Keynote Speakers
Opening Keynote, March 18
Dr. David J. Johns
Dr. Johns will address the power of education to unlock opportunities for us all. Dr. Johns was appointed the first executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. He served as a senior education policy advisor to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and was a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology and education policy from Columbia University. Dr. Johns is the chief executive officer and executive director of the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC). NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly, and honestly in family, faith, and community, regardless of race, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Youth Panel, March 18
Jubei Brown-Weaver, He/Him, CareerWise DC Apprentice Alum (Cybersecurity)
Jubei Brown-Weaver is currently a Packaged App Developer at Accenture in Washington, D.C. Jubei completed a three-year apprenticeship with Accenture in June 2024 as a Cybersecurity Apprentice. As a high school junior at McKinley Tech High School, he knew he wanted a future career in technology, but was certain he did not want to go to college before starting it. Participating in CareerWise DC was the pathway he needed to launch his career. In addition to completing 2,000+ hours of paid work as an Accenture employee and earning over $35,000 during his apprenticeship, Jubei learned Python, secured industry-valued credentials related to cybersecurity, banked social capital by building a professional network of colleagues and mentors, and graduated on time from high school. This experience directly led him to his current full-time position as a Packaged App Developer, where he is harnessing the very same skills and relationships he honed as an apprentice this true passion – specifically how we protect technology from adversaries.
Maegan Godoy, She/Her, CareerWise DC Apprentice (Project Coordination)
Maegan Godoy is a first-year Project Coordinator Apprentice at the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) at New America and a senior at Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy in Washington, DC. As a Project Coordinator Apprentice, Maegan gets to support the PAYA Youth Council activities and various research projects. She will also help facilitate a session on the value of youth apprenticeship at this year’s SXSW (South by Southwest) EDU Conference & Festival. Maegan plans to continue her apprenticeship with New America while attending college this fall. She plans to major in political science and minor in ethics and philosophy.
Axel Orellana, He/Him, Careerwise DC Apprentice (Information Technology)
Axel is a Junior Coder Apprentice at Limbic Systems, a CareerWise DC employer partner and DC-based software solutions and consulting company. Axel joined Limbic Systems as an apprentice in 2023 after completing professional training and an IT internship through Genesys Works. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia.
Closing Keynote, March 20
Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle
Dr. Big Eagle is a passionate advocate for student success, educational equity, and Indigenous youth empowerment. With a rich background in higher education, Dr. Big Eagle has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive learning environments. Currently the Executive Director of Friends of the Children He Sapa, she previously served as the Diversity Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at South Dakota State University and a Student Success Advisor at Black Hills State University. Her expertise spans youth development, peer mentorship, and academic advising, with a focus on empowering Native students to thrive in education and beyond.
