Meet Mister and Miss University of the District of Columbia (2026-2027): Sheval Porter and Esdrizabeth Pereyra Cuello

HBCU Kings and Queens carry more than a title. They carry the culture, the history, and the pride of their entire campus every time they step onto the yard. That is why we at Watch The Yard are launching a new series dedicated to introducing you to the leaders wearing the crown this year, continuing with the University of the District of Columbia.

The 9th Mister University of the District of Columbia Sheval Porter is a junior Cybersecurity major from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., initiated in Fall 2024. Miss University of the District of Columbia Esdrizabeth Pereyra Cuello is a senior Biology major from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and a soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., initiated in Spring 2026. Together, Porter (@shevv.) and Pereyra Cuello (@itsesdri) represent UDC’s Firebird Nation with a shared commitment to community and legacy.

Watch The Yard put out an open call to HBCU Kings and Queens across the country and we were able to interview Porter and Pereyra Cuello about their reign. Read our interview with them:

What motivated you to run for King of your school? Tell us what you campaigned on and what you set out to accomplish once you were crowned.

Sheval Porter: “What motivated me to run for King was my desire to serve, represent, and leave my university better than I found it. As an international student from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, coming to UDC was a major transition for me. I had to adapt to a new country, a new environment, a different culture, and a different educational experience, all while being away from what was familiar to me. At times, that adjustment was difficult, but those experiences helped shape the person and leader I am today. My journey at UDC began as Mister Freshman, continued as Mister Firebird, and ultimately led me to becoming the 9th Mister UDC. Through each position, I realized that leadership is not simply about having a title or wearing a crown. It is about using your position to make someone else’s journey easier. My campaign was built around Leadership, Legacy, and Community, turning leadership into action, legacy into impact, and community into connection. I want to create spaces where students, especially those who may feel like they are trying to find their place, feel seen, heard, and supported. Once crowned, I want my reign to be about more than appearances. I want to encourage mentorship, student engagement, recognition, leadership opportunities, and stronger connections throughout our campus and surrounding community. For me, being King is not about the crown I wear; it is about the lives I touch while wearing it. I want my legacy to be measured by the people I uplifted, the connections I created, and the foundation I left for those who come after me.”

What do you love most about your school, and what would you want someone who has never set foot on your campus to understand about what makes it special?

Sheval Porter: “What I love most about the University of the District of Columbia is the sense of belonging it has given me. Coming from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, as an international student, moving to Washington, D.C. was a major adjustment. I was entering a new country, culture, school, and environment, and there were times when I missed home and wondered where I would fit in. Over time, UDC became a place where I found that sense of belonging. Meeting other Jamaicans on campus and connecting through our culture and shared experiences made me feel at home. At the same time, UDC introduced me to people from so many different backgrounds, helping me grow as both a student and a person. I also love the traditions and spirit that make us Firebirds, from Homecoming and the annual Homecoming Game, to Founders’ Day, campus celebrations, student organizations, and the pride that comes with representing UDC. These traditions bring students together and create memories that become part of our university experience. For me, UDC is more than a place where I earn a degree. It is where I found my voice, built meaningful relationships, connected with my Jamaican community, and found a home away from home. UDC doesn’t just educate you, it gives you a place to belong and a legacy to build.”

How has your school molded you into the person you are today? Take us to a specific moment, person, or experience on your campus that changed you.

Esdrizabeth Pereyra Cuello: “My school has molded me into the person I am today because, from the beginning, I have surrounded myself with people who inspire me to strive for greater. It all started with my career advisor pushing me to apply for the TMCF DevCon Leadership Conference, and I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of the students to attend. Being surrounded by so many high-achieving scholars who were doing incredible things inspired me to strive for better and challenge myself to see what I was truly capable of. This conference also taught me the importance of advocating for yourself and putting yourself in rooms where you may not always feel like you belong, and that sometimes, you have to bring your own seat to the table and remind yourself that you are just as deserving of being in that room as anyone else. This mindset pushed me to strive for leadership positions at my school and ultimately inspired me to run for Miss Junior. Taking that step pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me realize that I am truly capable of achieving anything I put my mind to.”

What does it mean to you to hold this title at an HBCU specifically, and what do you hope students take away from your reign long after you graduate?

Esdrizabeth Pereyra Cuello: “To hold this title at an HBCU means more to me than simply wearing a crown. It means having the opportunity to inspire the next generation of Black and Brown scholars to strive for something greater than themselves. It means showing students that these opportunities are here for them to take advantage of, and that they should never be afraid to showcase what they do best. What I want students to take away from my reign long after I graduate is the importance of not conforming to what is expected of you. There will always be work to be done, and I hope to leave behind a legacy that encourages students to stay true to themselves and their values, while also choosing to surround themselves with people who genuinely pour into them. Ultimately, I want students to know that they have the power to create their own path, make their own impact, and leave this university better than they found it.”

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Sheval Porter and Esdrizabeth Pereyra Cuello for the way they are already leading with heart at the University of the District of Columbia. Here’s to a reign built on community, legacy, and pride in the Firebird. Congratulations, Mister and Miss University of the District of Columbia. We wish you a successful and impactful reign.

(Photo Credit: capturedbyomo)