E.S.T.E.A.M.ED Summit at FAMU Uplifts Through Wellness, Leadership, and Technology
By Ashley Flete and Talya Davis, public relations intern
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — Florida A&M University became a haven for healing, empowerment and transformation as 21 young women gathered, June 25-27, for the second annual E.S.T.E.A.M.ED Summit—a dynamic leadership and wellness experience hosted by the Arise and Shine Foundation.
Participants walk through the welcome line as the summit begins.(Photo by Treyvon Eugene / FAMU Communications Intern)
A Vision Realized
Created by actress, producer, and changemaker Malinda Williams, the E.S.T.E.A.M.ED Summit—short for Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Education blends mentorship, wellness, and professional development to affirm the brilliance and potential of collegiate HBCU scholars.
The Summit, a signature component of the Foundation, welcomed participants for curated sessions, sisterhood circles, research presentations, and wellness rituals. The goal? To affirm, uplift and equip the next generation with confidence, clarity, and community.
Williams said she was inspired to bring the Summit to FAMU after delivering the university’s Winter 2024 commencement address. The warm reception she received from the Rattler community convinced her that the values of Arise and Shine aligned perfectly with the spirit of the Hill.
“This all started with a divine download,” she said. “A vision for a space rooted in sisterhood, self-worth, and skill-building.”
The henna table is all set to create stunning designs, courtesy of Deep Stain Virgo.
(Photo by Treyvon Eugene / FAMU Communications Intern)
Williams, who also serves as CEO of the Arise and Shine Foundation, described the Summit as deeply personal. She taught herself to code during one of the lowest points in her life and credits that experience with igniting a personal transformation.
“Technology helped me rise again,” Williams said. “I realized that if I could empower myself with new skills, I could empower others too. Technology and self-esteem are the tools I want to share with the next generation.”
That philosophy is now woven into the very fabric of the Summit. Combining technical instruction with intentional healing practices, the program offers a unique approach to development—rooted in the belief that young women can succeed intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
“That’s why this program includes tech and wellness—because you need both confidence and skills to thrive,” Williams said.
Smiles and greetings fill the air as participants make their way through the welcome line to kick off the summit. (Photo by Treyvon Eugene / FAMU Communications Intern)
A Curriculum of Confidence
The agenda was packed with breathwork and body movement, coding instruction, entrepreneurship sessions, and science-based research projects. The experience bridged intellect and emotion in powerful ways.
Participants receive a makeup tutorial and learn a few glam tips along the way.(Photo by Treyvon Eugene / FAMU Communications Intern)
A core feature of the Summit is its mentorship component. Students were paired with professionals and advocates from various industries and guided through public speaking exercises, research analysis, and storytelling. Throughout the two days, they presented their findings on topics ranging from public health and STEM to social justice and innovation.
The Student Experience
Participants like Camrynn Harper, a FAMU student, described the Summit as both eye-opening and affirming.
“I’ve never done anything coding-wise this interactive,” Harper said. “I appreciated that it wasn’t just about tech, but also self-empowerment and success strategies. As a young Black woman, that’s something I really needed.”
She added that FAMU was the ideal setting. “FAMU is full of love and embrace. When people come here, they’re welcomed into a family. I think this was the best place they could’ve chosen.”
Uzoma Okey-Anyanwu, a rising sophomore computer science major, emphasized how the Summit enriched her professional journey.
“Learning Swift coding has helped me feel more creative and powerful,” she said. “It’s something I can add to my resume and carry into interviews.”
Originally from Nigeria, Okey-Anyanwu also highlighted the Summit’s cultural impact. “I only watched white movies growing up, so I expected American culture to be that. But here I realized Black people have their own culture and pride—and I’m part of that. It’s empowering.”
A Stage for Culture and Expression
One of the Summit’s vibrant returning facilitators was Marie “BustinMoves" Moring, a motivational dancer who used old-school hip-hop choreography to connect with participants while encouraging them to love themselves and celebrate their roots.
“Last year, I came as talent, but I quickly realized this wasn’t a performance—it was a purpose,” said Moring. "These girls are motivated, brilliant, and open to learning. I want them to leave with self-esteem, self-worth, self-love—and, most of all, support."
Alongside her dance session, students were guided through movement, mindfulness, and self-expression exercises emphasizing cultural pride and mental well-being.
A Full-Circle Moment for a Rattler
FAMU alumna and performance director Keanna "KJ Rose" Henson brought enthusiasm and drive to her role as a mentor and facilitator. The Summit was more than a program for her—it was a full-circle moment.
“You have to choose [confidence] every single day,” said Henson. “Being back here with Arise and Shine and watching these students walk in their power reminds me that you don’t just teach confidence—you live it.”
Laughter and music set the tone as everyone joins in for a quick dance party. (Photo by Treyvon Eugene / FAMU Communications Intern)
Reflecting on her days at FAMU, Henson added, "As soon as I get on the yard, there is a shifting of my posture. This is where I learned what my purpose was. FAMU poured into me, and now I get to pour into them. That's what this is all about."
She also emphasized the reciprocal nature of service: “When you pour from a well that has no judgment and is open, you can’t help but receive,” Henson said. “These girls give back just as much as we give to them. It’s energy. It’s legacy. It’s love.”
Henson is the author of “The Rose Effect: Eight Steps to Delivering The Performance of Your Life” and the founder of The Rose Effect, LLC, a global stage consultancy that helps creatives, executives, and artists push beyond their perceived capacity. Affectionately known as “The Artist Whisperer,” she was recently spotlighted in Rolling Stone magazine.
A Lasting Impact
The Summit wrapped with a catered scholarship dinner and reflections gallery where students and mentors exchanged affirmations and parting messages. Many left with new friendships, sharpened skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Malinda Williams snaps a photo with participants as she shares her signature affirmation
cards.(Photo by Treyvon Eugene / FAMU Communications Intern)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
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