KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 

Rev. Erica D. Smith

Erica D. Smith is a mechanical engineer with extensive leadership experience in academics and public service. She formerly represented North Carolina’s Senate District 3,  comprised of 8 rural counties in eastern NC from 2014-2020 and  was the first woman to serve the district. Following 10-plus years  of a successful career as an engineer in the private and government sectors, Erica decided to serve humanity as a public  school educator – inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

For the last 20 years, Erica has taught high school math, chemistry and physics before serving in her current  position as a Secondary Math Instructional Specialist, earning distinctions as School and Division Teacher of  the Year, as well as Instructional Leadership Awards for guiding her students to 100% pass rates in Chemistry,  Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra 2 from 2005-2017.

Erica is an alumnus of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. She earned her Bachelor of  Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University  where she served as student body president, chaplain for the university marching band, and member of Pi Tau  Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Fraternity. She earned her Master of Art in Religious Studies, with  highest honors, from Howard University School of Divinity. In 2007, Erica was conferred with her Doctorate of  Ministry, Honoris Causa, from Eastern North Carolina Christian College & Seminary. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision at Virginia State University.

She is an ordained  member of the clergy, social justice and equity builder, and an education and technology policy advocate. Erica  resides in Henrico, NC, where she is blessed to share four sons and one granddaughter.

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BANQUET MENU

Green Leaf Salad with vinaigrette dressing

Fresh baked rolls

Fresh fruit

Charcuterie: cheese and crackers tray

Baked chicken

Roast beef and gravy

Roasted garlic parmesan mashed potatoes

Five cheese mac & cheese

Garlicky green beans with smoked turkey and roasted vegetables

Sweet tea, lemonade, bottled water

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SPONSORS

Southern Coastal Collision • Jerome Steak & Seafood Restaurant • Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation • Capital Nissan • Dosher Memorial Hospital • Focus Broadband • Gary Stanley Towing Company