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Speakers |
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Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe
Founder/Executive
Director
SAAB (Student African American Brotherhood)
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Dr. Bledsoe resides in Toledo, Ohio and
serves as Special Assistant to the
President at The University of
Toledo. He founded
SAAB in the
fall of 1990 on the campus of Georgia
Southwestern State University responding
to the needs of African American males
at the university.
Dr. Tyrone
Bledsoe was born and raised in Grenada,
Mississippi. He received his Bachelor’s
of Arts Degree and his Master’s of
Education degree from Mississippi State
University. Additionally, he graduated
from the University of Georgia with a
Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Affairs
Administration and was chosen as the
Outstanding Doctoral Student
in the State of Georgia and was most
recently recognized as the
Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus by
the University of Georgia. He has held
the following positions:
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Financial Consultant for the College
Board’s College Scholarship Service
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Assistant to the Vice President of
Student Affairs at Morehouse College
in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Student Affairs Specialist at The
University of Georgia
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Associate Vice President for Student
Life at Georgia Southwestern State
University in Americus, Georgia
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Assistant Vice Chancellor for
Student Affairs at North Carolina
Central University in Durham, North
Carolina
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Vice President for Enrollment and
Student Services at North Carolina
Wesleyan College and was the
college’s first African American
executive officer
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Associate Vice President/Dean of
Students at Sam Houston State
University
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Associate Dean of the College of
Arts & Sciences/Assistant Professor
at Sam Houston State University
Dr. Bledsoe is
the Executive Director of the
SAAB
National Headquarters to enhance funding
and staffing needs that affect the
mission of the organization.
He is very
active in the arena of higher education
and is highly recognized by several
professional associations for his
research, publications, presentations
and scholarly work. He has been a
keynote presenter and seminar leader for
a large diversity of colleges,
universities, church and fraternal
organizations along with other groups.
He was invited to Oxford, England to
serve as a participant to discuss his
work with African American men at the
Oxford University Roundtable Institute,
which is sponsored by the British
Council.
Through his
consulting firm, “2 Care Unlimited”,
he is deemed as one of the most exciting
and dynamic motivational presenters by
the thousands who have had the privilege
of hearing him speak. |
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Mr. Lasana Hotep
Founder and Principal Owner
Lasana O. Hotep Consultants
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Lasana Omar Hotep
is a researcher, consultant and
entrepreneur with a commitment to inciting critical
thought about society, culture and politics. He
delivers presentations that are informational,
inspirational and at their best, transformational.
Lasana has a diverse educational, organizational and
professional background that allows him to relate to
different groups on various levels. He received his
Bachelors of Arts Degree with a double major in
Speech Communications and History from Texas State
University – San Marcos in May 1997. During his
four-year tenure at Texas State University , he
served as president of three campus organizations.
As a student activist Lasana developed and
participated in a host of political, community
service and social activities. To compliment his
formal education, in 1999, he embarked on 15-day
educational tour of Egypt spanning from Cairo to
Aswan ( Nubia ).
Professionally, he has worked as an Associate
Producer for KXAN-TV News, Vice-President of PCS (a
wireless phone chain), and instructed children as a
fifth grade teacher at the New World Learning
Center. He also used his executive management skills
as the Director of Sales and Marketing for
IMAGENATION Marketing Group.
Currently, Lasana is the founder, principal owner
and Lead Consultant of Lasana O. Hotep Consultants.
He also serves as Program Coordinator of the African
American Men of Arizona State University Program (AAMASU)
at Arizona State University in Tempe , Arizona. |
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Mr. Robert Jackson
Author,
Motivational Speaker & Trainer
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Robert
Jackson, a Motivational Speaker, Trainer
and author of the forthcoming No More
Excuses, Black Men Stand Up! is an award
winning Specialty Rep with Teva
Pharmaceuticals. He ranked in the top
5% in the country in his sales force and
received 13 awards with GlaxoSmithKline
(GSK) Pharmaceuticals and served on the
Diversity Board. Robert is Six Sigma
Certified and worked as Lead Program
Manager with the Indianapolis Housing
Agency for six years where he
successfully ran a basketball program
with over 150 men between the ages of 16
and 30, while teaching them life skills,
job preparation, college prep, and
interview skills. After completing the
program, over 80 percent of the
participants either enrolled back in
school or found employment. He also
taught Information Technology and
coached several state finalists,
including a state champion in track at
Arlington High School in Indianapolis.
Robert
received his BS, Industrial Technology
degree from Western Kentucky University
where he lettered four years in both
football and track. A former Minnesota
Vikings running back, Robert has
remained deeply rooted in his commitment
to serve his community. Mr. Jackson is a
member of the Indianapolis Alumni
chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,
Inc where he is Kappa League Chair over
six high schools mentoring young men.
He is also a member of the Wellness
Committee with 100 Black Men of
Indianapolis, National Sales Network (NSN),
National Black MBA Association and the
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
Robert speaks
about conflict resolution, parenting in
the new millennium, relationships, sex
education and at risk youth. He has
presented at workshops for Indianapolis
Public Schools, The Indiana Commission
on the Social Status of Black Males,
Mayor’s Youth Summit, and many more. He
is also a certified fitness trainer. He
has received numerous awards including
“Who’s Who in Black Indianapolis,”
Charles Schwab partnership award,
Indianapolis Private Industry Council
Leadership Award, Governor’s Voluntary
Action Award and Indianapolis
Professional Association Award. He has
also trained sales reps to be top
performers.
Robert’s
motto is, “If you aren’t part of the
solution, then you are part of the
problem.” |
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Mr. Alonzo Jones
Associate Dean of Student Life
Arizona State University
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Alonzo Jones's lectures and workshops address
contemporary issues such as the state of secondary
and higher education, and popular culture's impact
on shaping the priorities of young urban youth. His
aim is to develop future leadership with the skills
and orientation to preserve and improve African
American life, future, and community within a larger
complex and highly individualistic nation. His
presentations are intellectual and passionate.
Participants will feel inspired and prepared with
practical skills to return to their campuses and
communities armed for change. Alonzo holds a
bachelor's degree in Justice Studies from Arizona
State University and a Master's degree in
Developmental Education from Southwest Texas State
University. His professional career has been spent
managing and developing programs within a higher
education setting to combat the problematic
enrollment, retention and graduation rates of Black,
Latino, and Native American youth. Currently, Alonzo
Jones is the Associate Dean of Student Life at
Arizona State University (ASU) and the founder of
Apoch Programs, a life’s skills training program for
youth based community organizations and
institutions. |
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Justin Jones-Fosu
President-CEO of JSoultions |
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Jones-Fosu, 26, MBA student, received
national recognition from Ebony magazine in
"Young Leaders Under 30 on the Rise" in
February. In May, Jones-Fosu will be named
the 2008 University of Baltimore
Distinguished Student Entrepreneur of the
Year.
Jones-Fosu, who works with the Merrick
School of Business Entrepreneurial
Opportunity Center (EOC), attributes his
success to three areas of involvement at UB:
the joint MBA program, the EOC and the
Leadership Certification Program.
"The award
from Ebony magazine reflects all the
tremendous entrepreneurial resources and
mentoring at UB" said Jones-Fosu, CEO and
founder of JS Training Solutions, the
company he formed to conduct workshops on
leadership, professional development and
career development.
"I attribute
this success to the EOC, the Leadership
Program, UB professors, students, alumni…all
these influences helped me receive this
recognition, and it reflects on all of
them," he said.
Jones-Fosu is
also a T. Rowe Price training coordinator
and a member of both the Golden Key National
Honor Society and the Beta Gamma Sigma
Business Honor Society. He has a 3.68 GPA. |
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Mr. Robert Page
Director of Multicultural Affairs
University of Kansas
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Robert N. Page Jr. is currently the Director of the
Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of
Kansas. He has worked in postsecondary education for
over 14 years and specializes in retention and
recruitment programs for students of color,
diversity training and awareness, conference
coordination, and budgeting and strategic planning
and the motivation of all students to achieve at
their highest potential.
In
his current position at the University of Kansas,
Robert oversees and supervises an office that
assists with academic progress and leadership
development. He develops the budget for the Office
of Multicultural Affairs and plans all programs
related to the office. He has overall responsibility
of all programs in the Office of Multicultural
Affairs including; the stEp Program, a mentor
program that focuses on tutoring and mentoring, the
Multicultural Resource Center and the HAWK Link
retention program for students of color.
Robert has conducted countless workshops, seminars
and keynotes on many issues with a focus on
multiculturalism. Certified and trained through the
National Multicultural Institute and the Institute
on Racial Justice, his areas of expertise include;
multiracial identity; dominant culture privilege;
training and curriculum design, equitable policies
and practices, multicultural education, multilingual
issues, inclusive decision-making processes,
multicultural curriculum training, cultural
communication and a specific focus on "Cycle of
Socialization Theory".
The founder of such programs as the Black Greek
Leadership Conference, Minority & Friends Network at
the Oshkosh Placement Exchange, African American
Male Summit, the Tunnel of Oppression Diversity
Activity, Thankful Consultants Inc., his successes
are attributed to people that he has worked with.
Robert holds a Master of Science in Counseling from
Central Missouri State University. He is a member of
the National Association of Student Personnel
Administrators and the Association of College
Personnel Administrators, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Inc and the proud father of two daughters Morgan and
Madison Page. |
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Dr. Joe Seabrooks
President ,
Metropolitan Community College-Blue River
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Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Dr.
Joseph Seabrooks Jr. joined the
Metropolitan Community College – Blue
River in September 2007 as President. As
President he is working hard to make
himself accessible to students, faculty,
staff and community constituencies. Dr.
Seabrooks is committed to the mission of
the community college and creating more
affordable higher educational
opportunities to people who have
historically be under-represented.
Prior to joining MCC-Blue River, he
served as the Assistance Vice Chancellor
for Student Affairs at the University of
Arkansas-Fayetteville. His
accountabilities included the Enhanced
Learning Center, First Year Experience
Programs, International Students &
Scholars, Off Campus Connections’
Office, Student Support Services, and
Pre-College Programs. Prior to joining
the University of Arkansas, Dr.
Seabrooks served the University of
Missouri-Kansas City for over a decade
in numerous capacities, including
Assistant Director for Alumni and
Constituent Relations, Director of
Minority Student Affairs and Executive
Director for the Diversity In Action
Office. He holds a Bachelors degree in
Psychology, a Masters and Educational
Specialist degree in Higher Education
Administration and an Interdisciplinary
PhD in Urban Leadership and Policy
Studies and Education Administration,
all earned at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City.
Dr.
Seabrooks’ most resent recognition
includes:
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2006
Empowering Leadership &
Strengthening Diversity Award –
Presented by the Missouri
Association of Blacks in Higher
Education
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2005
Joseph Seabrooks Leadership Award -
Presented by The African American
Student Union, University of
Missouri-Kansas City
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2004
Individual Achievement Award -
Presented by Blacks In Government -
Kansas City Chapter
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2003
Time Well Spent Award - Time Well
Spent Award presented by the United
Minority Media Association
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2002
Student Advisor of the Year -
Presented by the UMKC Student
Government Association
Dr.
Seabrooks is the loving husband of
Leslie and the father of a two beautiful
sons, Joseph III, and Jackson James who
he affectionately refers to as his
“Greatest Accomplishment.” |
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Mr.
Bryant Smith
Founder and President
Smith Consulting
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Bryant Smith
currently serves as the Founder and President of
Smith Consulting and Networking a comprehensive
training, development, and consulting firm. He is
also the author of “Black Not Blind” a social
commentary on race relations in the United States.
Known as outspoken and dynamic, Mr. Smith is a
highly sought after lecturer and facilitator. Bryant
Smith dares to follow his motto and tackle subject
matter that may be “difficult but not impossible” to
talk about. Known for his ability to meet audiences
where they are and take them to where they need to
be Bryant’s programs always leave his audiences
feeling empowered to face whatever challenges life
may bring.
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Dr. Jamie Washington
President/Founder, Washington Consulting Group
a Multicultural Organizational Development Firm |
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Dr. Jamie Washington serves as the
President and Founder of the Washington
Consulting Group, a Multicultural
Organizational Development Firm out of
Baltimore, MD. He is also a senior
consultant with The Equity Consulting
Group of California, and Elsie Y. Cross
and Associates out of Philadelphia. Dr.
Washington has served as an educator and
administrator in higher education for
over 18 years. He most recently served
as the Assistant Vice President for
Student Affairs at the University of
Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). He has
been an instructor in Sociology,
American Studies and Education, and an
Assistant Professor of Women’s Studies
at UMBC. As a native Philadelphian, Dr.
Washington earned his B.S. degree in
Therapeutic Recreation and Music from
Slippery Rock State College, and a
double Masters' of Science degree from
Indiana University/Bloomington in Higher
Education Administration and Counseling,
with a concentration in Human Sexuality.
His Doctorate is in College Student
Development, with a concentration in
Multicultural Education from the
University of Maryland College Park.
Currently, Dr. Washington is a senior
seminarian in the Masters of Divinity
program at Howard University School of
Divinity in Washington DC.
Dr. Washington is a founding faculty member of
the Social Justice Training Institute - a weeklong
trainer development program focusing on the
professional and personal development of
practitioners in their skills and competencies in
designing and facilitating diversity awareness. This
program has drawn participants in higher education,
business, and social service agencies from across
the country. Some of Dr. Washington's honors include
a Mayoral Citation as one of Baltimore’s Men of the
Year, the 2001 American College Personnel
Association Diamond Honoree award for significant
contribution to higher education and student affairs
work, and a 2002 Voices of Inclusion Award for his
work in the area of social justice education. He
bring over 30 years of experience in music ministry
and currently serves on the ministerial Staff of
Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore and is
candidate for ordination.
Dr. Washington is a nationally known speaker,
consultant and trainer on Diversity, Leadership,
Spirituality, Organizational Change and Community
Development Issues. His programs are interactive,
motivational, and inclusive. Dr. Washington has a
way of engaging participants that will foster
effective change in both their personal and
organizational lives. A representative listing of
some of his clients include: Shell Oil Corporation,
First Union Bank, Wachovia Bank, Boston Bank, Bayer
Pharmaceuticals, St. Paul Insurance Companies,
California AAA Association, and Leadership Detroit.
Sample programs and keynote speaking presentations
include:
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Leadership and Diversity in the 21st Century: A
Student Government Imperative
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Finding the Spirit within: Exploring our
Spirituality as We Lead
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Who Moved My Cheese: Managing Organizational
Change
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Honest Dialogue Across Race
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One More River to Cross: The Intersection of
Racism and Heterosexism
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Understanding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender Issues
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Conflicts Within: Working with Historically
Oppressed Populations on Healing and Action
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Diversity Challenges and Opportunities in Greek
Systems
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Programming with Diversity in Mind
Dr. Washington will design the program that you
need or refer you to someone who can. His network of
consultants brings a broad base of professional and
life experience. From orientation activities, to
staff development, leadership training, and crisis
management Dr. Washington will work with you to make
your programs and initiatives a success.
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