior High School
RaymondSands,Principal
SabrinaVeargis,AOFLeadTeacher
YolandaWashington,AOHTLeadTeacher
PatriciaRichardson,AOITLeadTeacher
Miami Edison Senior High
James Dominque, Principal
Yolette Mezadieu, AOF Lead Teacher
Miami Jackson Senior High School
RenninaTurner,PrincipalPatriciaWashington, AOF&AOITLeadTeacher
MiamiKillianSeniorHigh
EarlBurth,Principal
MichaelMoreno,AOFLeadTeacher
Miami Lakes Educational Center
Yaset Fernandez, Principal
Marisol Tapia, AOF Lead Teacher
David Nuñez, AOHT Lead Teacher
Jeffrey Betancourt, AOHS Lead Teacher
Patty Romero, AOIT Lead Teacher
Miami Norland Senior High School
Rhonda Gaines-Miller, Principal
Lakeshia McMullen, AOHT Lead Teacher
Sherwonda Saunders, AOIT Lead Teacher
Miami Northwestern Senior High School
Kedler Pouca, Principal
Cindy Thienard Pierre, AOHT Lead Teacher
Miami Springs Senior High School
Nelson Gonzalez, Principal
Nicolas Acosta, AOF Lead Teacher
Corey Estrada, AOHT Lead Teacher
Miami Southridge Senior High School
HumbertoMiret,Principal
ArmandoCardosa,AOITLeadTeacher
Miami Sunset Senior High School
Rodolfo Rodriguez, Principal
Santiago Londono, AOE Lead Teacher
Terence Williams, AOF Lead Teacher
Maria Fernandez, AOHS Lead Teacher
Milagros Perez, AOHT Lead Teacher
Aurora Bacallao, AOIT Lead Teacher
North Miami Senior High
Dr. Selena Volcy, Principal
Erika Prieto, AOE Lead Teacher
Cindy Phillips, AOF Lead Teacher
Andre Franks, AOHT Lead Teacher
Markenson Joseph, AOHS Lead Teacher
North Miami Beach Senior High School
Randy A. Milliken, Principal
Lotty Jean, AOF Lead Teacher
Carlton Robinson, AOIT Lead Teacher
Robert Morgan Educational Center
Kenneth Williams, Principal
Sandra Guerro, AOE Lead Teacher
Vicky Garrogo, AOF Lead Teacher
Alina Hughes, AOHT Lead Teacher
South Dade Senior High School
Jonathan Britton, Principal
Evelyn Soto, AOF Lead Teacher
Mark Godinez, AOIT Lead Teacher
Southwest Miami Senior High School
Jorge Bulnes, Principal
Mary Davidson, AOF Lead Teacher
Richard Mantrana, AOHS Lead Teacher
Victoria Lazo, AOIT Lead Teacher
William H Turner Technical Arts High School
Julian Gibs, Principal
Michael McBride, AOF Lead Teacher
Nathan Silimon, AOHS Lead Teacher
Kisha Titus, AOIT Lead Teacher
NAF Distinguished Programs
Academy of Arts & Entertainment
Academy of AgriScience Academy of Education
Academy of Engineering
Academy of Finance
Academy of Health Science
Academy of Hospitality & Tourism
Academy of Information Technology
Academy of Law Studies
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Ms. Mari Tere Rojas, Chair
Ms. Monica Colucci, Vice Chair
Mr. Roberto J. Alonso
Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall
Ms. Mary Blanco
Mr. Danny Espino
Dr. Steve Gallon III
Mr Joseph S Geller
Ms Luisa Santos
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Dr. Jose L. Dotres
STUDENT ADVISOR
Ms. Kylie Sowers
OFFICE OF ACADEMICS AND TRANSFORMATION
Lourdes Diaz
Chief Academic Officer
DIVISION OF ACADEMICS,
ACCOUNTABILITY AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Dr Alexander Santoyo
Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Lupe Ferran Diaz
Administrative Director
Donald Cole
Instructional Supervisor
Dr. Christine Cabrera
Instructional Supervisor
Tonya McHugh
Instructional Supervisor
Dr. Monique Messam
Instructional Supervisor
Julie Kennedy
NAF Facilitator
Celeste Rodriguez
AOF Director
Kendrick Morris
AOHS Director
Sonia Samaroo
AOIT Director
Valerie Morris
NAF Open Academy Director
NAF
Lisa Dughi
President
Dr. Don Applyrs
Senior Director, Strategic Engagement
Jessica D. Williams
Assistant Director, Academy Development
M-DCPS does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by law in its educational programs, services or activities or in its hiring or employment practices Please refer to School Board Policies 5517 - Anti-Discrimination/ Harassment (Students) and 5517 02 - Discrimination/ Harassment Complaint Procedures for Students for more information.
Questions, complaints or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to:
Executive Director, Civil Rights Compliance Office, 155 NE 15 Street, Suite P-104E, Miami, Florida 33132; PH: 305-995-1580 or e-mail address: crc@dadeschools net
The District also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act