Keynote Speaker
Candice Marie Benbow
As a multi-hyphenate theologian and creative, Candice illuminates the vital connections between faith, culture and innovation to rekindle hope and possibility. Grounded in process theology, womanist thought, and the Black feminist tradition, Candice works to transform how individuals and institutions engage with faith in our contemporary moment.
Candice is the author of Red Lip Theology: For Church Girls Who’ve Considered Tithing to the Beauty Supply Store When Sunday Morning Isn’t Enough. She is also the US Faith Director at The She Tank, where she oversees various projects and initiatives that amplify the power of faith in the lives of women and girls. Through writing, speaking, consulting and
innovative programming, Candice challenges conventional wisdom and sparks, both, joy and necessary controversy. Her distinct integration of pop cultural analysis and theological insight empowers people, families and communities to envision and create pathways to flourishing. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she holds degrees from Tennessee State
University, North Carolina Central University and Duke Divinity School. Candice’s work demonstrates that faith remains an essential force for cultural vitality and personal transformation in our time.
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Dr. Jack S. Monell
Speaker
Dr. Jack S. Monell is a distinguished academic and practitioner with over 31 years of experience in social work, criminal justice, sociology, and human services. He currently serves as a Professor of Justice Studies at Winston-Salem State University, where he is recognized for his student-centered approach and dedication to fostering critical thinking and cultural sensitivity.
Throughout his career, Dr. Monell has worked across various sectors, including nonprofit organizations and local, state, and federal government agencies. His research interests encompass Afro-Latino youth and their families, Black masculinity, pop culture, and shifts in delinquency paradigms. He has published extensively on topics such as violent police-citizen encounters and the misrepresentation of the Black community in the media.
Beyond academia, Dr. Monell is a national trainer and consultant, providing technical and supportive services to various agencies in the fields of criminal justice and social work. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Criminology, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the North Carolina Criminal Justice Association, and the National Association of Social Workers.
Dr. Monell’s personal journey from facing challenges in his youth to becoming a respected educator and advocate underscores his belief in the transformative power of education. He emphasizes the importance of providing second chances and is committed to mentoring students to become the best versions of themselves.
His guiding philosophy aligns with James Baldwin’s assertion: “The paradox of education is precisely this, that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” Dr. Monell received his Ph.D. from Walden University, an M.S.W. from Howard University, a B.A. from Towson State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Sociology. He is married to Dr. Angela Monell and has two adult sons, both products of HBCUs.
Speaker
Alexis Overstreet
Alexis Overstreet is the visionary Founder and CEO of Metaspace Counseling & Metaspace Wellness, where she’s redefining what it means to heal, lead, and thrive. A powerhouse Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she partners with school districts and corporations to combat burnout and boost retention, while also offering transformative psychotherapy and leadership wellness retreats. Alexis blends modern and traditional healing—think Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, TRE (Tremoring), and the MELT Method—to spark deep, lasting change. She firmly believes that healing is resistance and representation is revolution, making her work a bold stand for both personal and collective well-being. Alexis is all about daily wellness rituals, post-pandemic recovery, and making self-care non-negotiable. Off the clock? You’ll find her dancing, sipping green smoothies, and staying hydrated like it’s a sport.
