Alfred State’s Cultural Life Center (CLC) welcomed students to develop their skills as tomorrow’s leaders. The conference, now in its seventh year, brought together students of all races and backgrounds from Alfred State, Alfred University, and several more WNY universities for a day of learning and growth.
“This conference is such a great opportunity for not only Alfred State students but students from local area colleges and universities to be in community with each other, network with professionals in various fields, and affirm the talents and gifts in one another” commented Assistant Director of Cultural Life Afua Boahene. “My takeaway to those in attendance was to grab hold of what they learned and run with it.”
The conference started in 2018 as the Students of Color Leadership Conference and has continually expanded to provide students leadership training and opportunities to build cross-cultural alliances. The day-long activities featured guest speakers, panels, music, and food, offering attendees a chance to engage with local and regional experts. Workshop topics included Intersectional Identities in a Complex World, Bridging Worlds: Leveraging Networks Across Sectors to Amplify Community Voices, and Your Dream House: Important Skills to Succeed in Life.
ASC Coordinator of Student Activities, Steven Edwards Jr., moderated a panel featuring Alfred University Professor of Psychology Dr. Michelle Tichy; Founder & CEO of Resilient Young Minds Inc. and social worker Simone Muschett; Alfred State Assistant Professor Jarrad Childs; Christopher Rush, Collective Impact Manager at the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative; Gabriel Iturbides, Assistant Vice President for Student Success at Alfred University; and Desmond Davis, Founder of Davis Inspired Solutions LLC.
After lunch and a lively musical performance by Alfred University alum Chaz Bruce, Dr. Steven Parker delivered the keynote address, Your Place in the World.
Parker, who served as a Residence Hall Director at Alfred State during the 2018-19 school year, is a transdisciplinary researcher-practitioner-executive in the fields of postsecondary education, social work, and mental health.
“To come back and do this work for this conference is beyond words,” commented Parker. “I wanted those in attendance to understand that focus is important, to comprehend that your mind, body, and soul are connected, and to make sure you define love so that all those other components can stay connected as one.”
Sophomore automotive technician major Jalon Rainey, who attended for the second consecutive year, shared his thoughts: “Today’s conference was beautiful. There was a lot of great information and many opportunities for us as young individuals. A day like this shows how much community there is here at Alfred State and how much they care.”
Parker added, “Alfred State has provided me with so many mentees. I have mentees from multiple continents, and I’ve been fortunate to employ many students and mentor dozens of others.”
The planning committee for the event included Edwards Jr. and Boahene, along with Coordinator of BIPOC Scholars Dr. Brian Saltsman, Director of Student Engagement Dennis Dueno, and Alfred University Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator Dr. Angie Taylor.
