The Back to Me Podcast

178. Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Legacy with Coppin’s Campus Aunties

Episode Summary

In celebration of International Women's Day, we were honored to return to Coppin State University at the invitation of Dr. James Stewart, Associate Vice President for Student Development and Achievement. We hosted a special live event to recognize four extraordinary women in higher education, affectionately known as "Coppin's Aunties." This week, we are joined by Ms. Loretta Mask Campbell, Mrs. Vanessa Russell, Dr. Yolanda Savoy, and Dr. Tenyo Pearl. Discover how these remarkable women are transforming the lives of countless students who seek them out for guidance in career development, personal branding, and nonprofit leadership, ultimately building their confidence and driving community engagement. Loretta Mask Campbell, MALS is the Director of Student Experience and she is an organized, motivated professional with more than 20 years in the education arena. She’s passionate about assisting students with realizing their potential and becoming their best self. She’s a successful program manager that has linked resources to form collaborative partnerships yielding success for both partners. She has experience within multiple educational settings, including elementary and higher education. She is an effective outreach professional with the ability to cultivate relationships with community members and stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the proud mother of two young adult children, son, Jalen and daughter Jillian. Vanessa K. Russell, M.A. is the Speech Communications and Freshman Seminar Professor. She is also an Emmy Award-Winning Producer, former television news reporter & radio morning show co-host. With over 20 years' experience in broadcasting, she has covered major news stories across the nation, including one abroad - in Cape Town, South Africa; where she reported on the Post-Apartheid era of education in the country, after the release & presidency of the late President Nelson Mandela. Mrs. Russell has taught at Coppin State University since 2016. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and holds a Master's in Human Services & Counseling from Liberty University, and a Bachelor's in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida. She's a wife, and proud mom to a daughter (graduating college senior) and son (a college junior)! Dr. Yolanda N. Savoy is the Interim Chairperson and Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences. Her scholarship examines the complex interplay between health disparities, behavioral factors, and safety outcomes among underserved populations. Her research develops culturally informed interventions that target social determinants of health across developmental stages, with particular attention to vulnerable groups experiencing systemic inequities. Dr. Savoy's academic endeavors are focused on enhancing health outcomes for both urban and rural communities, particularly for marginalized and underrepresented populations. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has been instrumental in leading health initiatives that promote equitable access to healthcare and foster healthier communities.⁠ Dr. Tenyo Pearl is the Campus Director for the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Pearl is passionate about preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders, change agents, and advocates. Mentorship is at the heart of her work, shaping how she teaches and supports emerging nonprofit professionals. She believes that effective leadership is built on integrity, service, and community engagement. As a proud “campus auntie”, she is honored to guide and uplift Next Gen leaders, offering wisdom, encouragement, and mentorship. Dr. Pearl actively engages students in a number of community-focused initiatives and service-learning activities. One of her signature programs is the annual Hip-Hop Day of Service, held on the third Saturday in November, aligning with Youth Homelessness Awareness Month and Hip-Hop History Month. She embraces hip-hop as a clarion call for action and service, encouraging students to use their voices and talents to create meaningful change in their communities. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Special thanks to Coppin’s fabulous Aunties, Dr. James Stewart, and this incredible university for another powerful experience. To learn more about Coppin State University, connect on IG @thecoppinroom or visit Coppin.edu.