2026 Leadership Summit

Seth Swafford

Seth Swafford serves as the President of Palen Music Center, where he leads strategic initiatives for growth and operational excellence across its 10 Midwest locations. He brings a distinct advantage from his previous experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry and the retail analytic technology sector, a background that has seen him successfully partner with 19 Fortune 500 companies. Known for his data-driven, customer-centric approach, Swafford guides the 250-employee team while upholding the company's commitment to music education. Originally from Mountain View, AR—the Folk Music Capital of the World—Swafford now lives in Springfield, Missouri, and is committed to community service, including his role as Vice President of the Springfield Little Theatre’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors. Swafford also served as a student and professional member of the Gamma Beta Phi National Executive Committee from 2013 to 2015, crediting his experience with GBP as a driving force behind his career acceleration and community service involvement.

Syreeta Vaughn

Syreeta Vaughn is a seasoned senior nuclear facility safety analyst with over 20 years of experience, currently leading Special Projects in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Nuclear Facility Safety Division. She has played a pivotal role in critical programs at top-tier institutions, including the Y-12 National Security Complex, Pantex Plant, Savannah River Site, and ORNL.
Syreeta holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Florida State University, dual master’s degrees in Geology and Industrial & Systems Engineering from the University of Tennessee, and is a Ph.D. student at West Virginia University’s Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Her robust academic foundation, combined with extensive practical expertise, drives innovation and enhances safety practices in the nuclear sector.

An active member of the American Nuclear Society, Syreeta has held numerous leadership roles at ORNL, including positions with the Women’s Alliance Council, African American Resource Council, ORNL Gives 2024, and as Senior Staff in the Nuclear Facility Safety Division. Her dedication to excellence, leadership, and continuous improvement has consistently advanced operational standards and safety protocols across the nuclear industry.

Dr. Ferlin McGaskey

Dr. Ferlin McGaskey is the Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Teaching and Learning Innovation at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK). In his role, he supports efforts at UTK related to general faculty development, as well as providing professional development opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Dr. McGaskey has a Master of Science degree in Economics and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from UTK. Dr. McGaskey’s research interests focus on the intersection of various identities and the graduate student experience. He has been working in the field of faculty development for 15 years.

Janiece Pigg

Miss Janiece Pigg currently serves as a Student Success Advisor for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Herbert College of Agriculture.

As a Starkville, Mississippi native, Janiece Pigg has been interested in agriculture from a young age. Her passion for agriculture led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications from Mississippi State University in 2019 and a Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation from Louisiana State University in 2021. After completing her degrees, Janiece worked for the College of Agriculture at Tennessee State University and then joined UTIA as the Extension Assistant for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Tennessee 4-H Youth Development state office. Janiece joined the Herbert College of Agriculture in July 2023 as a Student Success Advisor working to plan, mentor, and elevate undergraduate students to succeed personally and professionally in the agricultural industry.

Throughout her career in the land-grant system, Janiece has gained a vast expertise and experience in advising, student leadership development, and collaborating with undergraduate and graduate agricultural students to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Dr. NaQuaina Moore

Dr. NaQuaina Moore serves as Assistant Director in the Office for Campus Culture & Community at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she brings over a decade of experience supporting and advocating for students. Her work centers on leadership development, student engagement, and fostering a campus culture that promotes belonging and excellence.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Language, Literature, and Writing and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership–Higher Education Student Affairs from Eastern Michigan University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Leadership and Decision-Making at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Dr. Javiette Samuel

Dr. Javiette Samuel provides strategic leadership for academic and external-facing units within the Division of Access and Engagement. Her work advances community-engaged scholarship, cultivates partnerships, and strengthens UT’s land-grant mission.

A three-time UT alumna (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.), Dr. Samuel has dedicated nearly 30 years to community-engaged teaching, outreach, and evidence-based programs that improve educational attainment and quality of life.
She serves on several boards, including United Way of Greater Knoxville, Leadership Knoxville, Girl Talk, The Restoration House, and YOKE, and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Legna Soto-Gonzalez

Legna Soto-Gonzalez is a first-generation college graduate, public speaker, and Founder of LSoto Speaks. As a First-Gen & Advocacy Leadership Mentor, she empowers students and young professionals to transform personal hardship into purpose-driven leadership.

Rooted in lived experience navigating food and housing insecurity, Legna uses storytelling, data, and advocacy to amplify the voices of students who are often overlooked. She is passionate about helping first-generation students access resources, build resilience, and develop the confidence to lead with impact.

Legna has led award-winning student organizations and played a key role in passing Tennessee House Bill 1669, a student-led policy addressing campus food insecurity. Her work bridges personal narrative and systems change—proving that when students own their stories, they can influence policy, strengthen communities, and create lasting social impact.

Through keynotes, workshops, and mentorship, Legna inspires others to use their voice, their story, and their leadership to advocate for equity and opportunity.

Dr. Tracy Walls

Dr. Tracy Walls is a seasoned educational leader with over 17 years of experience in K–12 leadership education, special education training, and child and family development. A Nashville native and first-generation college graduate, she earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she played Division I women’s basketball and served in leadership roles on the Southeastern Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Council, the President’s Student Advisory Council: LeadershipUGA, and was the grand marshal for the Family and Consumer Sciences Department graduation ceremony. Tracy’s career began as a Special Education Teacher and high school coach, evolving into leadership roles including Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, and Coordinator of Charter Schools and Grants. Dr. Walls holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University Sarasota, an Educational Specialist degree from Jacksonville State University, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia. She is passionate about supporting students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive school culture, and promoting college readiness. Dr. Walls believes providing high-quality education is a civil right that empowers students and transforms communities. As a parent of two sons, Tracy embraces the responsibility of shaping a brighter future for every student. Her dedication to leveling the playing field and creating stronger schools paves the way for stronger communities, highlighting the interconnectedness of education and societal well-being. Under her guidance, we are poised to achieve a transformative impact on our students’ lives and our city’s prosperity. Tracy has two beloved sons: “Heavenly Angel” Son, EJ, and Ethan, a college freshman. Her favorite times of the day are spent watching sports, shopping with her sons, traveling, crafting, and reading. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.