The 2016 Leadership Conference at Troy University this weekend will welcome television personality Jasmine Guy as the keynote speaker at its Saturday luncheon.

Guy is highly regarded as an actor, dancer and director and has enjoyed a diverse career in television, theater and film.

Guy began her professional career at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. She starred on Broadway in several productions and then landed the role of Whitley Gilbert on the popular television show, “A Different World.” She won six consecutive NAACP Image Awards for her portrayal of Gilbert.

Her other television appearances included “Melrose Place,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”

Shelia Jackson, City of Troy public relations director, said Guy directed the world premiere of the opera, “I Dream” at Atlanta’s Alliance Theater.

The opera celebrated the life and journey of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Jasmine Guy is a familiar name to many people because she was such a popular television personality,” Jackson said.

“We know her as the funny girl on television but she’s had her ups and downs in life and she’s learned from them. She shares her experiences in hopes that others can learn from them just as she has.

“Jasmine Guy is still growing, changing, exploring and learning and she will challenge us and motivate us as community leaders, to do the same.”

Jackson said Guy is an outstanding motivational speaker. She has traveled throughout the United States and has spoken to diverse audiences from conventions to churches and from universities to high schools.

“She has a passion for the arts and she is committed to service,” Jackson said. “She is an outstanding choice as the keynote speaker for the Leadership Conference luncheon.”

The luncheon will be held at noon Saturday in the Trojan Center Ballroom.

Tickets for the 2016 Leadership Conference on Friday and Saturday at Troy University are $30 for the weekend and include the closing luncheon on Saturday and a reception from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday at the Johnson Center for the Arts. The reception features the artwork of Alabama artists Darius Hill and Scott Meyer.

Leadership Conference tickets may be purchased online at troy.edu/leadershipconference or by calling the Troy Tourism and Public Relations Office at 334-670-2283 or on site at 113 North Market Street in Troy.

The 2016 Leadership Conference is sponsored by Troy University and the City of Troy.