OUTDOOR ACTIVATIONS – On the Yard @ MLK Center

Yoga on the Yard

Ebony Wheeler, Brown Eyed Girl

This session will guide participants through conscious connected breath meditations and an intentional sound session.

Wellness w/ Horses

Selina, PS Wellness

Participants walk away with simple, practical tools to calm their minds, manage stress, and reset their energy in real time.

Job Quest (Mobile Unit)

Library2Go: Career Connect, PGCMLS

The Library2Go: Career Connector provides job readiness resources and career search support.

“Punch Party” Boxing on the Yard

TMJ Fitness

Get ready to get fit and have fun with a chill workout session in the coolest outdoor spot on campus!

Mellow the Dog & Handler

Participants will meet a trained service dog and learn how service animals support mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

WPGC SUV

doors open / registration / check-in – SMALL LOBBY

LIVE BROADCAST W/ Nori nori, WPGC, & duval high school Graduate, chyler smith – main stage

Interactive wellness experiences
9:30 am to 3 pm

Acupuncture Experience – Auditorium

Experience the NADA Protocol Ear Acupuncture and the application of seeds/beads. Known to relieve issues associated with addiction, such as the opioid epidemic, mental health, trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress.

National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)

Wellness w/ Horses – Outdoor Yard

Exercises with horses and observation of their behavior provide the basis for reflection and discussion. These activities and discussions improves confidence, self-assurance, verbal and non-verbal communication, focus, mindfulness, and coping strategies.

PS Wellness

Safe Space

An intentional environment designed for students to decompress and provide feedback on the future of wellness spaces on campus.

Active Minds, Bowie State University Student Organization

YAB Play Station – Atrium

Youth Action Board (YAB)

Yoga On the yard & Sound Bowl Experience – Outdoor Yard

Vibrational Tune-Up: A reset through presence and sound. This session will guide participants through conscious connected breath meditations and an intentional sound session.

Brown Eyed Girl Yoga

Prayer Station

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas

Job Quest (Mobile Unit) – Lot G

The Library2Go: Career Connector provides job readiness resources and career search support.

Library2Go: Career Connect, PGCMLS

“Punch Party” Boxing on the Yard – 11am, Outdoor Yard

Get ready to get fit and have fun with a chill workout session in the coolest outdoor spot on campus!

TMJ Fitness

Mellow the Dog & Handler – 11am-1pm, outdoor yard

Participants will meet a trained service dog and learn how service animals support mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

HIV Testing – small lobby

The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you and your partner healthy

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas

Fashion Show – Outdoors on the yard @ MLK Center

TMJ Models / Eris Aubrie / Gabby

Opening ceremony – main stage

• Prayer – Tiffani Bell, Beyond the Walls Ministry
• Opening Remarks – Darrin Mitchell, VOA
• Host Welcome Remarks | “Why We’re Here?” – Dr. Toyin Opesanmi, Health Officer, PGCHD
• Bowie State University President Welcome Remarks – Aminta H. Breaux, President, BSU

Youth Testimony about Mental Health Journey – main stage

Eris Aubrie (16 yo) Model Coach Experience

Performance: Dem Raider Boyz – Atrium

Eris Aubrie (16 yo) Model Coach Experience

GOAT honors AWARDS

Celebrating individuals who are making a powerful impact in youth mental health and community wellness. These awards recognize leaders, advocates, and changemakers whose work is creating real support, safe spaces, and lasting change.

Wellness Outdoor Activations

Morning sessions
11 am to 11:45 Am

Youth Panel Discussion – Auditorium

Behind the Smile: What We Don’t Say About Mental Health
Moderated by Jasmine Holder

PRESENTER:
Active Minds, Bowie State University Student Organization

Rooted & Aware: Understanding Your Family’s Story to Protect Your Child’s Mental Health – Room 1330

In this hands-on workshop, caregivers will learn how to spot the warning signs of youth mental health challenges while discovering how their family’s story — the patterns, the pain, and the silence passed down through generations — may be connected. You’ll walk away with real tools, a clearer picture of your family’s lineage, and a plan to break the cycle for good.

PRESENTER:
Marsha Evans, LPC, Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center, LLC

The Blueprint: The Man You’re Becoming – Room 1332

Participants will develop a clear personal vision for their future while learning how to move from overthinking to intentional action. Through guided reflection, they will create a personal blueprint and identify one habit to implement immediately. This session focuses on building clarity, confidence, and accountability.

PRESENTER:
Lawrence T. Jones, LCPC, Clinical Manager, Achieve It Counseling & Consulting, LLC

Step Forward: Let Your Voice Be Heard – Room 1342

Focus Group Session

PRESENTER:
Dr. Sandra Aljami, Prince George’s County Health Department

Goat Games: STORYTELLING CIRCLE – auditorium

Get ready to make up a story—together! This ain’t your average game. In this GOAT Game, we’ll spin a wild, meaningful tale about someone going through a mental health challenge. You’ll jump in to add your part of the story—what’s the struggle? How’s it showing up? And how can we help them bounce back?

It’s improv meets mental health. No pressure, no wrong answers—just good energy and powerful reflection. Let’s laugh, think, and talk about what really matters.

Hosted by BSU’s Professor Mike McGee and Poet, WPGC

Mid-day sessions

12:15 Pm to 1 Pm

GOAT Lounge chat – Main Stage
Mental Health Matters: A Parenting Perspective

Mental Health Matters explores the powerful connection between a parent’s mental health and the overall well-being of the family system. In this workshop, parents will reflect on how stress, emotional regulation, and self-care influence their parenting and their child’s behavior. Participants will leave with practical strategies and mindset shifts to support their own mental wellness while creating a healthier, more balanced home environment.

PRESENTER:
Dr. Radhia Afif, LBS, The Behavioral Wealth Project LLC

Emotional Literacy and Stress Management

This session helps participants better understand their emotions and recognize the difference between stress and distress. Through open dialogue, youth will explore emotional expression, coping strategies, and ways to decompress effectively. The focus is on building self-awareness and communication skills.

PRESENTER:
Jonathan A. Romero, M.A., Founder, Immaculate Cuts and Counseling

Dollars and Sense – Room 1330

Participants will engage in a hands-on experience that simulates real-life financial decision-making. Through interactive group activities, youth will learn how to budget, prioritize, and make confident money choices. The session builds financial awareness, responsibility, and confidence.

PRESENTER:
Kwanzaa Nivens, Founder & CEO, Next Level Living

Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer! – Room 1330

This interactive session uses storytelling and role-play to challenge participants to think independently and make intentional decisions. Youth will explore the importance of awareness and not simply following the crowd. The experience encourages critical thinking and confidence.

PRESENTER:
Robert King, Founder, 4Kings Outreach

Hip Hop: The Hero and the Healer – Room 1340

This session explores how hip-hop can be used as a tool for self-expression, healing, and identity. Participants will create their own lyrics and discover how music can give voice to their experiences. The focus is on creativity, confidence, and personal storytelling.

PRESENTER:
Mark J. Cox, Adjunct Professor, Bowie State University

Youth Awareness: What it Takes to Survive in Today’s Society – Room 1342

Participants will engage in open discussions around mental health, stress, and navigating today’s challenges. This session creates space for youth to share, reflect, and better understand coping strategies. The focus is on awareness, resilience, and real-life application.

PRESENTER:
Dr. Warren E. Leggett, Jr., Vice President, National Acupuncture Detoxification Association

GOAT Lounge chat – Main Stage
Lauryn Smith, Recording artist  @Leklryg 

This interview-style session features a real and relatable conversation with Lauryn Smith a.k.a. LEKL – Let Em Know Lay, exploring her journey as a recording artist and mental health advocate. Through open dialogue and audience Q&A, she will share how she navigates emotions, pressure, and growth while encouraging youth to embrace vulnerability as strength. The experience creates space for connection, reflection, and honest conversation around mental wellness.

SPEAKER:
Lauryn Smith, Recording Artist, LEKL @leklryg

Goat Games: Catch the Vibe! – auditorium

Let your thumb do the talking.

We’re tossing around a giant beach ball with deep (and sometimes funny) questions—wherever your thumb lands, that’s your question to answer! Share your thoughts, get to know each other, and laugh a little while learning how to talk about mental health in real ways.

• Music, movement, and good vibes.
• Real talk meets self-care.
• Look out for our orange-shirted clinicians with “NEED TO TALK?” badges if you need a moment; or visit or Safe Space.

Hosted by BSU’s Professor Mike McGee and Poet, WPGC

lunch & giveaways

A limited number of free lunch coupons will be given on a first come first serve basis. Register to attend, arrive & check-in as early as 9:30 am.

Mid-day sessions

1:30 Pm to 2:15 Pm

Water Your Garden – Main Stage

This interactive music experience invites participants to co-create a song on the spot alongside Cortney, using their voices, emotions, and creativity. Through live collaboration, youth will explore self-expression, healing, and the power of embracing their authentic, God-given identity. Rooted in faith and real-life experiences, this session encourages participants to find strength, purpose, and connection through Christ, even in life’s most challenging moments.

PRESENTER:
Cortney Knight, Music Artist, Planet Abstract @planetabstract

2 Truths & A Lie: Whose Voice Is It? – Auditorium

This session challenges youth to discern the voice of God versus the voice of the enemy by grounding them in the character of God revealed through the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Through reflection and guided conversation, participants will learn how to recognize truth, question negative influences, and make more intentional decisions. The focus is on building spiritual awareness, confidence, and clarity in everyday life.

PRESENTER:
Tiffani Bell, Beyond the Walls Ministry

Stress to Strategy: Building $hmoney Skills for Adulthood – Room 1330

This interactive session helps youth turn financial stress into practical strategies for managing money. Through real-life scenarios and group activities, participants will build confidence in budgeting, decision-making, and financial planning. The focus is on creating stability and long-term financial awareness.

PRESENTER:
NiaChloe Bowman, Founder, Healthy Pocket LLC (The $hmoney Coach)

“Is You Cool?” A Real Conversation on Mental Health, Pressure, and What We Don’t Say – Room 1332

This interactive session helps youth turn financial stress into practical strategies for managing money. Through real-life scenarios and group activities, participants will build confidence in budgeting, decision-making, and financial planning. The focus is on creating stability and long-term financial awareness.

PRESENTER:
Dr. Rochelle M. Thompson, CEO & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, RMThompson & Co.

Deeper Sense of Identity and How to Cope – Room 1340

This session helps participants explore their identity while learning practical ways to cope with life’s challenges. Through guided discussion and reflection, youth will gain tools to build confidence and navigate transitions. The focus is on growth, clarity, and resilience.

PRESENTER:
Leon Thurston Jr., Founder, University of Unstuck

How to Become the GOAT: Enhancing Youth Career Development – Room 1342

This session focuses on helping youth build the mindset and skills needed for career growth and success. Participants will explore opportunities, develop confidence, and learn how to position themselves for the future. The focus is on preparation, growth, and self-belief.

PRESENTER:
Colin Byrd, Bowie State University

spotlights & Open Mic

Step Forward: Let Your Voice Be Heard – Room 1342

Focus Group Session

PRESENTER:
Dr. Sandra Aljami, Prince George’s County Health Department

Step Forward: Let Your Voice Be Heard – Room 1342

Focus Group Session

PRESENTER:
Dr. Sandra Aljami, Prince George’s County Health Department

Closing Prayer

event concludes