2026 Showcase Judges

Sierra Alexander

High School PBL Showcase Judge

Sierra Alexander is a Corporate Relations and Campaign Manager at United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, where she transforms connection into meaningful community impact. Through corporate partnerships, workplace giving campaigns, and year-round engagement, she helps bring people and resources together to support families across the region. Expanding opportunities for financial stability, youth opportunity, community resilience, and a healthy community.

Sierra is a Cum Laude graduate of Norfolk State University and will graduate in May with her Master of Arts in Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Management from Virginia Wesleyan University. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She carries a deep commitment to service, uplifting others, and community empowerment in all that she does.

Rebecca Davidson

High School PBL Showcase Judge

Rebecca Davidson is a  Master of Social Work (MSW)-level clinician with over eight years of experience providing individual, family, and group therapeutic services throughout the Hampton community. She is currently a Supervisee in Social Work working toward clinical licensure. She also serves as the Program Coordinator for Project PEACE, a trauma-informed initiative that promotes safety, strengthens families, and empowers youth. She is passionate about helping young people and families feel supported, connected, and equipped for success. 

Brandon Jones

High School PBL Showcase Judge

Brandon Jones is currently serving as the Senior Director for School Partnerships and Outreach at his alma mater, Christopher Newport University where he has worked for the past five years.

Brandon graduated from CNU with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and earned two Master’s degrees from Old Dominion University, one being in Public Administration and the other in Educational Leadership. Before coming back to work as an employee for CNU, Brandon served as the Supervisor for Family and Community Engagement for Petersburg City Public Schools, held numerous positions in Newport News Public Schools, and worked in various Hampton Roads communities in the field of Human Services.

To this day, Brandon feels his best work has been done alongside young people as they created pathways to their “next”. His current professional scope includes working with the Academies of Hampton to further develop their Ambassador program, strengthening the Christopher Newport University - Hampton City Schools partnership, and supporting young people’s journey from elementary school through college.

Brandon is committed to serving the Peninsula through his work with students, dedication to the greater Hampton Roads community, and his never-ending quest to build bridges of access between those that have and those that do not.

Nakia Madry-Smith

High School PBL Showcase Judge

Nakia R. Madry-Smith is a higher education leader, professional musician, and advocate for student success. She serves as Director of Campus & Community Initiatives at Virginia Peninsula Community College, where she leads outreach efforts, builds partnerships with community and business leaders, and helps expand access to educational opportunities across Hampton and Newport News. She holds an MBA from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Engineering Technology from Hampton University.

In addition to her work in higher education, Nakia is also an accomplished vocalist and entrepreneur who performs professionally around the world. She is a member of The Fuzz Band, and bandleader of Rocky 7.  As a member of the Voices of Fire gospel choir, she has performed on national television programs such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live! Her performances have taken her to global stages including Paris Fashion Week, the reopening celebration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, The Met Gala, The Vatican, and the World Series. Nakia enjoys encouraging students to pursue their passions and reminds young people that their talents—whether in academics, leadership, or the arts—can take them anywhere in the world.

Crystal Neal

High School PBL Showcase Judge

Crystal Neal, is the Workforce Development Project Manager for VersAbility TECH at VersAbility Resources. She leads workforce initiatives that prepare individuals with and without disabilities for high-demand careers in the maritime and manufacturing industries through industry-recognized certifications, employability training, and strong employer partnerships.

Ms. Neal has been an innovative force in education for over a decade. Prior to her current role, she served as the Career & Technical Education Program Manager for New Horizons Regional Education Centers, the largest of the nine regional centers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has also worked as a Career Specialist, lead recruiter, and admissions coordinator for local colleges in the region.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Crystal earned her bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and an MBA from Everest University. In addition to her workforce leadership, she is the author of the children’s book series and serves as Creative Director of the Hampton University Terpsichorean Dance Company. She was also recognized as a member of the Hampton University 40 Under Forty Society for her professional achievements and community impact and public service.

Tracy Cornell

High School Poster Judge

Tracy Cornell is in her 19th year as an educator with Hampton City Schools. She has served as a Science Teacher, Governors' Health Science Academy Team Leader, and currently as a Science Teacher Specialist. Tracy is passionate about connecting content to real-world applications and fostering lifelong learning. She champions initiatives that enhance student learning, engagement, and high-quality science instruction, while supporting teachers in creating active, hands-on classrooms.

Tiffani Stewart

High School Poster Judge

Tiffany Stewary is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for student growth and success. As a full-time teacher, she is committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel encouraged, capable, and inspired to reach their full potential. She brings patience and compassion in addition to her teacherly duties, because she believes that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and empowered to learn.

Maurice Brinkley

Eighth Grade Capstone Judge

Maurice Brinkley is a proud graduate of Hampton City Schools, having attended Kecoughtan High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from Norfolk State University and brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive and insurance industries. As a dedicated entrepreneur, he is the owner of Brinkley Custom Creations. He also serves as Vice President of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association Peninsula Chapter and is a proud father of two Hampton City Schools graduates, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the Hampton community.

Elizabeth Davis-Goodwyn

Eighth Grade Capstone Judge

Elizabeth Davis-Goodwyn is an experienced educational leader with more than two decades of service in public education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Biology, and Education from Christopher Newport University, a Master’s degree in Teaching Science from Grand Canyon University, and a dual Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Administration and Leadership from Liberty University.

Ms. Davis-Goodwyn began their career as a middle school science teacher at Tarrant Middle School, where she taught for 17 years and developed a strong foundation in science instruction and student-centered learning. Later transitioned into school leadership, serving as Assistant Principal at Jones Magnet Middle School and Lindsay Middle School, then served as the Academy Principal at Hampton High School.

Currently, Elizabeth Davis-Goodwyn serves as the district Curriculum Leader for Science, overseeing K–12 science instruction and supporting curriculum development, instructional practices, and teacher leadership across the district.

Jody Madaras

Eighth Grade Capstone Judge

Jody Madaras is the Artistic Director for Hampton Arts, a department of the City of Hampton. Mr. Madaras is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and a 30-year veteran of the American and Broadway stages. His career includes Broadway musicals, Daytime TV, directing, choreographing, playwright, and producer. 

Joshua Sheffield

Eighth Grade Capstone Judge

Joshua Sheffield is a dynamic business professional with a proven track record of success in workforce development and recruitment strategies. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Trident University and Advanced Leadership Training from Fort Eustis, VA, Joshua brings a blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise to his roles.

Currently serving as the Director of the Emerging Workforce Department at The Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Joshua excels in facilitating group programming, managing stakeholder communications, and planning professional development events. His commitment to excellence and building lasting relationships has been evident throughout his career.

Shelton Tucker

Eighth Grade Capstone Judge

Retired International Corporate Finance Executive with experience as a CFO, banking, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Marketing Finance. Worked for Coca-Cola,  Radio Shack, and First Chicago. Currently a community advocate and president of Greater Aberdeen Community Coalition (GACC), a Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO).

Olivia Washington

Eighth Grade Capstone Judge

Olivia Washington is a proud graduate of Kecoughtan High School, where she completed the Academy of Entrepreneurship and Information Design. She is currently a second-year student at Christopher Newport University, majoring in Communication and Leadership Studies. On campus, she is actively involved in the Wason Scholars Program, the President’s Leadership Program, and the Student Government Association.

Savannah Bilski

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge

Miss Savannah Bilski is a Kecoughtan High School Junior and Lead Ambassador for the Academy of Teaching, Learning, and Education (ATEL), where she enjoys volunteering to help young students and see them grow and gain confidence, while also allowing her the chance to connect with others and make a positive impact in the community. She enjoys serving her school and community in several ways. Extracurricular activities include: Leadership as Colorguard Captain for several years in the Kecoughtan Warrior Band, as well as participation in several band ensembles playing percussion and saxophone, a member of various volunteer service clubs and organizations, and SCA Junior class Representative.

Adrienne Brown

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge

Mrs. Brown is a 6th-8th grade English Language Arts teacher at Phenix PK-8. She recieved a Bachelor's Degree in English Education in 2016 from South Carolina State University, and is currently working to obtain a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. She began her teaching career with Hampton City Schools at Tarrant Middle School, formerly known as Davis Middle School, in 2017 teaching 7th grade English Language Arts. She continued to teach at Tarrant until 2021 and from there she transitioned to Hines Middle School in Newport News, VA from 2021 until 2023. In 2023, she returned to HCS to work at Phenix PK-8. This school year will mark her 9th year of teaching.

Rudolph Edwards

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge

Rudolph Edwards, Jr., a graduate of Norfolk State University, holds a B.A. in Social Studies Secondary Education and an M.A. in Curriculum Development and Supervision. With 24 years in education, he serves as the Social Studies Teacher Specialist for Hampton City Schools. He is passionate about curriculum design, instructional coaching, culturally responsive teaching, and creating engaging social studies programs.

Dr. Reginald Jones

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge

Dr. Reginald Johns is a native of Hampton, Virginia and serves as  the Director of the Department of Academic Advancement and Enrichment for Hampton City Schools.  In this role, he focuses on the development of curriculum used for advanced learners and the training of the teachers who instruct them.   In addition, his interest in creative expression and writing has spawned publications of multiple poetry books, recognition and awards.

Tiara Kersey

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge

Tiara Kersey is a biology educator, a mother of 4, community advocate, and perinatal health specialist with a passion for empowering others through education and service. With experience supporting youth in both academic and community settings, she is dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences that connect real-world application with student growth. Tiara is also the founder of Treehouse S.A.G.E., a nonprofit focused on youth gardening and food access, and the owner of Sidnita Monee’ LLC, where she supports families through perinatal care and doula services.

Noel Presgraves

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge

Noel Presgraves is a Junior at Christopher Newport University majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Graphic Design. They are currently one of two Hampton Captains Interns, working to connect the HCS and CNU communities through the Academies of Hampton ambassador program. They enjoy all things creative and are looking forward to helping students cultivate their creative potential into bright futures.

Dillion Richardson

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge

Dillion Richardson is a 21-year-old who is passionate about growing in faith, building strong character, and making a positive impact on others. He is heavily involved in his church community, where he enjoys serving and helping wherever he can. He values perseverance, personal growth, and staying goal oriented, even through challenges. He is committed to becoming a better version of himself every day and using his experiences to encourage and uplift others.

Robinson Speight

Fifth Grade Capstone Judge