Jessica Gilbert

Director of Workforce Development and Training, Virginia Union University

Ms. Jessica M. Gilbert brings over 15 years of experience in higher education , and currently serves on the Virginia Union University's Leadership Team as the Director of Workforce Development and Training. Ms. Gilbert holds a Bachelor in Sociology (Virginia State University), Master's in business management (Strayer University), Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Human Resources (University of Phoenix) and is currently working towards obtaining a PhD in Business Administration in Leadership (Liberty University) . Ms. Gilbert mission is to Inform, Inspire, and Influence processionals through her experiences and her passion for helping others. Ms. Gilbert also loves to volunteer and give back to her community, as she is an active member of the Henrico County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Anita Jarman

Executive Director, HBCU CARES

Anita ‘Coach AnitaJ’ Jarman is a serial entrepreneur and educator. Since 2009, she has employed her business development and marketing skills to advise private legal practices for global law firms, government agencies at the state and federal levels, small businesses representing various industries and primary and higher education school systems. Anita is a graduate of Delaware State University and Georgetown University. Both educational experiences sent her abroad to China in which she spent time building The Ji Li Project, a non-profit organization that promotes study abroad opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs attending historically Black colleges and universities. She is currently the Executive Director for HBCU CARES, representing 15 HBCUs and 35,000+ students throughout the Nation.

JamesAaron Pierre Jr.

Director of Alumni Affairs/Annual Fund, Miles College

James Aaron L. Pierre Jr. is the Director of Alumni Affairs/Annual Fund at Miles College, where he oversees fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. He also serves as the Governmental Affairs Manager for Jones Miller Group LLC, Alabama's largest Black-owned lobbying firm, representing over 40 clients. Hailing from Ft. Myers, FL, James Aaron followed his family's footsteps in attending Miles College, where he graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. James Aaron has over a decade of experience in sales and has received several accolades for his outstanding work. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Elite Legends Enterprises LLC, a company that organizes events to enhance the alumni experience during Homecoming season. Additionally, through his business, JamesAaron has donated scholarships to Miles College via UNCF.

Patrick Dean, Sr.

Director of Outreach and Career Development, Savannah State University College of Sciences & Technology

Patrick Dean, Sr. is an experienced professional currently serving as the Director of Outreach and Career Development for Savannah State University College of Sciences & Technology. With over 23 years of dedicated service to the university, he has made significant contributions in various areas, including K-12 outreach, undergraduate career development, and activity coordination. In his role, Patrick is responsible for providing outreach opportunities and career development services tailored explicitly for undergraduates in the College of Sciences & Technology at Savannah State University. He works closely with students, faculty, and external partners to create impactful programs and initiatives that support students' educational and professional growth. Patrick is pursuing a Master's in Public Administration from Savannah State University, further enhancing his knowledge and expertise. He is an active member of the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society for Public Administration, reflecting his dedication to academic excellence and professional development. With a diverse skill set, Patrick demonstrates proficiency in various areas, including PowerPoint presentations, program development, community outreach, event planning, customer service, public speaking, research, and Microsoft Office applications. His expertise and leadership abilities have been recognized by his colleagues, as evidenced by numerous endorsements he has received within the university community. With his extensive experience, passion for education, and commitment to supporting students' career development, Patrick Dean Sr. is vital in fostering students' success in the College of Sciences & Technology at Savannah State University.

Gary Brown, Ph.D.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & University Advancement, Elizabeth City State University

Dr. Gary L. Brown joined Elizabeth City State University in July 2018, serving as the chief student affairs officer and advocate for the student experience. He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and University Advancement which provides a unique opportunity to enhance the student experience by engaging with external constituencies by generating philanthropic support. He leads a team of trained professionals who affect student life in providing services, support, facilitated activities and opportunities for exposure that encourages students towards graduation and prepares them for life after college. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Brown is well respected amongst his peers, staff and students for his ability to inspire and motivate change that takes into account the central and most pressing needs of every individual he comes in contact with. Dr. Brown holds a PhD in Leadership Studies from N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University; Master of Divinity from Shaw University; a Master of Education, Higher Education Administration from NC State University and Bachelor of Arts in History from NC Central University.

Mario Vela

Assistant Vice Provost, Career Engaged Learning & Executive Director, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Mario Vela is a double alumnus of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), one of the largest Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) in the United States and one of 20 tier one HSIs (Carnegie R1). During his time at UTSA, Mario earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Philosophy and his Master of Science in Sociology. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Mario started his professional career in social services at the non-profit Family Service Association in San Antonio. Before joining the UTSA University Career Center (UCC), Mario held the role of Director of Partnerships at the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) in Chicago, a leading organization dedicated to the employment, development, and advancement of current and aspiring Latino professionals. After HACE, Mario served as the Director of Employer Relations at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago. In this role, Mario created, monitored, and evaluated the sustainable development and maintenance of over one thousand recruiting relationships. In 2019, Mario returned to his alma mater to serve as the Executive Director of the University Career Center after nearly a decade in Chicago. As of 2021, Mario is the Assistant Vice-Provost of Career-Engaged Learning to advance UTSA’s Classroom to Careers initiatives.

Jennifer Joyner, M.S.L.

Director, Smith Institute for research, Career Development, and Postgraduate Readiness, Johnson C. Smith University

Jennifer is a Career Development Advocate and Champion. She is a thoughtful and deliberate leader that understands what it takes to build an authentic hhigh-performingprogram. Knowing the importance of exposure and education, Jennifer worked toward an Undergraduate Degree at Belmont Abbey in Business Administration, then realized she wanted to have greater impact to connect people with opportunities to grow their careers and prepare them to showcase the skills that they must possess to thrive in the 21st-century workplace. In her quest for personal and professional growth, she received her Masters Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Pfeiffer University. During that time, she enjoyed over 15 years of service in corporate America at a Fortune 500 company, the Vanguard Group of Investments. Jennifer joined the North Carolina Community College system as Executive Director of Apprenticeships, Special Programs and Marketing. She transitioned to Goodwill Industries as the Career Navigation Director. There Jennifer led a staff of over 20 Career Navigation Coaches that served the Charlotte Metro area. Her Career Navigation Coaches assisted participants in holistic goal setting, career readiness, and employment services that prepared Jennifer for her current dream role at Johnson C Smith University. In her spare time, Jennifer volunteers at her church, mentors young people, enjoys reading, curating art, and traveling abroad with her daughter, Khadijah. She is extremely proud to be a part of the JCSU Golden Bull Family. Her Favorite Quote: “A mind stretch by a new idea can never return to its original dimensions.” Oliver W. Holmes

Dr. Gamaliel (Dan) Cherry

Johnson Space Center Office of STEM Engagement Director, NASA

Gamaliel “Dan” Cherry has served with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for over a decade in the areas of Education and Human Resources. Currently, he serves as the Director of Education at Langley Research Center which also encompasses the Collaboration and Talent Development Branch. His areas of expertise are concentrated on Organization Development, Training, and Executive Coaching. He has served on several NASA Langley and Agency teams that range from exploring the future of work to organizing large multi-center interactive exhibits. Dan holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with concentrations in General Science and Music, a MS in Education and a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology. He has traveled aboard to Scotland, Africa, Spain, Italy, France, and New Zealand during his colligate matriculation. He also participated in the Kauffman National Entrepreneur program where he found his niche for computers and decided to further advance his skill-set as a hobby and possible business venture in the future. Gamaliel is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Who’s Who Among America’s College Students, Phi Beta Kappa honors society. Dan is married to Erika Cherry and they have three children, Zoe and Zariah, and Zion. Dan is an avid football, and basketball fan and a lifelong learner.

Angela McDaniel

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Lead, U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Apprenticeship Office

Angela McDaniel is the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Lead for the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Apprenticeship Office. She currently works with employers, partners and stakeholders to advance opportunities for Minority Serving Institutions, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and other minorities. Ms. McDaniel is a member of the White House Historically Black Colleges and Universities Initiative interagency work group; a graduate of the Office of Personnel’s Women’s Executive Leadership Programs; a graduate of DOL/Employment and Training Administration’s Emerging Leaders Program; and is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. She has worked in workforce development for over 20 years. Ms. McDaniel has program management experience, and previously worked as a Personnel Specialist, Employment Development Specialist, Contract Officer’s Representative (COR) and Federal Project Officer (FPO). She currently serves on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mentoring Steering Committee, DOL’s Southeastern HBCU Hiring Initiative, and DOL’s National Job Shadowing Day.

Dr. Carl Person

The net.America Corporation

Dr. Carl S. Person spent 14 years at NASA, most recently as its Director of Aerospace Research and Career Development in the Office of Education. In his final role at NASA, he worked with a national network of colleges and universities to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA's aeronautics and space projects, supporting and enhancing science and engineering, education, research, and public outreach efforts. In addition, he was responsible for working with the colleges and universities in 28 states and in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to effect lasting improvements in research infrastructure. Previously, he served as NASA's Manager of Minority University Research and Education. He also served as the agency's program manager for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and as liaison to the White House Initiatives Office on HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. Before joining NASA, Dr. Person spent 20 years at the U.S. Department of Education in a variety of positions, ranging from an education program specialist to Chief of the Accrediting Agency Evaluation Branch, Chief of the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Branch, Executive Director of the HBCU Capital Financing Program, and Director of the Institutional Development and Undergraduate Education Service. Dr. Person served two terms (2015-2021) as a Public Member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Additionally, he serves as a Public Commissioner on the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training and as a Board Member of the Inner Banks STEM Center. Previously, Dr. Person was a member of the NASA Advisory Council’s STEM Engagement Committee (2014 – 2020) and the Virginia State Bar’s Subcommittee on Legal Discipline (Fairfax County, VA). Dr. Person is an alumnus of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Fayetteville State University (NC) and Howard University (Washington, DC). He received his terminal degree from Virginia Tech University (Blacksburg, VA).

Amara Tennessee

Public Health Analyst, Vanguard Consulting Group, LLC

Amara is a Public Health Analyst for Vanguard Consulting Group, LLC. Vanguard Consulting Group is an Atlanta- based collective of conscious-minded professionals, aimed at providing services that impact the communities they serve. Amara works with the United States Department of Labor to expand and establish registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) in the Healthcare, Healthcare IT, and Energy Industry Sectors. Together with the Workforce Impact Network (WIN), a program created to serve the South Atlantic, they anticipate that apprenticeships can provide mutually beneficial and industry-driven career pathways to students and employers, where your future workforce is developed collaboratively. Amara is responsible for the strategic communication and collaboration of organizations and community partners. In her role Amara works to develop and implement specific strategies and targeted outreach through detailed engagement tools and communication structures. Amara shares a passion for working with diverse and underserved populations as reflected through her extensive travel and work abroad experience. Ms.Tennessee has traveled to live in Paraguay, South America for 11 months. In Paraguay she worked as a medical volunteer in a cardiology and diabetes center as well as a mobile vaccination clinic. This work combined her love of medicine with her passion for helping others and led her to discover the world of Public Health. Over the course of her career, Ms. Tennessee has traveled to Santiago, Chile and San Esteban, Honduras working in medical clinics, providing Spanish to English translation services, as well as health education presentations on various health topics. In May of 2020, Amara was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to travel to Colombia in South America to begin an English Teaching Assistantship at the University of Boyaca in Tunja.

Dr. Landon Hill

Chief Program Officer, East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC)

Dr. Landon Hill is a native of Oakland, California. He currently serves as the Chief Program Officer at the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), the same organization where he came of age and has had the privilege of leading multiple programs across the K-12 spectrum. In addition to his work with EOYDC, Landon teaches in the Secondary Department of Education at San Francisco State University, developing and preparing students for a career in education. He is also involved in other community efforts via Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Landon’s educational achievements include a Master of Arts in Education from California State University, Long Beach and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University. His passions include providing opportunities for Black and Brown students of his community, traveling, and enhancing his music collection—especially hip-hop albums and vinyl records. Above all, he is a proud husband, father, and follower of Christ.

Patricia Garcia

Regional Director, US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship

Patricia Garcia joined the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) in 1998, and has been the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) Regional Director since 2015. OA Region 6, based in San Francisco, encompasses eight Western States, and three U.S. Territories in the Pacific. Her office is responsible for promotion, expansion, and oversight of more than 900 registered apprenticeship programs serving 64,000 workers. Working with the National Apprenticeship System caps a 45-year career as a workforce development professional with local, regional, and national organizations, including the AFL-CIO. She is a recent recipient of the Secretary of Labor’s Honors Award for her crosscutting work on OA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Team. She is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz, a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

James Foti

Regional Director · U.S. Department of Labor

Jim Foti currently serves as the Regional Director for the Philadelphia Region’s Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Employment and Training Administration. He previously served as Deputy Administrator and Senior Policy Advisor in USDOL’s National Office of Apprenticeship in Washington DC. Jim’s career encompasses twenty-five years of management experience with a focus on workforce education, training, and technology. He was formerly the Executive Director of the American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship, Director of the National Healthcareer Association, CEO of the National Council of NGOs of Kenya, Head of Marketing and Workforce Programs for Instructional Systems Inc., and Legislative Assistant for former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. While attending college in the evening, Jim completed a 4-year apprenticeship fabricating intricate precious metals equipment for the aerospace and fiberglass industries and for scientific research. After graduate school, he served a Presidential Management Fellowship in Washington DC, and a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship studying apprenticeships in Germany. He holds a masters’ degree in Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Management from Rutgers University.