Meet our guest speakers at the End of Year Celebration 2023! 

Camilya D Williams

Camilya Williams is a proud alumni of Cleveland State University. She hails from Detroit, Michigan and was a graduate of the Detroit High School of the Fine and Performing Arts. She has served in healthcare as an STNA, she is a proud graduate of Central School of Practical Nursing and has served as an LPN with a combined total of 18 years in the healthcare arena. She is now serving as a higher education professional at CSU as a first year and exploratory advisor. She has worked with a variety of populations. Her ability to serve the whole person through an emotional intelligent lens can be seen through her work. She has a AAS in Human Services (CDT) from CCC, a BA in Black Studies, a BSW, and a Masters of Education in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University. She has an trained in inclusive leadership and emotional intelligence through CCC. She was awarded the Viking Creed Champion Award 2022 and the Drum Major of Justice Student Award 2022 from Cleveland State University. She is currently a doctoral student at Franklin University. Her research highlights the struggles faced by women of color and their journey through higher academia and as employees in higher academia. She is a proud mother and wife. She is also a minister and in her free time she enjoys theatre, fashion, live poetry readings, and dancing. You can find her often serving in various ways throughout her community. She is excited to be back at CSU where she can continue to be a #VikeForLife as an alumni and employee.

April Waltonen

Stephen Kennedy 

Growing up in Cleveland, I've always loved the STEM fields. My academic journey began at Tri-C and continued with a bachelor's in physics here at CSU. Thanks to the Mcnair program, I am currently pursuing master degrees in applied physics and electrical engineering. My future goal is to realize my childhood dream of working for NASA.

Blair A Baker 

Dr. Blair A. Baker is an assistant professor in the School Psychology program at Cleveland State University. She received her bachelors in English, Spanish, and Psychology from Central Michigan University, where she was also a McNair Scholar during the 2014-2015 school year. Dr. Baker received her doctorate in school psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2021. Dr. Baker utilizes qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate two related research topics: 1) educators’ intervention approaches to racism among students, and 2) experiences of racial battle fatigue among Black students in secondary education settings. This work aims to establish racially centered interventions that reduce the plight of racial stress among Black students and, more importantly, prevent Black students’ exposure to racial discrimination at school.