


Founded in 1976 by Reverend Dr. Thomas Kilgore, Jr., the USC Black Alumni Association (BAA) is a leadership network established to strengthen the legacy of educational attainment and excellence of USC’s Black students. The BAA provides scholarship assistance, career mentoring and cultural advocacy through alumni networking, volunteer involvement, philanthropy and social enterprise.
BARBARA SOLOMAN AWARD
JASON KING
DEAN, USC THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC
OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD
MALIZ MAHOP
MASTER OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY GRADUATE USC ANNENBERG SCHOOL FOR COMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISM
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD
iASIA BROWN MB V ’23
PRODUCER | ARTIST | ALCHEMIST
USCBAA SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT 2025 PROGRAM
BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM
Derrick Pough, Jr.
INVOCATION
Reverend Dr. Najuma Smith WELCOME
Brandon Kyle EdD ’ 19
Interim Executive Director, USC Black Alumni Association
BLACK ALUMNI COUNCIL CHAIR REMARKS
Kyle Webb MBA ’ 16 Partner, Webb Investments/ Silver Creek Modular
CO-CHAIR REMARKS
Apollo Emeka ’ 09 MCBS ’ 17 DPPS ’ 20 and Briana Ovbude ’ 10
Co-Chairs, USC BAA Scholarship Benefit Committee
BARBARA SOLOMAN FACULTY AND STAFF AWARD
Jason King
Dean, USC Thornton School of Music
USCBAA SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT 2025 (Continued) PROGRAM
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD
Maliz Mahop
Master of Public Diplomacy Graduate Student,
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
PERFORMANCE
Torianna Jones and Lionna Romans
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD
iAsia Brown MBV ’ 23
Producer/Artist/Alchemist
CLOSING REMARKS
Danielle Harvey ’ 00 ML ’ 19
Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
AFTER PARTY
Music Provided by DJ Mr. Quick
FROM THE SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT CO-CHAIRS
APOLLO EMEKA ’09, MCBS ’17, DPPS ’20
Co-Chair
Scholarship Benefit Committee
BRIANA OVBUDE ’10
Co-Chair
Scholarship Benefit Committee
Dear Trojan Family and Friends,
Welcome to the 49th Annual USC Black Alumni Association (BAA) Scholarship Benefit!
It is with great joy and deep gratitude that we welcome you to this extraordinary evening—a celebration of Black Excellence, scholarship, and the power of giving. As we prepare to mark our 50th anniversary, we reflect on the profound impact of our collective generosity in elevating the experience of USC Black Trojans.
Since its founding, the USC Black Alumni Association has been committed to uplifting future leaders by providing scholarships, mentorship, and community support. Today, the BAA has awarded over $5 million in scholarships, supporting more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students on their journey toward success. These achievements are only possible because of you—our dedicated alumni, Trojan friends, and corporate partners.
This evening, we encourage you to take a moment to bask in the achievements of those who will grace this stage, but also to celebrate the individuals and supporters around you. Your presence and generosity tonight extend far beyond this event—they help shape the future of scholars who will go on to transform industries, lead with purpose, and inspire generations to come.
We extend our deepest gratitude to those whose generosity has made this evening possible. We celebrate the mentors, educators, and loved ones—who have nurtured, guided, and believed in the dreams of those we celebrate tonight.
As the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Thank you for being part of this legacy of giving. Together, we elevate, we uplift, and we empower.
Welcome to the 49th Annual USC Black Alumni Association Scholarship Benefit.
For nearly five decades, the USC Black Alumni Association has been a pillar of support, mentorship, and opportunity for Black students at USC. Tonight, as we celebrate our 49th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible legacy of impact and the countless lives that have been transformed through education, advocacy, and community.
This evening is more than just a celebration—it is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, donors, and partners, we continue to provide scholarships and resources that make higher education accessible for Black Trojans. Your commitment fuels our mission, ensuring that generations of students can thrive at USC and beyond.
As we honor this milestone, we also look forward to an exciting future. Next year, we will proudly mark 50 years of the USC Black Alumni Association — a momentous occasion that will recognize our rich history while setting the stage for continued progress.
A special thank you to our Associate Director, Faithe Clary, for her steadfast leadership during this time of transition. We are also deeply grateful to our Benefit Co-Chairs, Briana Ovbude and Apollo Emeka, for their dedication and hard work in making this evening possible.
To our alumni, scholars, donors, and friends—this event is a celebration of you. Your contributions, mentorship, and advocacy are shaping the future of Black excellence at USC. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Fight On!
DEAN, USC THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC JASON KING
Jason King is the Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music. A multi-talented scholar, journalist, author, musician, producer, songwriter, radio and video host, and event curator, Jason previously served as the Chair of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University. Jason has been a longtime music journalist for Pitchfork, Slate, Vibe, NPR Music, The Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times.
He has written essays on artists like Roberta Flack, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Luther Vandross; and his flagship video documentary series on NPR Noteworthy featured Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Miguel, and Dua Lipa. Jason served as a guest curator for Vevo, a consultant for Spotify, and he has been a music marketing and branding expert witness representing Drake, Jay Z, Katy Perry, Timbaland, Madonna, Lady Gaga, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre in high-profile legal cases.
He has appeared on-screen in numerous music documentaries, including HBO’s Little Richard: I am Everything; and well as two Spike Lee films, Bad 25 and Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall. He was the series consultant on the Grammy and Emmy nominated eight-part PBS series on the history of popular music called Soundbreaking, in which he also appears; and he was the host, co-writer and executive producer of Spotify’s 2022 Sound Barrier podcast.
Most recently, Jason served as consulting producer on Piece by Piece, the Pharrell Williams bio-pic directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville.
Later this year, Jason will make his feature film debut as a director.
Follow him on IG at @jasonkingsays
USCBAA SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT 2025
MASTER OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY GRADUATE
USC ANNENBERG SCHOOL FOR COMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISM
Maliz Mahop is a Global Communication and Partnerships Strategist with a diverse background spanning media, entertainment, marketing, nonprofit leadership, and policy. A Cameroonian American born in Arlington, Texas, she is currently pursuing a Master of Public Diplomacy, bringing a globally informed perspective shaped by her professional journey across North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbeans.
With a passion for storytelling and strategic communication, Maliz has contributed to ABC’s Windy City Live and Weigel Broadcasting’s On-Air Promotions team. As a brand manager, she has led impactful collaborations with companies like Microsoft, L Brands, Kellogg’s and Chipotle, enhancing brand engagement through innovative activations. She has also coordinated international delegations for organizations such as the Essence Festival of Culture and the National Urban League. As a journalist she has published articles with original work and interviews with celebrities, business leaders, musical artists like Louis Carr, Rainbow Barris, Jermaine Dupri, Todd Dulaney, and others.
A strong advocate for education, diversity, and inclusion, Maliz has worked with the London Business School’s Marketing Department, advised Dallas Independent School District elected officials on policy revisions, and served as a Marketing Communication Strategist for the Oakland Mayor’s Fund for Public Innovation. She previously managed startup and ecosystem outreach across Africa as a Venture Capital Investment Fellow for Expert Dojo and later led Global Communication and Partnerships for Del-York Group in Lagos, Nigeria, advancing Africa’s creative industries.
Maliz currently serves as the Director of Alumni Relations for the Society of Public Diplomats and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Public Diplomacy Magazine. A passionate advocate for youth mentorship and global outreach, she continues to lead initiatives that foster cross-cultural collaboration and impactful storytelling as a global speaker and thought leader. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
iAsia Brown, known as Tech Picasso, is a visionary at the intersection of gaming, education, and accessibility. A Senior Producer at Xbox Gaming Studios, she brings expertise in game development, storytelling, and transmedia production to create meaningful and inclusive gaming experiences.
A combat veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps, iAsia is a passionate advocate for mental health, disability representation, and diversity in tech and entertainment. Her doctoral research at USC Rossier School of Education explores how 3D animation can be an educational tool for disability awareness, focusing on teacher-parent collaboration for neurodivergent children.
Beyond gaming, iAsia is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans animation, digital art, and filmmaking. Her art explores themes of identity, resilience, and cultural storytelling, blending technology with human experiences. She believes in the power of visual storytelling to inspire, educate, and challenge perceptions. As a terminal philanthropist and angel investor, she supports innovative projects in gaming, storytelling, and accessibility.
She is also a board member for Women in Tech Hollywood, helping mentor the next generation of tech leaders. A global speaker and industry expert, iAsia shares insights on gaming culture, inclusive storytelling, and the future of interactive media.
Through her work, she continues to push boundaries, champion accessibility, and shape the future of digital storytelling and education.
Derrick Pough Jr is a performer originally from Alabama and a Second year masters student in the inaugural class of the popular music teaching and learning masters program. He found his love for music being in a military family where it was the only thing that felt consistent in his life with constantly having to move. He has made it his goal in life to help positively changes peoples lives through song.
Mr. Quick, a native of Los Angeles, began his journey as a freelance DJ-Air Personality in 1984, quickly gaining recognition for his talent. Throughout college from 1988 to 1991, he served as a Radio Personality and Program Director. With a BA in Sociology & African American Studies from UC Santa Barbara and continued studies at Morehouse College, he solidified his place as an Industry Heavyweight. In 1998, he gained international acclaim headlining a 7-Month International Tour in Sydney, Australia. Returning to the US, he founded Q-20 Entertainment, expanding his influence. Notable performances include the Nike's Lebron James "More Than a Game" Tour and the "SPRITE STEP-OFF II" national tour. Alongside his entertainment career, he's served in education, currently as CEO of CEAD, aiding low-income youth. A member of ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC., he's dedicated to community service, reflecting a rich legacy of excellence spanning over three decades.
USCBAA SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT 2025
Tribute Performance
LIONNA ROMANS
Tribute Performance
Tribute Performance
Tori Marjon is a vocalist, arranger, and songwriter whose music seamlessly fuses pop, R&B, and J-pop influences into a fresh, captivating sound. Raised near Dallas, Texas, she was immersed in diverse musical styles, developing a deep appreciation for genre-blending artistry. Her passion led her to Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she refined her skills as a performer.
Now studying voice at USC Thornton’s Popular Music Program, Tori has performed for industry icons like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Holly Knight, and Gamble and Huff.
Beyond her vocal talents, she is an accomplished songwriter and arranger, known for her rich harmonies and thoughtful lyricism. As she continues to evolve, Tori is dedicated to carving out a unique space in the music industry, uniting cultures and genres through her artistry.
Tribute Performance
Lionna Romans is a dynamic artist blending rock, pop, country, and R&B influences. With a background in acting and musical theatre, she merges performance artistry with her sultry vocals. An award-winning YoungArts honoree, she has performed at the Apollo Theater and alongside Josh Groban, Stevie Mackey, and Dionne Warwick.
A New York native, she is credited on Laundry Day’s album Younger Than I Was Before. Currently studying at USC Thornton, she is preparing her debut solo EP for 2025. With Broadway dreams in mind, Lionna continues to grow as both an actor and musician.
Find her on all platforms @LionnaTheBand.
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Giovanni Goree, Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation
USC Iovine and Young Academy
Grayson King, Public Relations and Advertising
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Sade Anderson, Public Relations and Advertising
USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism
Kathryn Bediako, Animation and Digital Arts
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Torianna Jones, Performance (Popular Music)
USC Thornton School of Music
Nnaemeka Opara, Computer Science/Business Administration
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Jayden Ozoemena, Public Relations and Advertising
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Zen Phillpots, Business Administration
USC Marshall School of Business
Makai Singleton, Journalism
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Jordan Willis, Communication
USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Oluwaseun Aladegbami, Computer Science
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Bitiyah Asalifew, Business Administration (Marketing)
USC Marshall School of Business
Madison Ashby, Architecture
USC School of Architecture
Kendall Bradwell, Business of Cinematic Arts
USC Marshall School of Business
Mariam Darboe, Cinema and Media Studies
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Xavier Davis, Business of Cinematic Arts
USC Marshall School of Business
Kizzyah Dorant, Health and Human Sciences
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Jenae Edwards, Architecture
USC School of Architecture
Kymia Freeman, Public Relations and Advertising
USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism
Alexandria Gee, Theatre
USC School of Dramatic Arts
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Mitchell Gray, Psychology
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Darcy Hatcher, Media Arts and Practice
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Starr Hinton, Computer Science Games
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Samara Holloway, Social Sciences (Psychology)
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Eman Jemal, Business Administration
USC Marshall School of Business
Danielle Jones, English (Creative Writing)
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Earicka Jones, Communication
USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism
David Kamassah, Human Biology
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Shadha Kazim, Music Industry
USC Thornton School of Music
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Haddy Kebbeh, Business Administration (Leadership and Innovation)
USC Marshall School of Business
Alex Mainvielle, Accounting
USC Levanthal School of Accounting
Temi Ogunade, Neuroscience
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Travis Oluoch, Business Administration
USC Marshall School of Business
Keshell Phillips, Performance (Popular Music)
USC Thornton School of Music
Murleve Roberts, Writing for Screen and Television
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Khalil Siddeeq, Narrative Studies
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Rachael Somers, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Aishat Tiamiyu, Public Policy
USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2024-2025
Ayonnah Tinsley, Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation
USC Iovine and Young Academy
Elliot Walker, Accounting
USC Leventhal School of Accounting
Taylor Wardsworth, GeoDesign
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Kipauno Washington, Economics and Data Science
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Christopher Wilbon, Law, History and Culture
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Shanae Wise, Theatre
USC School of Dramatic Arts
Feben Worku, Business Administration/ Human Biology
USC Marshall School of Business
USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science
Yvonne Abedi, Specialized Journalism
USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism
Caitlin Autry, Law
USC Gould School of Law
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Aissatou Balde, Public Health
USC Keck School of Medicine
Lauren Blake, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
USC Marshall School of Business
Amber Butler, Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Racheal Amir Chatman, Medical Device and Diagnostic Engineering
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Kennedy Coats, American Studies & Ethnicity (African Amer. Studies)/ Studies in Law
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science/ USC Gould School of Law
Miles Collins, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
USC Marshall School of Business
Anicka Delgado, Public Relations and Advertising
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
James Dodd, Organizational Change and Leadership
USC Rossier School of Education
Felicia Douglas, Educational Leadership
USC Rossier School of Education
Jessica Ekeya, Medicine
USC Keck School of Medicine
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Deja Floyd, Educational Leadership
USC Rossier School of Education
Mai-Yen Fritz, Biomedical Engineering (Med. Imaging & Img. Informatics)
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Fiyinfoluwa Gambo, Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Alexia Gonzalez, Educational Leadership
USC Rossier School of Education
Marlasia Hewett, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
USC Marshall School of Business
Tyler Holmes, Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Simone Jackson, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
USC Marshall School of Business
Shannon Jordan, Medicine/ Business Administration
USC Keck School of Medicine
Hayden Hurt, Literary Editing and Publishing
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
Maliz Mahop, Public Diplomacy
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Alexis Newton, Physician Assistant Practice
USC Keck School of Medicine
Abigail (Abitha) Nunis, Dramatic Arts (Musical Theatre) / Public Relations and Advertising
USC School of Dramatic Arts
USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism
Rachel Osei – Nsafoah, Health and Human Sciences/Gerontology
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
USC Davis of Gerontology
Araeya Reed, Health and Human Sciences/Healthcare Decision Analysis
USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science
USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Kemisha Roston, Educational Leadership
USC Rossier School of Education
Adenike Taylor, Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
USC Rossier School of Education
Jaylah Wilson, Political Science/Social Entrepreneurship
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Science
USC Marshall School of Business
Joshua Wilson, Marketing
USC Marshall School of Business
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
USC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Brandon Kyle EdD ’ 20
Interim Executive Director
Faithe Clary
Associate Director
USC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Daniel Prince ’00 President, Board of Directors
Erika Jordan ML ’ 18 Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations
Danielle Harvey ’00, ML’ 19
Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
2025 SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT COMMITTEE
Apollo Emeka ’09, MCBS ’ 17, DPPD ’ 20 Co-chair
Brianna Ovbude ’ 10 Co-chair
Kyle Webb, MBA ’ 16
Chair
Carol D. Anderson ’ 93, MACC ’04
Valencia Belle EdD ’ 23
Darnell Bing ’ 13
iAsia Brown MBV ’ 23
Ian Chestnut ’00
Donald Dean ’ 90
Apollo Emeka ’09, MCBS ’ 17,DPPD ’ 20
Ron Evans ’ 95
Stephanie Farmer MHA ’ 95, MAT ’ 18
Michael Flanigan MS ’06
Lisa Flenoury MUP ’ 23
Gilbert Fletcher MCG ’18
Donovan Green ’87
Syreeta Greene ’ 99, MSW ’06, EDD ’ 16
Isadore Hall ML ’ 10
Cynthia Heard ’82
Nichola Hines ’ 95
Audrey Holmes ’ 76
Terri Holoman ’81
Shiressa Johnson MBA ’ 24
Fallyn Jones ’05
Katia Jordan MS ’ 12
Justin Lacey ’ 11
Sharoni Little, EdD ’ 12
Kerman Maddox MPA ’ 78
Rafael Matos ’01, MPAS ’05
Gina Merritt DSW ’ 21
Jamila Nightingale
Nana Numapau PHARD ’ 14
Erin Parker ’ 11
Deborah Pattillo ’88
Wilma Pinder ’62
Rhonda Richards-Smith ’02
Reginald Roberts Jr. JD ’00
Carol Ross-Burnett EdD ’ 23
Kathryn M. Shirley ’ 97
Michi Slaughter MPA ’ 23
Simeon Stewart II ’ 92, MBA ’ 17
James Williams III ’07
CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY ADVISORY
Danny Bakewell, Jr.
Executive Editor and Chief of Staff
Los Angeles Sentinel
Lloyd McKinney ’80
Manager, Western Region
General Procurement, Mission Systems Airborne C4ISR
Northrop Grumman
Kiesha Nix
Executive Director
Los Angeles Lakers Foundation
George Ramsey
Human Capital Management
Lockheed Martin
HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Sydney Kamlager-Dove ’ 14
Congresswoman
District 37, State of CA
Reginald Jones-Sawyer Sr. ’87
Assemblymember
District 59, State of CA
Reginald Lathan ’ 76
CEO
ChemTrans, Inc.
Briana Ovbude ’ 10 Co-Chair
James Ward III ’ 11 Co-Chair
Aria Aaron MBA ’ 21
Amber Blackwell ME ’ 23
Christian Bradley ’ 17, MA ’23
Kourtney Brodnax MSLW ’ 23
Elon Darthard MPH ’ 23
Chardae Davis ’ 14
Summer Fishman MA ’ 23
Karnessia Georgetown MBA ’ 24
Terrell Green MS ’ 23
Candace Hourse ’ 24
Trinity Lee ’ 23
Darartu Mohammed MBA ’ 22
Breanna Hawkins ’ 11
Bryanna Wallace ’ 19
Dominique Washington Dolliole ’ 11
Nadiatu Watts MNLM ’ 23
Brittany Williams
Recruiting Assistant
USC Athletics
BBJ Linens
Colornet Press
Dellarobbia Design Studio & Market, LLC.
DJ Mr. Quick
Francis DeLoach - FDL Production
LBA Logistics | LBA Properties
Metropolis
Nadiatu Watts
Patina Group
Posh 5 Productions
Red Carpet Systems
ShowPro, Inc.
SoCal Trophy
Sunseri’s Bar & Beverage Catering
The Jasper Company
Town and Country
USC Advancement Communications
USC Alumni Association Events Team
USC Alumni Association Finance Team
USC Communications
Vision Prompt
The USC Alumni Association proudly salutes
The USC Black Alumni Association on its 49th Annual Scholarship Benefit and joins its members in congratulating honorees iAsia Brown MBV ’23, Jason King and Maliz Mahop
to all
USC Annenberg is proud to recognize our very own Maliz Mahop Master of Public Diplomacy Graduate Student
Congratulations
USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION on their
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT and their honorees
IASIA BROWN MBV ’23
JASON KING
MALIZ MAHOP
USC Marshall and USC Leventhal are proud supporters of the
Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients.