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Next Up Alumni Career Summit

No travel needed

Participate from anywhere.

Wednesday April 6, 2022

4:30pm - 8:30pm EST

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For details click here.

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#NextUpCareerSummit

About the Next Up Alumni Career Summit

KIPP Forward, in partnership with Achievement First and Uncommon Schools, is hosting the third annual Next Up Alumni Career Summit! This completely virtual event is open to KIPP, Achievement First, and Uncommon Schools alumni from across the country who have completed high school, and are of any age and on any career pathway . Recruiters will get to meet motivated prospective interns, entry-level employees, and workforce training program candidates. For alumni, this is a great opportunity to attend career panels and a Career Expo designed to help you navigate the job and internship market, manage your current or prospective career and network with recruiters, panelists and other alumni.

Summit Hosts

Agenda

4:30pm - 4:55pm EST

Welcome & Opening

Nefantee Mayers

Nefantee Mayers

Nefantee Mayers, ‘19, graduated from true North Rochester Prep High School. Nefantee attends Niagara University, where she is a Theater specialization, Directing and Africana and Black Studies minor. She is a rising senior who has been extremely involved since her freshman year from advocacy, the Black Student Union, serving as Vice-Chair of the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board, an RA, peer mentor, etc. Not only during her high school career, but at Niagara University, she directed a play for her junior year and became the first student of color to direct a show on her campus. Nefantee has focused her college career on advocating for students of color and building spaces for all students through her D.E.I. work.

James Robinson

James Robinson

James Robinson is a Brooklyn native who attended Achievement First Brooklyn High and was a 2020 graduate from Dartmouth College. During his college career, he studied abroad in Paris and led meetings for the Men of Color Alliance.

During his college career, he became a Project Basta fellow, which helped him realize that he wants to be in the education field and connected him with organizations like Understood and DonorsChoose. Now he is a college coach at Beyond12 where he guides first generation college students through their first two years of college

Siena Dean

Siena Dean

Siena Dean, a KIPP Albany alumna, currently holds the position of Sr. Associate of Community Engagement at Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization focused on equipping Black, Latinx, and Native American talent to secure high-trajectory careers. Previously, she served as consultant and administrative coordinator for the KIPP Foundation and CLEAResult; at KIPP, she has supported the creation of strategic frameworks for alumni engagement and skill development. Her volunteer and internship roles include Girls Inc., New York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus, William Floyd Learning Center, Albany City Rocks, and APEX History Museum. Siena is passionate about diversity, inclusion and equal access to opportunities for underserved communities, and she hopes to one day lead a global talent development team for a Fortune 500 company.

Jennifer Benn

Jennifer Benn

Jennifer Benn is the Senior Director of Career Services for KIPP NYC. Jennifer’s non-profit experience has always been in service to young adults who are Black and Latinx, and includes time at SEO and as the founding Executive Director of the Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF). Prior to her non-profit work, Jennifer spent a decade in international and ethnic marketing at companies including Citigroup, American Express and AT&T. Jennifer holds a M.A. in International Economics and American Foreign Policy from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a B.A. in Political Science from Spelman College. She is fluent in Spanish, and is a Director on the Boards of the Borough of Manhattan Community College Association and Brooklyn Prospect Charter Schools.
4:55pm - 5:00pm EST

Transition

5:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Career Panels

How Do I Use College to Prepare for My Life and Career?

First and second year college students will learn about how to make the most of their college experience to prepare for life after graduation. Panelists will share how to leverage academic interests, leadership roles, extra-curricular activities, work experience, and volunteer involvement to identify and explore their passions, strengthen their resumes, and effectively compete for internships and strong jobs after graduation.

Devin Torres (Moderator)

Devin Torres

Devin Torres is a College Success Advisor with KIPP Forward NYC, where he mentors and supports students in college by providing academic, financial, and emotional support. Devin graduated from Bowdoin College with a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies. He is an alum of Achievement First and enjoys history, coding and movies.

Brandon Acevedo

Brandon Acevedo

Brandon Acevedo is a KIPP NYC alumna, and a dedicated college and career services professional. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in social policy. Brandon currently works simultaneously as a College Advisor with KIPP NYC and Corps Member Hiring Program Manager with Teach for America. Through his role at KIPP, Brandon manages a caseload of more than 100 alumni, whom he supports in their journey through college. Through his role at Teach for America, he works to recruit and place more than 150 future teachers in partner schools throughout the New York region. In addition to his educational roles, Brandon has also worked as Unemployment Compensation Intern with Philadelphia Legal Assistance, and a Business Fellow with Box, Inc.

Josmary Fernandez

Josmary Fernandez

Josmary Fernandez, from Newark, New Jersey, is a 2018 graduate of North Star Academy Washington Park High School. She was part of the first graduating class from North Star Academy Vailsburg Middle School, where she was a young leader. In high school, she was an advisory leader and played on the varsity volleyball team. As a QuestBridge Match and Cooperman Scholar, she is now working on completing a major in Hispanic Studies with a minor in Mathematics at Colorado College at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is involved at CC as a member of SOMOS, the secretary of the BSU and a Peer Intern at the Career Center. She is expected to graduate in December of 2022.

Sheila Chery

Sheila Chery

Sheila Chery joined UBS in 2020 and is currently responsible for Junior Talent recruiting for the Global Markets and Global Wealth Management Program. Sheila is also responsible for many diversity initiatives such as Tomorrow’s Talent and partners with several of our diversity organizations such as SEO, Jopwell and Make a Play. Sheila received her BA from Fordham University and is a resident of New York City.

Osa Ibude

Osa Ibude

Osa Ibude is an alumnus of Achievement First Schools, and a current senior at Franklin & Marshall College double majoring in Sociology and Africana Studies with a minor in Anthropology. After graduating next month, he plans to move to Austin, Texas to work for the database company, MongoDB as an Account Development Representative. In the next few years, Osa sees himself completing his Master of Business Administration, (MBA) Degree, and continuing to work in the field of finance and marketing.

Workforce Training Programs — Getting to Your Definition of Success in a Challenging Job Market

Alumni interested in applying to workforce training programs will learn about an array of workforce training programs and career options available from alumni who are enrolled in or have completed training programs and started their careers. Attendees will also hear how program admissions processes vary, and how the pandemic has impacted program delivery and student experience, in addition to job placement rates.

Jonathan Baez (Moderator)

Jonathan Baez

Jonathan Baez is the Transition Counselor at KIPP College Prep High School. He has been with the network since 2014. He supports 12th grade students who have chosen to enter progressive pathways upon graduation. In addition to counseling, he is a Social Justice and Equity Facilitator and a fellow in NFBLME (National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators).

Elishet Rabadan

Elishet Rabadan

Elishet Rabadan, a KIPP Texas alumna, is a Phlebotomy Technician for Lew Sterrett County Jail. She graduated from Dallas Can Academy High School and Eastfield Community College’s Phlebotomy Technician training program, after which she began working in the healthcare industry. Elishet is now preparing to sit for the state exam to become a licensed Phlebotomist and her long-term goal is to become a Registered Nurse.

D’Asia Falodun

D’Asia Falodun

D’Asia Falodun is an aspiring nurse and has recently completed her Associates degree in Nursing from Eastern International College, after completing a Licensed Practical Training program from Lincoln Tech. D’Asia graduated from KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy in 2016 and subsequently attended Rutgers University, before deciding to switch career paths to nursing. D’Asia is now preparing to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the board exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse.

Aaron Simpson

Aaron Simpson

Aaron Simpson, a KIPP NYC alumna, is a Tester & Inspector at High Rise Fire & Security, where he inspects fire alarms for companies. Aaron had originally enrolled at CUNY City Tech, but after quickly realizing college was not for him, he switched paths and completed the Electrical Technician Training Program at Berk Trade & Business School. Aaron has a passion for gaming and has even begun developing his own games. He is seeking to turn that passion into more than a hobby and will begin a Game Design Associate’s degree at CUNY Hostos Community College this year.

Abena Tetteh

Abena Tetteh

Abena Tetteh is a Brooklyn, New York native and a UCHS alumna. During her freshman year of college, she started her own wig business in her dorm room. After completing three years at Ithaca College for Integrated Marketing Communications, she decided to pursue her career in the beauty industry and fully immerse herself into her business. Currently, she is celebrating her two year anniversary of her first store in Brooklyn, NY and is working diligently on expanding her product line. Abena is a well-rounded business woman, serial entrepreneur, and a philanthropist who hopes to inspire others with her journey.

Exploring and Succeeding in Entrepreneurship

Alumni interested in exploring entrepreneurship will learn about the experiences of entrepreneurs who have started and scaled their businesses. Panelists will share tips for getting started, their reflections on the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, lessons learned in the process, and resources to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial ventures.

Jamelfrey Pacheco (Moderator)

Jamelfrey Pacheco

Jamelfrey Pacheco is a Senior Manager on the National Alumni Impact team at KIPP Foundation. In this role, she is responsible for planning and executing a long-term strategy to support continued career development, professional growth, and community engagement for KIPP’s 40,000+ alumni. A community that will be over 80,000 strong by 2025! She also manages the Alumni Impact team’s Leadership Accelerator Fellows Program, which provides executive coaching and leadership development to a select group of alumni every year.

Prior to joining the KIPP Foundation, Jamelfrey spent over 12 years in various roles within the retail banking sector, most recently as a Market Leader and Co-Chair of the Multicultural Banking Committee in the Greater Philadelphia area for BB&T Bank (now Truist). In these roles she led and managed multiple retail bank branches in small business development, retail client banking and retail branch operations. During her time in banking, she chaired the Multicultural Banking Committee. In this volunteer role, Jamelfrey led and supported BB&T’s regional financial literacy initiatives by partnering with local non-profit organizations to teach marginalized communities how to manage their personal finances, how to get access to financial resources as first-time homebuyers or first-time business owners, and how to protect their savings and build the foundation for wealth development.

She has expertise in a range of areas, some of which are, relationship management, business development, talent development, strategic planning, organizational development and operations and holds a bachelor's degree in Adult & Organizational Development from Temple University.

Jamelfrey prides herself in being a first-generation Bronx, NY native, born to Dominican parents, and is passionate about ensuring that leadership throughout organizations, big or small, is representative of the diversity that exists in our communities. She aspires to complete a PhD and conduct research in Organizational Psychology within the next 5 years. Jamelfrey resides in Montgomery County, PA with her daughter, Mya, who loves horses, math, coding, and reading.

Trent Griffin-Braaf

Trent Griffin-Braaf

Trent Griffin-Braaf is the founder & CEO of Wash on Wheels, GB Logistics, & best known for Tech Valley Shuttle, a NYS certified minority owned group transportation company specializing in workforce transportation solutions. Trent is distinguished by his ability to identify, leverage, and develop businesses. Throughout his career, he has helped managers, and owners increase company morale and bottom line by addressing team issues, offering leadership, team development, marketing, and budgeting. He has a contagious enthusiasm and passionate belief in people that inspires them to become prouder, stronger, and more valuable contributors to their organizations.

Trent’s background includes Prison Bosses, a cutting-edge Podcast in which he interviewed ex-felons who have been able to work themselves into CEO’s following incarceration. The Schenectady High Alum was a part of the state champion “Patriots” basketball organization. Shortly after graduation in 2003, he made some bad decisions. After serving 3 years of a 4–12-year prison sentence (as a youth, first-time offender, and non-violent drug offense) he was forced to spend another two years working F/T temp agencies, because of felony discriminations and other barriers set forth as a part of his “conditional release.” Trent was able to tap back into the success he had while incarcerated as a student at Marist college. There he was the head of his class and he used that as his inspiration to self-educate himself. Many online management courses and books latter, matched with his outstanding customer service, hands-on approach, and passion for equality for his teammates. He quickly arose from entry level position to general manager within the hotel industry. In 2016 he formed his first company and hasn’t looked back since.

In 2020 Trent received the prestigious honor of being named one of the Albany Business Review “40 under 40” and has also been highlighted in the Tines Union, Albany Business Review, New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek & Bloomberg Radio. He sits on the board for the Community Center of Justice (CCJ), Schenectady Works, Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC), Discover Albany, The Community Loan Fund & Community Fathers Inc. He is also on both Ualbany non-profit steering committee & Schenectady County Covid-19 CARES ACT committees and is on the Food for the Greater Capital Region advisory board.

He has been using Tech Valley Shuttle to make change and fight poverty locally. Offering free delivery service to those who need groceries but lack transportation and finance during covid-19 lockdowns, with partnerships from the regional food bank and area non-profits. Tech Valley Shuttle has helped numerous ex-offenders with employment opportunities through the Go-To-Work program. We also help those currently incarcerated, one Sunday a month we offer a complimentary community prison shuttle called “Sunday Service.” This service is open to the public and is FREE, we identify a prison hub in NYS and we fill a bus with loved ones and family to help keep inmates connected with family and loved ones, which in turn, helps lower recidivism rates.

Adaobi Kanu

Adaobi Kanu

Adaobi Kanu is the founder of Vitalcart.co, a food discovery platform and grocery shopping assistant app that makes nutrition planning easy. She is also a graduate of Columbia Business school, Bryn Mawr College, a KIPP NYC alum, and a member of the KIPP NYC board.

Mercedes Banks-Williams

Mercedes Banks-Williams

Mercedes Banks-Williams, KIPP My name is Mercedes Lanice Banks-Williams. I was born and raised in The South Bronx, New York. I, the youngest of 4 children, spent my entire childhood in New York City until I decided to join The United States Army in 2008 after my freshman year of college. The next 6 years of my life was spent as a 42A between the US Army reserves and active duty. I’ve been stationed in Queens, Long Island New York, Fort Lewis Washington and HAAF in Savannah, GA. I met my husband in Savannah in 2012 and in 2014 when I gave birth to my first child, I decided to get out of the Army. I ultimately went back to college and completed my associate degree in General Studies in 2012 and my bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a minor in Sociology in 2017.

Now, a few years later, I am an Army veteran, wife, mother of 2 (7 year old son and 3 year old daughter) and a serial entrepreneur. I am the broker/owner of MBW Realty, a boutique real estate firm. The owner of MBW Cleaning Services, a commercial cleaning and facilities maintenance company. Lastly, the president and CEO of Bankable Enterprises LLC, a growing Government Contracting business. All located in Savannah, GA. I am actively working and growing all of my companies simultaneously. I’ve been in business since February 2015 and I am still learning and growing daily. I am one of the “original KIPPsters.” I was a part of the class of 2007. The 5th class of KIPPsters in the Bronx (1999-2003). KIPP has been a great source of support for me even after graduation so it is an honor to be able to come back and give back.

Brian Ward

Brian Ward

Brian Ward, a KIPP Philadelphia alumna, is a 23 year old entrepreneur from North Philadelphia, who became interested in entrepreneurship at a young age. His parents were both entrepreneurs involved in event planning and cake baking/decorating. To get involved with the family, Brian started practicing balloon art at the age of 14. He immediately took a liking to it, and figured that he’d mess around with it. After 2 years of doing events pro bono and events for family/friends, he was booking events officially through his mom's event planning business. After about a year or so of making steady progress, he had decided that owning a business is something that he really wanted to do. So for the next few years, he made a name for himself in his city by doing hundreds of events, giving back to his community, and promoting positivity. In October of 2017, Brian became an “official” business owner, after registering his LLC. Since then, he’s been steadily working and building his brand one day at time.

How to Navigate a Job/Internship Search During the Pandemic

Juniors, seniors, and recent college graduates will hear from alumni who have successfully navigated and landed internships and jobs during the current pandemic, with an emphasis on the power of networking, both in person and virtual. Attendees will also hear from talent managers and recruiters on how the job/internship market has shifted during COVID and how to become a more competitive candidate in this challenging job market.

Edgar Dacto (Moderator)

Edgar Dacto

Edgar Dacto was born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn. He is a 2017 graduate of Achievement First University Prep High School and a recent 2021 graduate of Lafayette College. He majored in his two main passions, Economics and Film/Media Studies, and is currently a Business Analyst in the Asset and Wealth Management branch at J.P. Morgan. His goal is to consistently learn about the ins and outs of the finance industry through networking and improving from mistakes, and continuing to find ways to advance his career as a young professional. In his free time, Edgar enjoys playing the guitar and watching the New York Rangers.

Yanilda Gonzalez

Yanilda Gonzalez

Yanilda Gonzalez is the Head of Global Talent Acquisition Operations at Contentsquare, the global leader in digital experience analytics, where she currently leads a global team of Sourcers and TA Coordinators and oversees the enablement, programs, processes, policies and tools of the TA function. Previous to Contentsquare, Yanilda worked as the Talent Acquisition Manager at Percolate, another marketing technology company, where she managed the recruiting process for all non-engineering positions. She began her career in TA as a Recruitment Coordinator at Success Academy Charter Schools and prior to that, worked as a Corporate Operations & Human Resources Associate at Manhattan Prep. Yanilda graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Political Science.

Tia Suggs

Tia Suggs

Tia Suggs is a 2018 graduate of North Star Academy Washington Park High School, and she is currently a Senior Economics Major from The College of New Jersey. Throughout her college experience, she interned with Hearst Health as a Finance Associate, and she is currently interning with Signify North America Corporation as a Tax Intern. After graduation, she plans to work for Signify as a Tax Specialist.

Suggs is also involved within her college community as the president of the TCNJ NAACP Chapter, a member of the National Association for Black Accountants, a Peer Mentor, and a College Ambassador. As she participates in the TCNJ NAACP Chapter and completes her bachelor’s in Economics, she has been able to combine her passions for civil rights, racial equality, and social and economic justice.

Annie Hopkins

Annie Hopkins

Annie Hopkins is the Head of Americas Graduate Recruitment at Deutsche Bank. She has spent her career in the campus recruiting and diversity recruiting spaces, including time at Goldman Sachs, Jopwell, and Project Basta. Annie graduated from Georgetown University in 2003 with a degree in Foreign Service and also holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College. Annie also serves on the board of FREE (Finance Requires Effective Education), a financial literacy non-profit. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and three daughters.

Dennis Rodriguez

Dennis Rodriguez

Dennis Rodriguez was part of the last founding class of KIPP Infinity Middle School and graduated KIPP NYC College Prep High School in 2016. He earned a B.S in Civil Engineering at Lafayette College and currently works as a Construction Engineer at Structural Preservation Systems. Dennis is passionate about construction in New York City and uses his skills in business and math to restore buildings across Manhattan.

You’re Hired, Now What? Becoming an Invaluable Employee While Taking Charge of Your Career

For alumni who will be starting their careers soon or already into their careers. Because there is more to career success than working hard and doing quality work, panelists will discuss the importance of managing one’s career by using strategies for success that include adjusting and thriving in new and/or challenging workplaces and finding support as professionals of color and/or new employees. Attendees will also learn how to assess a potential employer’s culture and leverage employee resource/affinity groups to navigate professional spaces for long-term career sustainability and success.

Ernest Esparza (Moderator)

Ernest Esparza

Ernest Esparza, KIPP, KIPP Academy Bronx ‘07, is a credit analyst at Fitch Ratings within their Retail and Consumer team. Prior to this role, Ernest worked at Bank of New York Mellon where he is main responsibility was managing liquidity reporting to senior management He earned his BBA in Finance CUNY Baruch College. He currently volunteers with KIPP NYC’s Leadership Council as Co-Chair of External Engagement

Cheryl Liburd

Cheryl Liburd

Cheryl Liburd is a KIPP NYC College Prep Alumna who currently works at Nielsen. After graduating from NYU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology, Cheryl began her professional career at NBCUniversal. She worked at the company for three years in their Human Resources (HR), Campus Programs, and Recruiting departments in New York and California. After NBC, she joined Nielsen as a Human Resources Generalist in 2021 and was promoted to a Human Resources Business Partner less than a year later. She provides day-to-day support to over 450 employees regarding HR matters. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, traveling, and, recently, kickboxing.

Bria Gadsden

Bria Gadsden

Bria Gadsden is a 2008 middle school graduate of Roxbury Preparatory Charter School. After graduating from RPC, Bria was a high school scholar at Boston Latin Academy where she graduated with honors. After high school, Bria pursued her education in nutrition where she graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. Bria’s love for Roxbury prep didn’t stop after 2008; in fact, she worked as a Summer Teaching Fellow prior to her senior year in college and was recruited as a full-time teacher for RPC after graduation. While teaching 5th grade, Bria grew an interest in her students’ wellness and decided to enroll in a master’s degree program at Merrimack College where she was accepted as a Health Sciences Fellow and graduated in 2018 with her Master of Science degree in Community Health.

Throughout her professional journey, Bria has worked for community-based nonprofits, government public health agencies, and educational institutions. Bria’s experience in public health and nonprofit, and her interest in youth development and wellness inspired her to start a nonprofit, Love Your Menses, which aims to break the period taboo in Black and Brown communities and provide a safe and uplifting space for youth and adults to learn about the menstrual cycle.

Karen Meredith

Karen Meredith

Karen Meredith is a Senior HR Professional who has worked for over a decade in NYC’s nonprofit sector. She is an inspirational leader who leverages compassion for people and organization goals to achieve success. She is currently the Senior Director of HR Administration at KIPP NYC. She obtained a Master’s of Science in Human Resources Management from Pace University. She is also holds a SPHR certification from the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM-CP certification from Society for Human Resource Management.

Octavio Sandoval

Octavio Sandoval

Octavio Sandoval, CFA, CAIA, genuinely seeks innovative solutions to address social and economic injustice facing historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. He believes structural problems require structural solutions.

Prior to Illumen Capital, Octavio was a leader at MassMutual Life Insurance Company in building the emerging fund manager program, which allocated $50 million to a wide variety of BIPOC-led funds that invest in BIPOC-led startups. At MassMutual, Octavio also deployed over $500 million in allocations to various alternative investment strategies including private equity and private credit. Prior to MassMutual, Octavio held positions throughout traditional finance, including roles within investment banking, private wealth management and capital markets.

Mr. Sandoval earned a B.S. in Applied Economic & Management at Cornell University and holds an M.B.A from MIT Sloan School of Management. Mr. Sandoval formerly served on the alumni advisory council of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP).

Considering Grad School? Let’s Talk!

Alumni who are considering graduate school will hear from current and recent graduate school students and graduate school admissions representatives on how to navigate the graduate school admissions processes, best practices for a competitive application, and tips for a successful graduate school experience. Panelists will also discuss how graduate programs are responding to the pandemic and the current social justice movement, in addition to the challenges and opportunities the dual pandemics have presented for those interested in graduate study.

George N. Ramírez (Moderator)

George N. Ramírez

George N. Ramírez is a PhD candidate in the department of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University. His research broadly focuses on the role of digital media in the production of Latinx culture. A 2011 alum of KIPP Academy New York, George graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and History from Yale University and taught physics and mathematics as he earned his MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania. Before starting at NYU, George received a Master of Arts in American Studies at the George Washington University. When he's not reading about Latinx Studies or Digital Media Theory, you can find him hiking, dancing bachata, or listening to the music of Bruce Springsteen.

Sidney T. Jackson

Sidney T. Jackson

Sidney T. Jackson is Assistant Dean of Global Enrollment and Recruitment at The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Since arriving in 2009 he has provided strategic leadership and effective management of the Offices of Admission and Financial Aid at their Washington, DC, Bologna Italy and Hopkins-Nanjing campuses. His responsibilities include the design and implementation of marketing, recruitment and financial aid strategies, enrollment management, as well as cultivating faculty, student and alumni participation in recruiting activities for the School's Master’s, Certificate, and Ph.D. programs. Assistant Dean Jackson also oversees a myriad of outreach initiatives that focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions, international dual degree programs, and targeted scholarship programs that seek to improve accessibility, quality, and diversity.

Prior to joining Johns Hopkins SAIS he was the Director of Marketing and Admissions for the Columbia Business School Executive MBA program and Vice President for Diversity Recruiting at Morgan Stanley in their New York City headquarters. Assistant Dean Jackson is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) and chairs Johns Hopkins University Admissions Director’s Working Group, a university-wide organization which conducts outreach to undergraduate populations pursuing graduate school. He holds a B.A. from Canisius College, M.Ed. from Boston University and an M.A. from New York University.

Chris Alemán

Chris Alemán

Chris Alemán is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and has worked in higher education successfully managing and developing students and staff in coaching/advising roles for over 10 years. Prior to joining MLT in May 2019, Chris served as an Assistant Director of Admissions for the Kellogg School of Management Full-Time MBA program at Northwestern University.

As MLT Ascend's Senior Program Manager, Chris leverages his professional experience in higher education and passion for driving college student success to lead the Ascend Team to make a positive impact on the academic achievement and career trajectory of first-generation and low-income minority college students. Chris holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and an MEd in Counseling with a concentration in College Student Development from DePaul University.

Simone Yhap

Simone Yhap

Simone Yhap is a third-year law student at Northeastern University School of Law (NUSL) with a concentration in Intellectual Property and Innovation. She graduated from Howard University in 2019 with an honors Biology degree and a double minor in Political Science and Chemistry. While at Howard University, she was a part of several prestigious organizations and founded an afterschool enrichment program at the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science. During her law school career, she has maintained her community engagement through her service in the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) and the NUSL community at large.

She has been involved in NBLSA since her first year, and served as the 53rd National Parliamentarian, a Member-at-Large, and finally as the 55th National Chair. At NUSL, she has been involved in her local NBLSA chapter, served as a mentor, and is the inaugural Chief Diversity Editor of the Northeastern University Law Review. She is from Westmoreland, Jamaican by way of Brooklyn, New York, and was a part of the inaugural graduating class at Kings Collegiate Charter School.

Shayla Brown

Shayla Brown

Shayla Brown is an experienced education management professional and a current clinical health counseling graduate student. Shayla is an alumna of KIPP NYC and the NYC Lab School. In 2018, she graduated from Davidson College, where she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After earning her degree, Shayla worked in education management, beginning with a role as an Assessments Associate with Success Academies, and continuing through her work as a Persistence Advisor with KIPP Through College & Career. Since August 2021, Shayla has attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland, where she is working toward a M.S. in Clinical Health Counseling.
6:00pm - 7:30pm EST

Career Expo

7:30pm - 7:35pm EST

Transition

7:35pm - 8:05pm EST

Mental Health and Wellness Webinar

Hear from the Experts: Where Mental Health, Wellness, and Career Success Meet

This special panel is for all Alumni attending the Summit. Attendees will hear a discussion between professionals working in the mental health arena who will tie the benefits of emotional well-being with professional and personal success. Panelists will address common barriers those in need of support to become emotionally healthy often face, including the stigmas commonly carried about receiving care - particularly within BIPOC communities. Available low or no cost quality mental health resources to help manage stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health needs will also be explored.

Dr. Nicole Kabalkin (Co-Moderator)

Dr. Nicole Kabalkin

Dr. Nicole Kabalkin is a clinical social worker who has supported KIPP NYC students and alumni for the past seven years. Nicole served as an elementary school social worker at KIPP Infinity Elementary School in Harlem and a high school social worker at Achievement First University Prep. Since 2019, through KIPP Forward, she has been supporting KIPP NYC and Achievement First alumni as they navigate the years after high-school.

Nicole graduated from Brown University in 2011, and received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Columbia University before receiving her doctoral degree in clinical social work at the University of Pennsylvania. She is passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health needs and easing access to mental health services across underserved communities of color.

Kiah Tate (Co-Moderator)

Kiah Tate

Kiah Tate is an alumna of KIPP NYC College Prep, class of 2014. I am a full-time graduate student at Hunter College pursuing my Masters in Social Work. I'm also an intern at Covenant House New York which is a crisis shelter servicing youth between the ages of 16-20. I specifically work with the mental health team providing both group and individual therapy. Prior to starting graduate school, I was a part of the first cohort of Persistence Advisors at KIPP through College and Career NYC where I managed a caseload of about 90 college students and provided support to students in navigating processes such as FASFA, class registration, and other services that they needed connecting with on campus. I also graduated from SUNY Albany with my BS in psychology and human development in 2018.

Mental health is a subject rarely recognized, discussed, and sought out in BIPOC communities because of the stigmatization that surrounds getting help. Not only is not easily accessible for some people in this community, but there is no space for us to be vulnerable enough to say we need the help. As a Black woman in the field of social work, it's important for me to work within my community to break down these barriers. Being able to take care of your mental health is essential to being able to fully function within all aspects of your life. Individuals who are a part of BIPOC communities face systematic racism, discrimination, and microaggressions in their daily lives and navigating that by yourself can be difficult. I want to work with people in my community to normalize that our mental health is important and that we can seek out those services as well!

Eric Coly

Eric Coly

Eric Coly is a mental health advocate and the founder and CEO of Ayana, a technology company that offers access to therapy to marginalized communities by matching them with licensed therapists who share their cultural traits, identities and experiences and enabling them to communicate virtually.
Eric was inspired to create Ayana from his own experiences with therapy and severe depression, and the related experiences of his friends. Realizing that stigma, cost and the healthcare system’s lack of diverse providers and cultural competency were some of the biggest barriers preventing minorities from engaging in therapy, Eric created Ayana as a solution to these barriers, and to harness an untapped market opportunity. Ayana’s mission is to provide a safe platform offering evidence-based counseling and therapy to every ignored and historically neglected individual who wants it.
Prior to starting Ayana, Eric served as CEO and founder of Le Dessein, a socially responsible fashion line created to educate underprivileged girls in West Africa through art, inspired by the deep socioeconomic and cultural impact that higher education had on the women in his family.
Eric has held senior positions in investment banking and private advisory at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch. Eric attended the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He was raised in his native country of Senegal and is fluent in French and English. He lives in Los Angeles.

Marién Morales

Marién Morales

Marién Morales is a New York born and raised Latina: Social justice and mental health advocate. Graduating from John Jay College with a double bachelors degree in Forensic Psychology and Latin American/ Latinx studies, she found her purpose in using her voice to project the voices of underrepresented and underfunded communities. Marién will begin a program for women to prevent incarceration and reentry. In the meantime, her international research shows that part of the solution, and a great preventative measure, are mental health resources. As a participant in therapy Marién states, “Deconstructing our biases against mental health services is key in bridging our generational wealth gaps.”

Alicia Hopkins

Alicia Hopkins

Alicia Hopkins is an African-American licensed therapist who received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 2015 and Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020. She has 7 years of mental health experience in various levels of care such as: residential, in-home, outpatient and private practice. Alicia received her Licensed Professional Counselor Associate certification in 2020 and has opened her own company titled You Are Enough LLC in January 2022. Alicia enjoys working with the adult population. Alicia’s vision is to become a licensed Psychologist and will be attending University of Hartford Doctorate of Psychology program in the fall of 2022, soon start a private practice, while conducting mentorships and supervision for upcoming professionals. Alicia also enjoys hiking, beaches, and seafood!

Chantelle Doswell

Chantelle Doswell

Chantelle Doswell is a New York based integrated trauma therapist who works primarily with BIPOC clients. In addition to her work as a therapist, she serves as a professor at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and leads trauma-focused workshops for youth and adults in the city. She began her career as a therapist in 2013 providing individual and family therapy to those involved in the prison system, supporting clients through complex family and relationship issues- including incarceration, loss, abuse, and community violence.

In 2018, Chantelle opened her own practice that offers liberation-focused therapy and focuses on providing services to traditionally underserved communities impacted by generational, complex, and simple trauma.
8:05pm - 8:30pm EST

Closing and Celebration, with prizes!

Alina Ramirez

Alina Ramirez

Alina Ramirez is an Executive Administrator at the Mt. Vernon Federation of Teachers, where she administers communications that increase user engagement. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Market Manager at Creative Artists Agency, where she managed multi-million dollar marketing events with high profile clientele. Alina is studying Professional Communications at Farmingdale State College and graduated from Herbert H. Lehman High School. She is an alumna of KIPP NYC Public Schools.

Ian Simoy

Ian Simoy

Ian Simoy is Associate Director of Undergraduate Career Services at KIPP NYC. As the grandson of a farmer and teacher, Ian proudly taught social studies after studying History and Management at Vanderbilt. Ian later worked in education policy in government and in the non-profit sector before attending Harvard, where he earned his master’s degree in public policy. At KIPP, Ian has worked on recruitment and development of staff and KIPP alumni in teaching, operations, and leader roles across K-12 and at KIPP Forward.

Alumni Pre and Post Summit Sessions

Basta, in partnership with KIPP, Achievement First, and Uncommon Schools will be hosting a series of 3 webinars to help you prepare for, make the most of and follow up after the Next Up Alumni Career Summit. To view details and to register for sessions please click here.

Career Panels

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First and second year college students will learn about how to make the most of their college experience to prepare for life after graduation. Panelists will share how to leverage academic interests, leadership roles, extra-curricular activities, work experience, and volunteer involvement to identify and explore their passions, strengthen their resumes, and effectively compete for internships and strong jobs after graduation.
Alumni interested in applying to workforce training programs will learn about an array of workforce training programs and career options available from alumni who are enrolled in or have completed training programs and started their careers. Attendees will also hear how program admissions processes vary, and how the pandemic has impacted program delivery and student experience, in addition to job placement rates.
Alumni interested in exploring entrepreneurship will learn about the experiences of entrepreneurs who have started and scaled their businesses. Panelists will share tips for getting started, their reflections on the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, lessons learned in the process, and resources to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial ventures.
Juniors, seniors, and recent college graduates will hear from alumni who have successfully navigated and landed internships and jobs during the current pandemic, with an emphasis on the power of networking, both in person and virtual. Attendees will also hear from talent managers and recruiters on how the job/internship market has shifted during COVID and how to become a more competitive candidate in this challenging job market.
For alumni who will be starting their careers soon or already into their careers . Because there is more to career success than working hard and doing quality work, panelists will discuss the importance of managing one’s career by using strategies for success that include adjusting and thriving in new and/or challenging workplaces and finding support as professionals of color and/or new employees. Attendees will also learn how to assess a potential employer’s culture and leverage employee resource/affinity groups to navigate professional spaces for long-term career sustainability and success.
Alumni who are considering graduate school will hear from current and recent graduate school students and graduate school admissions representatives on how to navigate the graduate school admissions processes, best practices for a competitive application, and tips for a successful graduate school experience. Panelists will also discuss how graduate programs are responding to the pandemic and the current social justice movement, in addition to the challenges and opportunities the dual pandemics have presented for those interested in graduate study.

Confirmed Career Expo Recruiters

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