TedX WCC

Dr. Brandon Roderick Tucker is the Executive Vice President for Instruction at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In this role, he serves WCC as an academic leader for one of the region’s most diverse institutions, supporting more than 20,000 students each year. With a background in higher education and workforce development, Dr. Tucker has built strategic industry partnerships to expand academic credit pathways and meet evolving talent needs across Southeastern Michigan.

Dr. Tucker also advises nationally on semiconductor workforce development through his appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Industrial Advisory Committee. In his talk, he reflects on the importance of grounding ourselves in purpose, exploring how a clear “why” can guide individuals and institutions through disruption, change and moments of uncertainty.

Dr. Tucker holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from the University of Toledo, as well as a Master of Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University. He also serves on the boards of the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Square One Educational Network, and Girls Group.

Kei Graves, PhD, is a Humanities and Global Studies faculty member at WCC and a first-generation college graduate. Drawing on an interdisciplinary background in the arts, humanities, and education, he examines how beauty can act as a form of reconnection in a world marked by fragmentation. His work considers the ways institutions, communities, and identities are shaped by the judgments we make about what is beautiful and what is not. In this talk, Kei invites us to broaden our understanding of beauty as a force that shapes belonging and signals who we choose to stand with. By challenging our assumptions, he proposes that beauty becomes not a luxury, but a practice that opens the door to connection and shared hope.

Michael M. White, Ed.D., is a leader whose journey from the streets of Ypsilanti to global professional arenas reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and community empowerment. A U.S. Army veteran and longtime corporate trainer, he has spent over two decades developing leaders, managing large‑scale projects, and creating workforce programs that open doors for others. Michael’s dedication to youth and community is reflected in his work with Connecting Academics, the nonprofit he founded to support education, human rights advocacy, and mentorship. His service includes scholarship initiatives, international professional work, and hands‑on efforts to meet local needs through food distribution, school support, and youth guidance. In his talk, Michael explores how grounding ourselves in data, facts, information, and results can help us reset our assumptions, strengthen our choices, and build pathways toward collective growth and opportunity.

Gail Wolkoff is an educator with decades of experience and the founder of Educate Youth. Raised hearing the words “education is the most important thing,” she came to understand their meaning through her own academic challenges and through listening closely to young people. Gail’s work has spanned classrooms, leadership roles, and community-based education, always centering student voice and lived experience. Her talk explores the power of laughter as a connector, a healer, and a reminder that meaningful change happens beyond one voice, in shared humanity and collective joy.

Jacqueline Cuevas is a community activist serving as a Board Member for Disability Rights Michigan and the Public Relations Chairperson for Self Advocates of Michigan.

Cuevas’ experiences as a disabled person navigating mental health challenges and a seizure disorder shape her commitment as a community and disability rights activist. Her work helps others reimagine what is possible beyond imposed labels, diagnoses and expectations. Cuevas's talk explores the power of personal truth-telling through advocacy, poetry, and daily affirmations to break down restrictive systems and invite collective empowerment.

Her work is grounded in the realities of her community in Southwest Detroit, where she is a small business owner of Junction Party Store and mother of three.