HIGHLIGHTS: 2021 LEADERSHIP RETREAT
SPECIAL SPEAKERS
session descriptions
session descriptions
During these national convenings, we engage Black alumni leaders and university presidents in our conversations and work. Click here for an overview of speakers and guests who will join us.
session descriptions
session descriptions
session descriptions
Learn more here about our Six Core Sessions, which all reflect our mission-based Six Pillars of Impact. Each session will be led by a Black alumni association/council/group that will share best practices and learnings.
Retreat agenda
session descriptions
Retreat agenda
Our Planning Committee has created an amazing experience to engage Black alumni and student leaders from schools across the country. For a summary of the 3-day retreat, visit here.
HAPPY HOUR AND ALUMNI GAME NIGHT
HAPPY HOUR AND ALUMNI GAME NIGHT
HAPPY HOUR AND ALUMNI GAME NIGHT
For both Friday and Saturday nights, we'll partake in friendship, fellowship, and fun. We also have customized recipes for mocktails and cocktails - click here to learn more!
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
HAPPY HOUR AND ALUMNI GAME NIGHT
HAPPY HOUR AND ALUMNI GAME NIGHT
We'll offer five concurrent sessions for various groups of Black alumni leaders and students. Visit here to learn more.
nationwide community service
HAPPY HOUR AND ALUMNI GAME NIGHT
nationwide community service
We will begin designing a community service initiative that all Black Alumni associations from universities across the country can participate in this year. Click here to learn more.
core SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
CREATING A PIPELINE OF BLACK LEADERS
Addressing Racial Inequities During a Pandemic through Philanthropic Efforts
Addressing Racial Inequities During a Pandemic through Philanthropic Efforts
When Black people are present at the table, everyone wins! Join American University Black Alumni Alliance This session will help alliances and associations strategize ways to engage possible leaders within their general body, plan for the succession of current leaders, and create opportunities for Black leaders in volunteer positions throughout their colleges and universities.
Panelists:
- Bruce Alexander, Past President, Citadel African American Alumni Association
- Kendall Hall, Chair, Rutgers African American Alumni Alliance
- Jonathan Mathis, Ph.D., President, American University Alumni Board
Presenter: Kathy Russell: Chair, American University Black Alumni Alliance
Addressing Racial Inequities During a Pandemic through Philanthropic Efforts
Addressing Racial Inequities During a Pandemic through Philanthropic Efforts
Addressing Racial Inequities During a Pandemic through Philanthropic Efforts
With a goal to have a $1,000,000 endowment by 2024, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Black Alumni Council's philanthropy committee used 2020 as an opportunity to foster current relationships within the university, while simultaneously strategizing on how to engage and re-engage UT’s Black alumni base.
During this session, Jade and NeKeshia will discuss how they planned all of their giving efforts and Council programming around one goal. They will give insight on how alumni leaders can plan and advocate for their respective councils, while building better relationships between themselves and their respective institutions.
Presenters: NeKeshia Jones & Jade Newton, Board Members, University of Tennessee Black Alumni
Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation
Addressing Racial Inequities During a Pandemic through Philanthropic Efforts
The Three R’s: Student Recruitment, Retention, and Reenlistment
In this session hosted by Duke Black Alumni,
Dr. Charmaine Royal, who is the Director of the Duke TRHT Center, will share guidance and insight around the following objectives, which are key in advancing Black alumni leadership both on campus and beyond.
- Uncover, produce, and share accurate and complete narratives about race and racism.
- Cultivate relationships that celebrate our common humanity, embrace our diversity, and expand the circles of individuals willing to work towards transformation.
- Foster lasting change wherein every life has equal value.
Presenter: Dr. Charmaine Royal, Director of the Duke TRHT Center
The Three R’s: Student Recruitment, Retention, and Reenlistment
Working effectively with University Administration: It's More Than Homecoming!
The Three R’s: Student Recruitment, Retention, and Reenlistment
Join The Citadel African American Alumni Association (CA4) in this conversation around strengthening and enhancing student recruitment and retention.
As Black alumni leaders, we must inspire high schoolers to achieve greatness in higher education, beginning with our alma maters.
Neither can do it alone. This session will provide an overview of the R’s: Student Recruitment, Retention and Reenlistment. Thanks for joining!
Presenters: Bruce Alexander (Immediate Past President) & Alvin Perkins (Board Member), CA4
UPLIFTING COMMUNITY SERVICE
Working effectively with University Administration: It's More Than Homecoming!
Working effectively with University Administration: It's More Than Homecoming!
We will design a community service initiative that all Black Alumni associations from universities across the country can participate in this year.
We will discuss ideas like the following:
- What social issue area do we want to address (Addressing racism and white supremacy on campus? Student recruitment? Increasing professional opportunities for alumni?)
- How will we measure success?
- What do we want to accomplish as individual Black Alumni associations?
- What do we want to accomplish as a movement?
If you have any ideas that you'd like to submit ahead of time, please contact us here.
Presenters: Qui-Juan Jones, American University Black Alumni Alliance & Allyson Reaves, Black Alumni Collective
Working effectively with University Administration: It's More Than Homecoming!
Working effectively with University Administration: It's More Than Homecoming!
Working effectively with University Administration: It's More Than Homecoming!
This session, organized by College of Charleston Black Alumni Council, will explore how Black alumni can best support the goals of our beloved alma maters by discussing the following:
- How do we strengthen our connection to Alumni Relations offices?
- How do we promote data collection so that information about our alumni remains relevant and accurate?
- how do we enhance our interaction with Advancement offices for the best philanthropic outcomes?
Panelists:
Duke University
- Sanders Adu, Duke Black Alumni Co-Chair
- David Lindquist, Assistant Vice President - Duke Alumni Association at Duke University
Florida State University
- Brandon Bowden, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Florida State University
- Kyle Hires, Florida State University Black Alumni
University of Alabama
- James E. King Jr., PhD | Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- LeNá Powe McDonald, Ph.D. | Director of Internal Relations and UA System Liaison, Alumna
Presenters: Neysa Williams (Black Alumni Council President) & Ann Pryor (Vice President, Alumni Affairs), College of Charleston
special speakers
PRESIDENT Sylvia Burwell
PRESIDENT Sylvia Burwell
PRESIDENT Sylvia Burwell
Sylvia M. Burwell is American University's 15th president and the first woman to serve as president. A visionary leader with experience in the public and private sectors, President Burwell brings to American University a commitment to education and research, the ability to manage large and complex organizations, and experience helping to
Sylvia M. Burwell is American University's 15th president and the first woman to serve as president. A visionary leader with experience in the public and private sectors, President Burwell brings to American University a commitment to education and research, the ability to manage large and complex organizations, and experience helping to advance solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Dr. Aaliyah Samuel
PRESIDENT Sylvia Burwell
PRESIDENT Sylvia Burwell
Dr. Aaliyah Samuel currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for State and Local Engagement in the Office of Communication and Outreach at the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Samuel was most recently a senior fellow and the first woman of color to be appointed in that role at the Center on the developing Child at Harvard Unive
Dr. Aaliyah Samuel currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for State and Local Engagement in the Office of Communication and Outreach at the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Samuel was most recently a senior fellow and the first woman of color to be appointed in that role at the Center on the developing Child at Harvard University and the executive vice president of Government Affairs and Partnerships at NWEA. Aaliyah is a bilingual executive leader with expertise from early childhood through higher education. Aaliyah is a former elementary special education teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Aaliyah has informed state policy agendas, assisted with developing cross systems approaches to develop policy solutions that support children and families and leading systems-level change. Prior to NWEA, Dr. Samuel was the first woman of color to serve as director of education at the National Governors Association (NGA). Aaliyah holds an undergraduate degree from Tuskegee University, a master’s from University of South Florida, and a specialist and doctorate degree from NOVA Southeastern.
ROBERT C. WHITE
Kenasha Paul, J.D.
Kenasha Paul, J.D.
Robert C. White, Jr. is an At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia, Chair of
the Committee on Government Operations and Facilities, and re-appointed as Chair of the
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Board of Directors.
In 2008, Robert went to the United States Congress to serve as Legislative Counsel t
Robert C. White, Jr. is an At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia, Chair of
the Committee on Government Operations and Facilities, and re-appointed as Chair of the
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Board of Directors.
In 2008, Robert went to the United States Congress to serve as Legislative Counsel to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. He served as a lead staffer on congressional oversight hearings related to DC and helped draft legislation to loosen Congress’ grip on the DC government and to give greater autonomy and independence to DC residents. View his remarks here.
Kenasha Paul, J.D.
Kenasha Paul, J.D.
Kenasha Paul, J.D.
Kenasha Paul is the Founder and CEO of The Black Professionals Network (“BPN”), which is a non-profit social learning organization with the mission to advance the economic and social capital of our career professionals. We guide our professionals along thriving pathways that expand their influence, knowledge, and networth.
BPN achieves it
Kenasha Paul is the Founder and CEO of The Black Professionals Network (“BPN”), which is a non-profit social learning organization with the mission to advance the economic and social capital of our career professionals. We guide our professionals along thriving pathways that expand their influence, knowledge, and networth.
BPN achieves its mission in part by providing programming, opportunities and connections. Individuals and companies choose BPN to form a collaborative network under the guiding principle “together each achieves more.”
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (saturday, april 15 at 5:oo pm)
PRESIDENTS' ROUNDTABLE
PRESIDENTS' ROUNDTABLE
PRESIDENTS' ROUNDTABLE
Join a closed session for Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and leaders of Black alumni groups. This session invites the top two decision makers in a Black alumni group to meet with peers from around the country.
Discussions will be very interactive and will focus on some key questions like the following:
- What is the most
Join a closed session for Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and leaders of Black alumni groups. This session invites the top two decision makers in a Black alumni group to meet with peers from around the country.
Discussions will be very interactive and will focus on some key questions like the following:
- What is the most important role that a leader has in his/her Black alumni association?
- How do we balance the dynamics of a Black alumni group with the requirements of university administration?
- What is the true value of philanthropy as a priority?
- How do we motivate Black Alumni to return to their Alma mater and become an active part of their respective associations?
STAFF LEADERS
PRESIDENTS' ROUNDTABLE
PRESIDENTS' ROUNDTABLE
As staff leaders, we are the relationship link between Black alumni leaders and their universities, and our role provides important connectivity in so many ways. Particularly now, when many institutions are focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, our work is more important than ever.
This will be a meaningful session that connects
As staff leaders, we are the relationship link between Black alumni leaders and their universities, and our role provides important connectivity in so many ways. Particularly now, when many institutions are focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, our work is more important than ever.
This will be a meaningful session that connects us and allows us to share our experiences and insight around the following:
- When racially motivated incidents occur on campus, what are some methods that we can use to support Black alumni?
- If we are also alumni of the universities where we work, what are some ways to achieve balance?
- Given the national climate around race relations, what are some ways that non-Black staff leaders can be especially helpful with strengthening relationships and efforts related to Black alumni?
- During the busiest times of year (major campaigns, Homecoming, start of the semester), how do we prioritize self-preservation and self-care?
EMERGING ASSOCIATIONS
PRESIDENTS' ROUNDTABLE
EMERGING ASSOCIATIONS
No matter the phase of Black alumni efforts, we know that our work is so meaningful in engaging both Black alumni and students in the university experience while on campus and after graduation. Black alumni groups organize their work in many ways: reunions, formal associations, regional social groups, councils, committees, and national
No matter the phase of Black alumni efforts, we know that our work is so meaningful in engaging both Black alumni and students in the university experience while on campus and after graduation. Black alumni groups organize their work in many ways: reunions, formal associations, regional social groups, councils, committees, and national chapters. In many cases, our work is led by only a handful of dedicated volunteers! In this session, we'll feature Black alumni leaders from formal associations to walk through the journey of how they formalized their work over time. We'll discuss areas like the following:
- How did you organize national chapters and leadership structure
- What capital/building/campus projects have you been successful with implementing?
- What are the resources and practices needed for a successful series of Black alumni reunions?
BLACK STUDENT LEADERS
BLACK STUDENT LEADERS
BLACK STUDENT LEADERS
True Inclusion is a student-led initiative committed to dismantling systems of oppression so that every student is valued and supported. In this session, they will present how they led the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Honors College at Rutgers University and help students strategize how they can do the same on their campuses.
black professionals
BLACK STUDENT LEADERS
BLACK STUDENT LEADERS
Black Professionals Network (BPN) is the fastest growing college-to-industry professional pathway organizations in the nation lined with access points, opportunities and community for black professionals; curating programs centered on expanding their network, professional development, and earning potential. Learn from Kenasha Paul, Found
Black Professionals Network (BPN) is the fastest growing college-to-industry professional pathway organizations in the nation lined with access points, opportunities and community for black professionals; curating programs centered on expanding their network, professional development, and earning potential. Learn from Kenasha Paul, Founder and CEO, how this network of 10,000 grew out of her work as a Black alumni leader at Florida International University. Special takeaways will focus on how to develop professional networks with our own Black alumni groups, councils, and associations.
nationwide community service effort
Additional Information
We will design a community service initiative that all Black Alumni associations from universities across the country can participate in this year.
We will discuss ideas like the following:
- What social issue area do we want to address (Addressing racism and white supremacy on campus? Student recruitment? Increasing professional opportunities for alumni?)
- How will we measure success?
- What do we want to accomplish as individual Black Alumni associations?
- What do we want to accomplish as a movement?
If you have any ideas that you'd like to submit ahead of time, please contact us here.