






HIGHLIGHTS
This year’s Summit was a transformative two-day gathering that celebrated the power of faith, community, and collaboration in driving access to STEM education and careers. The 2025 Summit welcomed faith leaders, educators, community advocates, industry professionals, and college students committed to building stronger pathways to postsecondary success, alleviating poverty, and shaping the future STEM workforce.
🎤 Our Featured Speakers & Guests included:
Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd – ACCEYSS Founder, Chair & TXST Professor
Mayor Jane Hughson – City of San Marcos
Donzaleigh Abernathy – Goddaughter of the historical Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Actress
Lakecia Gunter – Fortune 50 Tech Executive & STEM Advocate
Dr. Alexis McClinton -
Plus speakers from UT Austin, TXST, HCS Technical Services, 212 Catalysts, tech professionals, and grant funding agencies.
On behalf of our entire team, THANK YOU for being part of the 6th Annual Faith & Community Leadership Summit. Whether you joined us as a guest, speaker, panelist, or behind-the-scenes supporter, your presence added immense value to the experience.
Your insights sparked meaningful dialogue, your stories inspired, and your energy helped create a space filled with collaboration and connection. It was a privilege to share this moment with such a passionate and engaged community.
As we reflect on the summit’s success, we’re reminded that it's people like you—who show up, contribute, and lead with purpose—that make all the difference. Your commitment affirms the power of one—one voice, one act, one heart—to ignite transformation. And for many, it’s the quiet strength of faith that lights the way, guiding bold action rooted in hope and purpose.
We also want to recognize those who weren’t able to attend but expressed interest and support from afar. Your presence was felt; we look forward to welcoming you into future conversations and shared experiences.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and grow together.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Stay tuned for post-summit resources, highlights, and opportunities to stay connected.
The ACCEYSS Team
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Friday, July 25 – Faith & Community Leadership
• 1:00 PM | Registration & Networking
• 1:30 PM | Opening Remarks - Mayor Jane Hughson, Dean Angela Ausbrooks
• 1:40 PM | State of the ACCEYSS Consortium – Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, Dr. Ajayi Anwansedo, Dr. Aimee Roundtree
• 2:00 PM | Keynote & Fireside Chat – with Lakecia Gunter
• 3:00 PM | Fireside Chat – with Donzaleigh Abernathy
• 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Commitments
• 5:30 PM | Networking & Awards Banquet
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Day 2: Saturday, July 26 – STEM & Workforce Development
• 8:00 AM | Registration, STEM Demos & Student Showcase
• 9:00 AM | Panel 1: Illuminating Pathways – STEM Success Stories That Inspire
• 10:00 AM | Panel 2: Investing in Communities – Expanding STEM and Workforce Development Access
• 11:00 AM | Panel 3: Innovating with Industry – Partnering with Tech to Build the Future Workforce
• 12:00 PM | Lunch + Networking
• 1:00 PM | Community Discussion: Facial Recognition Technology - with Dr. Aimee Roundtree
• 2:00 PM | Panel 4: Igniting Opportunity – Leveraging Foundations and Grants to Advance Faith-Based STEM and Workforce Development - with Dr. Alexis McClinton
• 3:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Evaluations