Speaking

Bringing clarity to AI, equity, and the future of work

Dr. Hester is a sought-after keynote speaker, panelist, and conference presenter, known for turning complex policy and technology shifts into practical, actionable direction for educators, employers, and public agencies.

Signature Topics

Talks built from the room she stands in daily

AI Strategy

AI for the Public-Safety Workforce

How AI-driven simulation and emerging technology reshape the academies and the professions that keep communities safe — and how training has to change to keep pace.

Equity

From Noncredit to Credit: Building Equity Pathways

The nationally recognized model Dr. Hester co-led to align noncredit and credit and open real economic mobility for underserved learners — the Noncredit-to-Credit Alignment Lab.

Leadership

Leading Workforce & Institutional Transformation

Lessons from building tech and workforce programs across Chicago and San Diego — including turning a community-education department into a 21st-century technology hub.

Scholarship

Black Women in the Academy: Resilience & Leadership

Drawn from her doctoral research — the resistance, resilience, and leadership of Black women navigating institutions built for someone else.

2026 speaking season — AI, workforce & innovation

When Soft Skills Become Hard Barriers: Using AI to Close the Communication Gap in Workforce Pipelines

CLOSE IT Conference · Santa Fe, NM · May 3–5, 2026

AI Webinar Series — Main & Deep Dive Sessions

AI Webinar Series · Apr 28 & May 1, 2026

Yoodli in Workforce Education

AI Fellows Project Lightning Talk · Apr 24, 2026

Navigating AI: Ethical Use, Data Privacy & Practical Applications

SDCCD InnovAItion Day · Mar 20, 2026

GenAI & Human-Centered Teaching for Today’s Learners

Instruction with Imagination & Intelligence · Mar 14, 2026

Breaking Barriers: How Women Are Shaping the Future of Emerging Technology in Education

Women’s History Month Webinar · Mar 12, 2026

Mic Up: Using AI to Strengthen Black Male Presence in the Workforce

A2MEND Conference · Mar 5, 2026

The Next Chapter in AI: Integration & Best Practices

Chancellor’s Office AI Webinar Series · Feb 24 & 27, 2026

Building Pathways to Bachelor’s Degrees: The San Diego Miramar College Model

CCBA National Conference · Feb 11–13, 2026

Artificial Intelligence & Workforce Development

ACCCA Conference · Feb 2026

Yoodli Implementation & AI Workforce Development

SD & Imperial Counties Regional Faculty · Jan 23, 2026

Selected prior engagements: RP Group Annual Conference (2024) · ACCT Leadership Congress, Las Vegas (2023) · Education Strategy Group & ACCT national webinars · NAACP North San Diego County MLK keynote (2024) · City Colleges of Chicago Seven Strong Speaker Series panel, “Creating Equity for Black and Brown Communities” (2021) · Eureka College Inclusive Excellence, “True Dialogue: A Fishbowl Demonstration” panel (2020) · ISU Women’s & Gender Studies Symposium (2018).

Dr. Hester delivering the keynote address at the NAACP North San Diego County MLK breakfast

Dr. Hester at the NAACP North San Diego County MLK breakfast

NAACP North San Diego County — MLK Breakfast Keynote, 2024.

Formats

Flexible to your event

Keynote

A high-energy main-stage address tailored to your audience and conference theme.

Panel

An informed, candid voice on AI policy, workforce strategy, and higher education leadership.

Workshop

A hands-on working session for teams ready to move from strategy to implementation.

Ideal For

Where these talks land best

Higher education conferences Workforce development summits Public safety & public agency events AI & technology in education forums Corporate & nonprofit leadership retreats Women in leadership programs

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