Speakers

  • Dr. Norman Collins Sr.

    Dr. Norman L. V. Collins, Sr. is a seasoned and capable public speaker and author who seeks to develop and promote holistic wellness and success to individuals everywhere.

    His wide range of occupational experiences include a counselor, a former pastor for more than 15 years, an administrator, an educator, a mental health professional, a workforce developmental professional, and a consultant. His proudest accomplishment is the beautiful legacy of his 7 children (5 daughters and 2 sons), and 25 grandchildren.

    Dr. Collins launched his first entrepreneurial venture, H4U2 Consulting LLC, where he provides motivational speaking, success empowerment, and consulting to reach out to other individuals recovering from various life challenges, tragedies and circumstances and who seek success. He is currently employed as the Apprenticeship Coordinator and Work-based Learning Instructor at Durham Technical Community College in Durham, North Carolina.

    Dr. Collins is also a published author and playwright. His community involvement includes his membership of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and an active volunteer with Kids and Cars where he advocates for the safety of children in and around hot cars, and the passing of the Hot Cars Act which would mandate auto manufacturers to install sensors in new vehicles to detect the presence of a life in the rear seats after the ignition has been disengaged and the driver has exited the car. He recently received the Highway Safety Hero’s Award in December 2022 from the Advocates for Highway Safety in Washington, DC as well as a “Men That Win” award from Total Entertainment in Winston Salem, NC.

  • Tyrice Lollis

    Tyrice Lollis is a husband, father, mental health advocate and actor from Wichita, Kansas, currently residing in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. He co-founded the Black Men's Locker to provide black men with a safe space for to discuss mental health, wellness, success, growth, healing and accountability. A space where Black Men can find support and solutions among Black Men.

    The focus is to shine a light on the importance of saving the lives of black men and focusing on our mental health. Throughout history, black men have faced numerous challenges, from systemic racism to limited access to resources and support. Tyrice Lollis believes it crucial that we recognize these struggles, build solutions and work towards creating a society where black men can thrive and flourish. The group started with 53 Black Men from Wichita and Atlanta. The group now has over 11,700 active members worldwide. Tyrice is committed to making a difference in the lives of black men by empowering them, promoting mental well-being, and creating safe spaces for open conversations. By doing so, we can ensure that every black man feels seen, heard, and supported.

  • Marisha Mathis

    Marisha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. An alumnus of North Carolina Central University, her personal experiences, educational background, field experiences, and observation are the backdrop of her passions. She published her first book on Mental Health Awareness, Big Mama Was Wrong, in 2021. She has been featured on CBS 17 and WDTV newscasts as a resource for Mental Health.

    For over 10 years, Marisha has worked with children and families, veterans, adolescents, persons experiencing homelessness, and the geriatric population in various settings and environments. She enjoys spreading Mental Health Awareness and fosters growth by intertwining purpose, creativity, and knowledge to build rapport, educate, treat, and advocate.

  • Kervin Searles

    Kervin K. Searles is a native of Greenwood, SC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Anderson University and a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Gravity Counseling Group which provides mental health counseling and guidance to those seeking assistance developing coping skills to counteract undesired behaviors and emotions.

    My past experience in therapy allows me to help with excessive worry, anger, and conflict in relationships. Although I have worked with a wide range of diagnoses and treatment goals, my greatest passion is aiding men experiencing anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationship issues. He is married to Malinda Searles (member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.) and they reside in Greenwood with their four children. He loves spending time with family, playing fantasy football, listening to podcasts, and 90s R&B. One of his favorite sayings, "When we learn how to love, we'll know how to live (author unknown)."