Dr. Brandi Scott is a seasoned higher education administrator with over fifteen years of experience leading organizations and building strong, collaborative, and effective teams. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations clarify their goals and create actionable plans to achieve them.
Brandi holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and brings specialized training as a SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) facilitator, an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) facilitator, and a certified salary negotiation trainer through the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Work Smart & Start Smart programs.
As the founder of her own consulting and coaching practice, Brandi supports individuals navigating career transitions and professional growth. She also partners with teams and organizations to drive change, foster belonging, and address conflict with intention and care.

Karl Uzcategui [Name/They Series] serves as the Associate Director of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs at Fairfield University, where they oversee peer education, mentoring, and LGBTQ+ initiatives. A doctoral candidate researching second-generation American identity and belonging in higher education, Karl integrates restorative practice, servant leadership, and student development theory into their approach to coaching. Beyond Fairfield, Karl serves as Governor-Elect for the New England & Bermuda District of Kiwanis International and as Co-Chair of NASPA’s Success Coaching Knowledge Community.

D’Najah Pendergrass Thomas (She/Her) is a practitioner whose work is centered around organizational behavior with a focus on recruitment, professional development, and career advancement. Committed to helping organizations and communities bring about transformational change in these areas, she currently serves as director of The Placement Exchange (TPE) - a partnership of ACUHO-I and NASPA, in collaboration with NACA, NODA, ASCA, and AFA. 

Stephanie A. Gordon, Ed.D. is the Vice President for Strategy and Impact at NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she leads efforts in VPSA programs, corporate development, global impact, consulting programs, and strategic planning. Since joining NASPA in 2003, she has held key leadership roles, shaping professional development and advancing strategic priorities.

Before NASPA, Gordon held leadership positions in residence life, first-year programs, and admissions at Chatham University, Colgate University, and Simmons College. Her research focuses on the competencies of chief student affairs officers and the persistence of first-generation students. She is also a published author in the student affairs field.

Gordon holds an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania, an EdM from Harvard University, and a BA from Simmons College. She is mom to Benjamin, a joyful 5-year-old, and Sadie, a spirited Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle.

Monica Nixon brings to NASPA three decades of experience in higher education administration and a commitment to creating student-ready institutions where all students can thrive. Monica serves the non-profit association NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education as Vice President for Community, Access & Professional Pathways. Previously she served in student affairs, DEI, and administrative leadership roles at Saint Joseph’s University, Seattle University, Colgate University, the University of Puget Sound, and the University of Virginia. 

Monica earned her B.A. in English in 1995 and M.Ed. in Counselor Education in 1999 from the University of Virginia. In 2013 she earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington, where her dissertation focused on the positionality and agency of women of color chief diversity officers in higher education institutions. Monica co-authored a chapter in the 2012 NASPA-published book Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Higher Education and served actively as a member with NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, ACPA – College Student Educators International, and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.