Be INSPIRED

Pedro is a native of Nyack, NY, who transferred to Binghamton University in the Fall of 2020. While being a first generation college student, Pedro earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work. Pedro aims to establish a faith-based mental health counseling practice, focusing on serving underrepresented populations. He seeks to utilize his skills and experience to positively impact his community.

Pedro is currently the President and Worship Coordinator of a faith-based Christian club on campus, Global Medical Missions Alliance (GMMA). During his free time, Pedro also enjoys

• Listening to Music and playing instruments
• Learning languages
• Engaging in sports
• Watching Anime

SESSION

Mental Health Matters

Ben Ortiz is the Assistant Curator for the Cornell Hip Hop Collection (CHHC), which is part of Cornell University Library’s Rare and Manuscript Collections division. The CHHC is one of the world’s most extensive research archives on Hip Hop music and culture. Founded in 2007, it contains well over a quarter-million individual artifacts. Ben’s primary responsibilities include community outreach, teaching, curating exhibitions, and assisting researchers and community members with access to the collection. He has been involved with the CHHC since its founding, and took on his current role in 2011.

Ben has worked in other roles at Cornell University since 2002, including: Coordinator of K-12 Outreach in the Cornell Public Service Center; Counselor for the New York State Higher/Educational Opportunity Program (H/EOP) at the Office of Minority Educational Affairs (today called OADI, the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives); and Residence Hall Director for the Risley Residential College for the Creative and Performing Arts, as well as Clara Dickson Hall and the Multicultural Living-Learning Unit (McLLU).

Ben is also involved in the local community and currently serves on the board of directors of the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, the board of trustees of the Tompkins County History Center, and the planning group for the First Fridays organization.

Music is central to Ben’s life—his alter ego, DJ ha-MEEN is an active performer and music event organizer known for fusing music knowledge, skills, and eclecticism to facilitate genre-bending dance parties for a wide range of humans.

SESSION

Hip Hop, Archives and Social Justice

Jeremy is a first-generation student who transferred to Binghamton University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies and a Master’s degree in Social Work. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, concentrated in Higher Education, at Georgia Southern University.

Jeremy is committed to supporting low-income and first-generation students. His career in higher education spans multiple roles, including:

• • • STEM Academic Counselor for TRIO Student Support Services at Binghamton University
    • Assistant Director of Advising Services and Academic Support at the University of Pennsylvania
    • Senior Consultant with the National Institute for Student Success

As the Director of Student Transition and Success at Binghamton University, Jeremy leads the university’s Student Transition and Success (STS) department, focusing on enhancing student success and achievement. He has built upon the department’s growth and is dedicated to making a positive impact on students’ academic journeys.

• • • 12+ years of experience in higher education
    • Proven track record of supporting low-income and first-generation students
    • Strong leadership and consulting expertise in student success and advising services

SESSION

The Path Forward: Strategies for Navigating Life’s Transitions

Sophomore

Psychology Major

SESSION

Finding The Man In You: The Intersectionality of Masculinity and Healthy Relationships

Dr. Jarvis Marlow-McCowin is the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Education Manager at Corning Incorporated’s Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity, where he leads efforts to advance educator diversity, equity-driven education policy, and student voice. With over a decade of experience across K-12, higher education, and corporate settings, he is a nationally recognized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) subject-matter expert and a recipient of the 2024 Diamond Award from The Not Alone Foundation for his work in advancing social change.

Jarvis’ research focuses on educational access for rural students and men of color, with 14 publications in journals such as the Journal of College Student Development and The Rural Educator. He has advised over 30 organizations on equity-centered strategies and is the founder of Empowerment Insights Partners, a consulting firm designed to support individuals and organizations in their transformation and organizational change journeys.

Jarvis holds a Ph.D. in Community Research and Action from Binghamton University, where he received the inaugural Fellowship for Racial Justice in honor of Dominic Davy. He also earned a master’s degree in educational policy and leadership studies from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in history from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Outside of work, he serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and enjoys coaching middle school football and giving drum lessons in his community.

SESSION

Rooted in Truth, Rising in Power

Leonel Diaz Jr is the Director of Intercultural Affairs for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Binghamton University. With over ten years of experience in higher education, he brings a wide range of experiences to support student success and development.

SESSION

Finding The Man In You: The Intersectionality of Masculinity and Healthy Relationships

ABOUT

Andrew L. Morrison is a seasoned professional dedicated to empowering individuals and communities. Currently serving as a Placement & Career Services Developer at PathStone Corp’s Young Adult Reentry Partnership, he guides young adults with Justice System involvement through job training certification and placement. Andrew previously served as a Fatherhood Specialist, facilitating growth workshops for low-income fathers, impacting their children’s lives positively.

Retiring from a 35-year corporate career, including roles at IBM and Lockheed Martin, Andrew brings vast expertise. He actively engages in community service, contributing to various boards such as The Children’s Home and the Men of Color Summit. Andrew’s commitment to personal development extends to facilitating workshops for the Oasis After-School Program, embodying his dedication to fostering growth and opportunity for all.

Session

Personal Marketing Strategy

Louis Perez is a Senior Director and the Senior Data Privacy and Protection Counsel at Henry Schein, Inc. He is an experienced privacy and data protection attorney with an extensive background advising global organizations on regulatory compliance, data governance, and emerging privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) laws and regulations. In his role, Louis advises on the responsible use and safeguarding of data while promoting innovation in healthcare and technology for Henry Schein businesses.

Louis is a subject matter expert with an extensive background in U.S. and global privacy laws, including but not limited to CCPA, HIPAA, LGPD, PIPEDA, GDPR, and evolving AI laws and regulations. He plays a key role in developing strategies for safeguarding data, mitigating risks, and aligning business objectives with legal and ethical standards. He has substantial experience negotiating comprehensive privacy agreements and establishing how organizations manage and safeguard data across multiple jurisdictions. His expertise enables him to address the complexities of privacy regulations while ensuring that data protection measures are effectively implemented.

Prior to joining Henry Schein, Inc., Louis spearheaded privacy and AI governance initiatives for a global healthcare company, a prominent online travel company, and a major dining reservation company, helping shape their global data protection programs and strategies. He also supported businesses cross-functionally, reviewing marketing, sales, and product initiatives and assisting human resources and customer support teams on privacy and security matters. His responsibilities included drafting and implementing privacy policies, conducting privacy investigations, and providing privacy and security training.

Louis earned his Juris Doctor with a distinction in Health and Biomedical Law from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University. Louis is passionate about advocating for privacy rights and educating individuals on protecting their privacy while navigating the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. He enjoys mentoring students and advising professionals pursuing a career in law, compliance, and data protection.

SESSION

Navigating the Legal Profession as a Man of Color: Overcoming Obstacles & Strategies for Success in the Era of AI & Innovation.

ABOUT

Proven talent for aligning business strategy and objectives with established business development and insurance operations paradigms to achieve maximum operational impacts with minimum resource expenditures.

SESSION

A Million Dollars Worth of Game: Roadmap to a 7-Figure Future

Deputy Chief Quanison T. Wright is a beacon of dedication and leadership within the University Police at Binghamton University. Since joining the campus grounds department in 1996, Quanison’s journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to law enforcement and community service. Rising through the ranks from dispatcher to Deputy Chief, he exemplifies exemplary work ethic and unwavering dedication. Known for his compassionate approach and empathetic communication, Quanison fosters inclusive and supportive relationships within the campus community.

Beyond his policing duties, Quanison plays a pivotal role in the Men of Color Summit committee, working to help men of color gain a stronger sense of self. His tireless commitment to service and mentorship embodies the ethos of “paying it forward,” making him a cherished leader and mentor to all.

Derek Jorden has served as a Residential Director at Binghamton University since 2021, demonstrating a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has been a part of the MOC summit committee for three years. His dedication is evident through his involvement with various campus organizations, where he serves as an advisor for several clubs. With a fiery passion for fostering inclusive environments and promoting mental health in men of color, as well as professional development, Jorden strives to positively impact both on campus and in the broader community.

JR Beckford currently serves as Grants Projects Staff Administrator for CSTEP, LSAMP, STEP and UBMS in the Watson Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office located in the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University. Serving the Binghamton University community for 20+ years, he loves advocating for, inspiring, and motivating others.

Richie Sebuharara serves as assistant director of the Multicultural Resource Center at Binghamton University and has been on Binghamton’s campus for 7 years. Born and raised in Broome County, Richie also serves as a coach and trainer in the local community, focusing on leadership development, community building and overall well-being.

Jennifer Keegin is the Associate Director for Campus Activities at Binghamton University, serving in the position for the last 18 years. She previously worked at Loyola University New Orleans and the North Carolina School of the Arts in Student Activities roles. Jennifer runs logistics for the Summit, and her favorite part comes at the end of the event when participants share what they have learned in the course of the day and then gather to take a group shot. “I love it when a plan comes together, and I love seeing the impact this Summit has on its attendees.”