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On this special episode of Xavier Gold Live, co hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford launch “The Commencement Series”, highlighting exceptional members of Xavier University of Louisiana’s Class of 2026. This episode will feature Reginald King ’26 and Keziah-Yvonne Smith ’26.

Reginald King ’26, a Chicago native and Accounting graduate, leaves Xavier with a legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and student engagement. Through his work with the Pre-Alumni Council, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and various campus initiatives, Reginald played an important role in strengthening the Xavier community and fostering connections between students and alumni. This fall, he will continue his academic journey at Columbia University, where he will pursue a Master of Science in Strategic Communication.

Joining him is Keziah-Yvonne Smith ’26, a Summa Cum Laude Political Science graduate from St. Louis, Missouri, who made Xavier history as the university’s first-ever Truman Scholar. A passionate advocate for public service, civic engagement, and social justice, Keziah served in numerous leadership roles across campus while building a legacy of activism and community impact. This fall, she will attend Columbia University as an HBCU Fellow to pursue a Master’s in Political Analytics before continuing her path toward a career in civil rights and voting rights law.

Join us as Reginald and Keziah reflect on their Xavier journeys, discuss the experiences that shaped them as student leaders, share their plans for the future, and offer advice to the next generation of Xavierites. This episode celebrates the excellence, service, and lasting impact of the Class of 2026 and the bright futures that lie ahead for these distinguished graduates.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Ayo Scott ‘03, a proud Xavier University of Louisiana alumnus whose work transforms art into a powerful tool for storytelling, liberation, and cultural preservation. Rooted in the spirit of New Orleans, Ayo’s paintings honor the culture bearers who keep the city alive through movement, music, tradition, and joy; from Mardi Gras Indians and second line dancers to the everyday people who shape the culture of the city.

Known for his layered style of “disrupted realism,” Ayo shares how history, memory, photography, and community influence his creative process and artistic vision. He also reflects on documenting New Orleans traditions, leading youth-centered community projects, and growing up in a legendary artistic legacy as the son of acclaimed sculptor John T. Scott, while creating a voice entirely his own.

The conversation explores creativity, identity, fatherhood, and the power of art to preserve memory and inspire connection. Through his work, Ayo Scott reminds listeners that art is more than expression yet it is culture, history, and a reflection of the people who continue to shape the soul of New Orleans.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Damon L. Williams, Jr. ‘01, a nationally recognized facilitator, speaker, and innovator for change. With over 20 years of cross-sector leadership across higher education, corporate, and nonprofit spaces, Damon is known for bringing people together, turning big ideas into action, and driving meaningful, lasting impact.

Throughout his career, Damon has led transformative work focused on building inclusive talent pipelines, strengthening organizational culture, and advancing equity through research, partnerships, and practice. His leadership spans roles such as Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff for Community Relations at the University of Kentucky and inaugural Associate Dean at Northwestern University for Graduate Education, where he helped create pathways for belonging, economic opportunity, and community impact.

He has also led nationally recognized diversity and inclusion initiatives at Emory University, Northwestern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana, along with earlier experience across finance, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications industries.

A proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Damon holds a B.S. in Psychology, along with advanced degrees from Tulane University and Fontbonne University, and executive education credentials from Cornell, Northwestern, and Emory University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Leadership and Innovation at New York University and is also an alumnus of Harvard University’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Education.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Dr. Natasha Fievre ‘98, a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and the Director of Outpatient Women’s Health Services at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. In addition to providing patient care, she also mentors residents in the hospital’s OB-GYN residency program.

Dr. Fievre earned her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University and completed her residency at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, where she served as Chief Resident. A Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, she has also contributed to the field through medical publications.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Fievre is passionate about community service, hosting community baby showers and participating in medical missions that provide free obstetrical and gynecological care. Trilingual in Creole, French, and English, she is committed to expanding access to women’s health care and serving diverse communities.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Okyeame Haley ‘95, a proud Xavier University of Louisiana alumnus. An attorney whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, justice, and mentorship. With more than two decades of experience in the legal field, Okyeame has built a career grounded in advocacy, integrity, and community impact.

A New Orleans native, Okyeame earned his undergraduate degree from Xavier before going on to receive his Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and an LL.M. in Taxation from Washington University School of Law. He has practiced law in Louisiana focusing on tax and business matters and has served in roles that support judicial integrity and civic responsibility. From 2010-2013, he served as Director of Planned Giving and faculty in the Division of Business at Xavier, where he merged his legal expertise with mentorship and institutional leadership.

Okyeame’s passion for empowering others and honoring Xavier’s mission shines through as he reflects on the role education plays in shaping purpose-driven leaders. His story embodies the Xavier tradition—using knowledge, faith, and service to create lasting change and uplift communities.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Quo Vadis “QV” Webster, a double Xavier alumna, licensed professional counselor, and longtime Director of the Premedical Program at Xavier University of Louisiana. For over twenty-five years, QV has played a pivotal role in shaping the journey of Xavier’s pre-health students, guiding them through the academic, personal, and professional demands of preparing for careers in medicine and other health fields.

A New Orleans native with degrees in chemistry and counseling from Xavier, QV leads the Premedical Office, one of the University’s most important student support units, providing structured advising, application preparation, and mentorship that begin as early as freshman year. Her leadership continues a legacy dating back to the foundational work of Dr. JW Carmichael, Jr., helping Xavier remain a national leader in producing Black medical school applicants and graduates.

QV’s dedication, clarity, and unwavering belief in Xavier students shine through as she shares insights from decades of service. Her story reflects mentorship, mission, and the Xavier tradition of preparing leaders committed to service and justice.

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In this special episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Dr. Clarence A. Becknell, Sr., a distinguished Xavier alumnus of the Classes of 1976, 1981, and 2023. A lifelong educator, military leader, historian, and dedicated servant of the Xavier community, Dr. Becknell’s journey reflects decades of commitment to learning, leadership, and uplifting others.

From his early beginnings at Xavier University Preparatory High School to earning multiple degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Becknell has served as a teacher, principal, education program manager, and national guard officer, ultimately retiring with 40 years of military service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has also held a powerful role in the cultural life of New Orleans, serving as a historian and community leader, most notably through the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, where he is recognized as Historian Emeritus.

Dr. Becknell shares what it means to serve with purpose, lead with integrity, and remain steadfast in deep Xavier values across every chapter of life. His story is one of consistency, faith, discipline, and legacy—an example of what it truly means to be a Xavierite for life.

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On this episode of the Xavier Gold Live podcast, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Xavier alumnus Dr. Michael Young ’94, a dedicated anesthesiologist and healthcare leader whose work reflects excellence, faith, and service. He shares his journey from Xavier student to medical professional, highlighting how the lessons learned on campus continue to guide him in the operating room and beyond. Through his story, Dr. Young offers insight into the discipline, compassion, and purpose that define both his career and his character—reminding us that the Xavier mission lives on through every life he touches.

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