Historically African American, Latino, and multi-cultural Greek fraternal organizations have national and international members at the undergraduate and graduate level of study. Fraternal relationships continue past college and are life-long.  Although the founding principles of these respective organizations may vary, they were founded to promote community awareness, academic achievement, and service to the community.  The panel will examine the participant organizations' local, regional, and national efforts to cultivate the leadership potential of their members in these areas and discuss why fraternities are successful in developing the academic and the professional life of Black and Latino men.   

Featured Panelists:
Steven Cooper
Omega Psi Phi
Amani S. Jennings
Alpha Phi Alpha
Ivan Puente
The Brotherhood and Lambda Sigma Upsilon
Latin Fraternity Inc.
Bryan Rodriguez
Lamda Theta Phi
L-Mani Viney
Kappa Alpha Psi

Moderator
Stephanie Wright, Greek Coordinator at Montclair State University

This workshop will focus on the broader role and specific programs of postsecondary institutions in promoting access and completion of degree programs beyond the high school level.  This workshop will feature a review of institutional programs, initiatives, and strategies for improving the persistence rates and degree attainment rates of Black and Latino males in postsecondary education.

Dr. Chris Catchings
Rutgers Male Group
James Harris
Advisor, Brotherhood/La Hermanidad, Montclair State University
Jermaine Wright
Associate Director of The City University of New York
Black Male Initiative (CUNY BMI)

Moderator
Catherine M. Bolder, M.S. Associate Vice President, Workplace Diversity
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

The notion of capital investment is a cornerstone for economic development and prosperity.  The investment in human potential is sometimes an underutilized and undervalued concept in our society.  Considering the challenges faced by Black and Latino youth, strategic and focused investments are needed to support and to promote their personal, economic, and academic achievement.  The panelists will explore and discuss proven mechanisms for making "human capital investments" to support Black and Latino youth.

Featured Panelists:

Bing Howell
Bing Citizen’s School
Major Jones
Educational Opportunity for Minority Veterans
Carlos Valentine
ASPIRA

Moderator: Teri Corso, Director of Career Services, College of Saint Elizabeth
(Students and Educators)

The portrayal of Black and Latino males in the media is often a very negative one.  This view of Black and Latino males is equally disturbing when paralleled by disproportionate incarceration rates, unemployment data, and other negative indicators.  This workshop will address ways to mitigate and to reverse these negative views and indicators.   Presenters will present ways to facilitate increased inclusion and opportunities for Black and Latino males. 

Featured Panelists:

Dr. Chris Cottle
Family and Child Studies,
Montclair State University

Donna Lorenzo
Director Health Careers
Montclair State University

Michael Thompson
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch

Moderator
Richard White, Director of Career Services, Rutgers University

Communities of Faith and Minority Males in Higher Education

Faith-based organizations and institutions have historically played an active role in promoting social and personal development, charitable support services, and community-building.   This workshop will examine specific programs and initiatives organized by faith-based communities to support minority male achievement. The presentation will focus on access, college enrollment, academic persistence and graduate education.

Featured Panelists:

Rev. Edmund Leahy
Headmaster, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School

Father Jim Chern
Montclair State University Newman Center

Takeem Dean
Imani College Advocacy

Fr. Robert Sandoz
President, Christ the King Preparatory School in Newark

Moderator
Esmilda Abreu, Director of Equity and Diversity, Montclair State University

The Success of Attracting and Retaining Minority Males in the Workforce

Workforce statistics over the decades have consistently revealed disparate employment rates for minority males in comparison to majority male populations.  There are various systemic and environmental factors impeding the success of minority males. This workshop will review proven methods for attracting and retaining minority males in the workplace.

Carlomagno Ontaneda
Assistant Director –Recruitment and Admissions
NJIT Educational Opportunity Program

Kanwal Rafiq
Servco Maintenance Supervisor
PSEG System Maintenance Division

Ryan I. Paley
PSEG System Maintenance Division

Calvin King
Business Specialist/Engineer – PSEG Nuclear

Francisco Mercado Ebanks
Engineer – PSEG Nuclear

Moderator
Sally Nader, PSEG College Relations Manager

Participants are invited to examine signature programs for men of color that have been successful in retaining Latino and Black males.  Panelists will discuss program design, goals, and outcomes and strategies for institutionalizing what has been learned. Emphasis will be placed on review of these successful models for recommendations. 

Glen Lang
Director, NJ EOF Program

Matt Stevens
Young Men’s Employment Network

Jermaine Wright
City University of New York Black Male Initiative (CUNY BMI)

Moderator
Mary Jane Willis, Associate Director of Cooperative Extension and Urban Programs, Rutgers University