The Educated Mentor: Volume 5, Issue 2 (Fall 2024)

FALL 2024

Volume 5, Issue 2

MENTOR

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MESSAGE FROM THE CO-FOUNDERS

As we enter the fall season, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for the incredible progress our organization has made. This year has been one of significant achievements, collective growth, and preparation for a monumental milestone in our journey.

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

First and foremost, we are proud to highlight the accomplishments of several of our members who completed internships this past summer. These young men gained invaluable experience across various industries, embodying the excellence, ambition, and drive that The Collegiate Black Male Network stands for. Their success demonstrates the power of our mission to empower the next generation of leaders.

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce the chartering of a new chapter at The University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC! This expansion marks a major step forward in growing our network, and we are eager to see the impact this chapter will have on its campus and beyond. We continue to build bridges, extend opportunities, and foster brotherhood among Black male students across the country.

This year holds special significance as we prepare to celebrate the 5th anniversary of The Collegiate Black Male Network! What began as a vision to uplift Black male students has flourished into a powerful, united community. To commemorate this milestone, we are planning a major event that will shape the future of our organization.

In June 2025, we will host our inaugural National Leadership Institute, a premier professional conference that will provide our members with personal, professional, and leadership development. This institute will include two scholarship competitions, ensuring that we continue to support our members both financially and academically as they pursue excellence. To culminate the conference experince, we will also be hosting a fundraising gala. This gala will bring together our supporters, members, and alumni to celebrate our journey and raise crucial funds to fuel our continued impact. Whether you join us in person or support from afar, your presence and contributions are essential to our future success. Tickets for the gala can be purchased at www.thecbmnetwork.org/nli, and we encourage those unable to attend to consider donating in lieu of their absence.

DR. TYMON GRAHAM Board Chair

MR. DEMETRICK COLEMAN Vice Chair/Secretary

MS. CORTNEY EDWARDS General Board Member

As we look forward to these events, we are reminded of the extraordinary community we have built together. We thank you for your continued support, dedication, and belief in our mission. Together, we are creating lasting change, empowering leaders, and building a brighter future for Black men in higher education and beyond.

With appreciation and excitement for what's ahead,

Dr. Darryl Hylton, Jr. Dr.Jamie L. Enge Dr. Darryl Hylton, Jr., Co-Founder/CEO Dr. Jamie Enge, Co-Founder/COO

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DR. ANITA BLEDSOE-GARDNER General Board Member

THE EDUCATED

MENTOR Fall 2024 Edition

10 BEYOND INITIATIVE

LEGACY

04 Philanthropy At-A-Glance

10 Dear Brother

An overview of our philanthropy from Quarter 1

Receive a word of empowerment from Terren Pouncy

06 National News

Get the latest information from the National Office

08 Amplified Members of the organization discuss their summer internship experiences.

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Q1 Philanthropy AT A GLANCE

$3.4k+

Acquired in donations

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Total numbers of donors

Gabriela Torres Gregory Dendy, Jr. Jamie Enge Melvin Hines Darryl Hylton Joyce Walker Lindsey Nurczyk Marquise McGriff

THANK YOU!

0

Gifts were made by organizations/businesses

8

Gifts were made by individuals

National News Congratulations to The Vanguard chapter at the University of the District of Columbia!

We are thrilled to celebrate the recent chartering of The Vanguard chapter of The Collegiate Black Male Network at the University of the District of Columbia! This historic moment marks the establishment of the organization's inaugural chapter, laying a strong foundation for future growth and empowerment. The official chartering ceremony, held on Friday, September 6, 2024, was a momentous occasion for the university and the network, as it signals a new chapter of leadership, brotherhood, and excellence. Congratulations to the members of The Vanguard chapter for being trailblazers in this impactful initiative! pictured (left to right): front row - Jaeron Nichols, Chinecherem Onyeukwu, Kiran Terrelonge, Sheval Porter; back row - Joshua Davis, Jordan Barnes, Antwan Beasley (advisor), Vernon Simmons, Mikhai Arnold.

Not pictured: Travis Henderson, Kyle Nolan, Micah Campbell

You’re Invited to our Inaugural Fundraising Gala!

We are excited to announce our 5-year anniversary in 2025! Over the past five years, we’ve served over 30 students across 11 colleges and universities in 8 states across the nation (and counting), working to increase persistence and graduation rates. Even more exciting, 100% of our program alumni have secured post-graduate placement—whether in graduate/professional school or starting their careers!

To mark this milestone, we’ll be hosting our inaugural National Leadership Institute in June 2025, culminating with a special fundraising gala. Visit www.thecbmnetwork.org/nli for more information.

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Amplified "Can You Hear Me Now?!"

Summer Internship Recap By: Dr. Darryl Hylton

This summer, members of The Collegiate Black Male Network took significant strides toward their professional goals by participating in a wide range of internships across the country. From these experiences, our members gained hands-on experience in fields such as technology, marketing, medicine, and more.

These internships not only provided valuable opportunities for skill development but also allowed our students to build networks, apply their academic knowledge, and prepare for successful careers after graduation. Their dedication and commitment to excellence continue to reflect the values of our organization as we support the growth and future leadership of Black men in higher education.

Travales Woodard

ONYX25 Cohort 1, T.H.E. Foundation

Travales' experience interning at the Mayo Clinic for the FOUR Stroke Program was transformative and enriching. Engaging with a multidisciplinary stroke team, he gained invaluable insights into stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. His responsibilities included assisting in patient assessments, participating in research initiatives, and contributing to educational outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness about stroke risks and recovery strategies in underserved communities. The program emphasized evidence-based practices, allowing Travales to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world clinical settings. He also had the opportunity to observe advanced diagnostic techniques and innovative therapeutic approaches pivotal in improving patient outcomes. This internship not only enhanced his clinical skills but also deepened his understanding of the complexities surrounding stroke care and medicine. Overall, Travales' time at the Mayo Clinic shaped his future career in medicine by providing hands-on experience in a leading healthcare institution renowned for its commitment to excellence.

Michael Allen

ONYX25 Cohort 3, Trials ‘N’ Triumphant

Michael Allen's internship with the Multicultural Academic Opportunity Program (MAOP) was a highly rewarding experience. His major responsibility was to expand a 3D model art gallery game world by designing and creating a chapel scene, complete with art on the ceiling, reminiscent of Michelangelo's iconic works. Through this project, Michael learned how to build immersive 3D worlds using a gaming engine and gained valuable skills in writing game scripts. As a result of his hard work and creativity, he was recognized as the top presenter at the internship and was awarded a scholarship for graduate school. This experience not only honed his technical abilities but also opened doors for his future academic and professional endeavors.

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Ira Cunningham

ONYX25 Cohort 3, Trials ‘N’ Triumphant

Ira Cunningham's internship experiences with the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and the Harris County Leadership Program (HCLP) have been both technically and personally transformative. While interning with HCFCD, Ira's major responsibilities included utilizing coding, technical tools, and cloud-based programs to support operations. He managed databases, handled large-scale data, and provided valuable analysis and graphics. Through this experience, Ira developed expertise in Power BI, SQL, and building data models.

In contrast, his internship with HCLP focused on working with children aged 5 to 12 in a summer enrichment program. Ira supported, nurtured, and taught the children through activities such as sports, games, outdoor learning, conservation, and creative arts. This role helped him realize the profound impact his actions can have on youth, reinforcing his commitment to making the world a better place. Ira's combined internships have equipped him with both technical proficiency and a deeper understanding of the social impact he aims to achieve.

Keegan Jones

ONYX25 Cohort 1, T.H.E. Foundation Keegan Jones' summer internship with MOTOR Information Systems, a sub-division of Hearst, has been an invaluable experience in both personal and professional growth.

During his internship, Keegan developed and implemented marketing content strategies using Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva, Salesforce, and Hubspot, working closely with a cross-functional marketing team to drive key initiatives. He also presented AI research findings to senior leadership, including the VP of Sales and President of Marketing, showcasing his ability to contribute to high-level discussions.

Based on his stellar performance, Keegan was offered a part-time position at MOTOR through October. Throughout this experience, he gained valuable skills in teamwork, website creation, and graphic design, while discovering new ways to apply his video editing expertise outside the film industry. His internship has expanded his career outlook and strengthened his professional network.

Travis Henderson

ONYX25 Cohort 1, T.H.E. Foundation

Travis Henderson’s summer 2024 internship experiences were both diverse and impactful. As a Branding Strategy & Business Analytics Extern at Beats by Dre, Travis conducted comprehensive consumer trends research, focusing on the audio industry and Gen Z behaviors. His work provided key insights into the factors driving consumer engagement.

At the University of the District of Columbia's Office of Information Technology, Travis contributed to IT operations by assisting in maintaining and updating over 100 computer systems and managing IT inventory with remarkable accuracy, reducing downtime and ensuring efficient asset tracking.

In his role as an Extern with HP Tech Ventures, Travis analyzed over 50,000 data points related to startup performance using Excel and SQL, contributing to improved market segmentation strategies for multiple startups. Through these varied roles, Travis gained valuable skills in consumer research, IT operations, and data analysis, further positioning him for future success.

The Educated Mentor

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A WORD OF EMPOWERMENT

Dear Brother A Word of Encouragement

“DEEP is the mindset, the rhythm, and the soul of success.

DEEP is where you find your strength, your courage, and your purpose. You’re not just in college — you are in the process of authoring your story, and I cannot wait to hear it.”

- Terren Pouncy.

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Dear Brother, I would like to offer a word of empowerment. As you walk the path of pursuing something so great, I want you to remember one word: DEEP. This journey that you are on is bigger than the books, exams, and fun extracurriculars that the undergraduate experience presents — it’s about shaping your future, your dreams, and your legacy. The seeds you plant today grow into something much bigger and better tomorrow if you water them right! To go far, you must go DEEP. D is for Determination So, peep game. The world is full of obstacles. Big and small. However, in the same vein, it is also full of opportunities. In this world, through these obstacles, determination is your compass.

Determination will guide you when things appear difficult — when the nights are long, the assignments seem endless, and the odds feel stacked against you. Remember, you are capable of rising above if you are determined. Hang on to your vision, and clear the road from any distractions.

E is for Effort Talent opens doors, but effort keeps them open. Success doesn’t come overnight – it comes from being present, actually doing the work, and challenging yourself to improve. Your effort is currency; every page you read, every lesson you learn, and every goal you achieve is an investment into your greatness. Give it your all.

E is for Enthusiasm Treat it like it’s Disneyland. Get excited about what is to come. Be enthusiastic about learning, about growing, and about the person you’re becoming. To me, there's real power in being excited about your own potential, and you should think that as well. That energy will not only inspire you but everyone around you. It’s contagious — let it fuel your dream and keep you going.

P is for Perseverance Perseverance is your shield. It’s what you call on when the road gets rough. You will face challenges —some expected, some that blindside you—but know this: you have everything within you to overcome them. Perseverance means you don't quit; you keep going. You’ve already proven you belong here. Now, prove to yourself that you can finish what you started.

DEEP is the mindset, the rhythm, and the soul of success. DEEP is where you find your strength, your courage, and your purpose. You’re not just in college — you are in the process of authoring your story, and I cannot wait to hear it.

Stay determined. Give your best effort. Keep your enthusiasm alive. And persevere through it all. Go DEEP, my brotha.

Your Brother,

Terren Pouncy

Terren Pouncy Chico State University, ‘19 Sacramento State University, ‘25

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Article Submission Are you looking for opportunities to publish? For our upcoming quarterly journals, we seek individuals to share their knowledge, expertise, and experience with The Collegiate Black Male Network community. Please see below for Volume 5 deadlines.

Deadline for Articles Issue

Deadline

Published

Fall 2024

August 31, 2024

October 1, 2024

Winter 2024

November 30, 2024

January 1, 2025

Spring 2025

February 28, 2025

April 1, 2025

Summer 2025

May 31, 2025

July 1, 2025

For more information on submission criteria, visit www.thecbmnetwork.org/theeducatedmentor

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For more information The Collegiate Black Male Network: info@thecbmnetwork.org