2026 Conference Program
Registration
8 to 9:30 a.m.
Bonnell Building Lobby
Start the day off with some continental breakfast and networking.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Bonnell Building, Large Auditorium
Dr. Alycia Marshall, President, Community College of PhiladelphiaRev. Jonathan A. Mason, Community College of Philadelphia Board of Trustees
Dr. Derrick A. Perkins, Assistant Vice President, Student Empowerment and Equity Initiatives
Opening Session
9:45 to 10:30 a.m.
Bonnell Building, Large Auditorium
The Brotherhood Blueprint: Building Bridges to Joy, Accountability, and Purpose
Facilitator: Malika Rahman, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Community College of Philadelphia and Founder of Be A Great You, Inc.
Inspired by the life and legacy of Octavius V. Catto, this opening conversation explores how authentic brotherhood can cultivate joy, strengthen accountability, and empower Black men to lead lives of purpose, resilience, and service. Just as Catto demonstrated that lasting change is built through courageous leadership and collective responsibility, this session invites attendees to consider how meaningful relationships continue to shape individuals, families and communities today. Through an engaging panel, the conversation will examine the importance of brotherhood, mentorship, vulnerability, mental wellness and accountability. Rather than centering the Black male experience solely on adversity, the discussion intentionally creates space to celebrate joy, resilience, and the transformative power of investing in one another.
Panelists:
- Garry Mills – Founder, Shoot Basketballs Not People
- Ryan Harris – Founder, As I Plant This Seed, Inc.
- John Solomon – Founder, Endangered Kind
- Taj Murdock – Founder, Men of Courage
The session will conclude with a guided mindfulness experience with Dennis “Yogi Den” Davis, equipping attendees with practical tools to manage stress, cultivate inner peace, and remain grounded in both their personal and professional purpose.
Malika Rahman is an educator, civic leader and former law enforcement professional committed to creating meaningful connections between criminal justice, higher education, public safety and the community. She currently serves as curriculum coordinator and assistant professor of Criminal Justice at Community College of Philadelphia, where her work extends beyond the classroom to curriculum development, faculty support, student mentorship, and building partnerships that create opportunities for students to learn, lead, and thrive. She also serves as co-director of the Fox Rothschild Center for Law & Society, helping to advance interdisciplinary programming and conversations around law, justice, education and community engagement. Malika’s commitment to service extends well beyond the classroom. She serves as vice chair of the Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission and as president and chaplain of the Philadelphia Police Department’s 39th District Chaplains. She is also the founder of Be A Great You, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to empowering young people through youth development and scholarship opportunities. A committed educator, mentor, and community advocate, she has been recognized for her leadership and impact, including being named a 2024 American Association for Women in Community Colleges 40 Under 40 honoree. Malika is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Strategic Leadership at Lancaster Bible College’s Capital Seminary & Graduate School.
Break
10:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Morning Breakout Sessions
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Sessions for Students
The Backpack You Didn't Ask For
Room: BR-73
Presenter: Brandon Brown, Director of Education and Training, Center for Health Justice and Bioethics, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Every student carries experiences, responsibilities and challenges that are not always visible to others. This interactive workshop explores how stress, family obligations, financial pressures, personal experiences and other unseen burdens can affect our well-being, relationships and success. Participants will learn practical strategies for recognizing stress, building resilience, setting healthy boundaries and developing habits that support emotional wellness. Students will leave with a better understanding of the challenges they carry and tools to manage them in healthy and productive ways.
Secure the Bag: Creating Your Financial Blueprint
Room: BR-29
Presenters: Ryan Ferreira, Finance Major, West Chester University; and Dr. Walter Copeland, II, Business Leadership adjunct faculty at Community College of Philadelphia, and CEO and Founder of Health is Wealth
College can prepare you for a career, but who teaches you what to do with your money once you start earning it? Whether you're planning for your first paycheck, first apartment, or long-term financial goals, understanding how money works and how to make it work for you is a critical and lifelong skill. This interactive session explores budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and financial decision-making through real-world examples and practical strategies. Participants will learn how to avoid common financial mistakes, make informed decisions and build a foundation for long-term success. Students will leave with practical tools to help them secure the bag, reduce financial stress, and take greater control of their financial future.
215 at 250: Then, Now, Next.
Room: BR-72
Presenters: Andrew Dodd, Catto Scholarship Success Coach at Community College of Philadelphia; and Gregory Nelson, Assistant Director of Scholar Recruitment and Success at Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia was not shaped by a single moment, movement or era. As Philadelphia and the nation celebrate 250 years of history, what role will you play in shaping the next chapter? This interactive workshop invites students to explore the people, movements and communities that have transformed Philadelphia while considering how they can make an impact today. Inspired by the life and legacy of Octavius Catto, participants will explore themes of leadership, civic engagement, advocacy and educational opportunity while reflecting on issues affecting their schools, neighborhoods and communities. Through discussion and reflection, students will discover how their voices, actions and ideas can help shape Philadelphia's future. This session challenges participants to see themselves not just as observers of history, but as leaders, changemakers and active contributors to what comes next.
Lead From Where You Are: Building Your Leadership Skills for School, Career, & Life
Room: BR-24
Presenter: Aaron Helton-Holloman, Assistant Professor, Academic Advising at Community College of Philadelphia; and Cameo Pritchett, Instructor, Academic Advising at Community College of Philadelphia
You don't need a title, position or large social media following to be a leader. Leadership shows up in the choices you make, the way you treat people and how you respond when challenges arise. This interactive session will help students identify their strengths, build confidence and develop skills in communication, teamwork, accountability and decision-making. Whether you're leading a student organization, supporting your family, helping friends navigate challenges, or preparing for your future career, you'll leave with practical tools to make a positive impact and lead wherever you are.
Sessions for Administrators and Educators
From Community College to Community Leadership
Room: BR-70
Presenter: Shameeka Browne, M.Ed., Educator, Author, Entrepreneur, Doctoral Student and Founder of Math is All Around Us LLC
Success is rarely achieved alone. Relationships, mentors, schools, workplaces and communities all play a role in shaping who we become and the opportunities we receive. Grounded in the philosophy of Ubuntu ("I am because we are"), this interactive session explores how connection, community and collective responsibility influence educational and professional success. Participants will identify the people and experiences that have shaped their own journeys and explore practical ways to support, encourage and create opportunities for others. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for helping students recognize their potential, build meaningful connections, and access pathways to opportunity and leadership.
The Jegna Chain: Building Brotherhood, Leadership, Accountability, and Purpose
Room: BR-26
Presenter: Carl Jones, M.Ed., Support Coach, Center for Male Engagement at Community College of Philadelphia
What does leadership look like when it is rooted in accountability, service and community? This interactive workshop explores mentorship, brotherhood, personal responsibility and purpose through the concept of the "Jegna," a respected leader and protector. Participants will examine how relationships, decision-making and community support contribute to success while developing practical strategies for building confidence, strengthening leadership skills and creating a positive impact in the lives of others.
Reclaiming the Narrative: Digital Storytelling for Student Success, Equity, and Engagement
Room: BR-46
Presenter: Angel Perez, MA, MPA, Assistant Director, Center for Latino Arts and Culture at Rutgers University
How can educators and institutions create spaces where students feel seen, heard and empowered? This session explores how digital storytelling can be used to amplify student voices, foster belonging, strengthen self-advocacy and support student success. Participants will discover how storytelling, media creation and narrative development can be used to engage students, promote leadership and create more inclusive learning environments while helping students turn their lived experiences into powerful tools for advocacy and impact.
SHUT UP AND SPEAK: Building Legacy Through Voice, Purpose, and Confidence
Room: BR-67
Presenter: John McLeod, Sr., MBA, Founder and Speaking Coach, Mac Motivates LLC and Ordinary People Speaking Academy
What opportunities might you be missing because you're afraid to speak up? Your ideas, experiences and perspective matter, but too often people stay silent because of fear, self-doubt, or the belief that their voice won't make a difference. This interactive session explores how communication, confidence and self-advocacy can help create opportunities in school, work and life. Participants will learn strategies for speaking with purpose, building confidence, and using their voice to influence change, strengthen relationships and make a positive impact in their communities.
Break
11:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lunch and Networking
12 to 1:15 p.m.
Library and Learning Commons
Closing Session
1:15 to 1:45 p.m
Presenter: Abu Edwards, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement, and Executive Director of the Mayor’s Commission on African American Males, City of Philadelphia
Close out the day with a reflection on key themes and conversations from the conference and how today’s themes connect to the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Black Male Engagement (OBME). Abu will also share upcoming OBME opportunities for attendees to stay engaged and connected.
Abu Edwards is a respected public servant, political strategist, and advocate for equity and systemic change. He currently serves as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement and executive director of the Mayor’s Commission on African American Males for the City of Philadelphia, leading the city’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black men and boys across education, economic mobility, justice and civic engagement. A proud first-generation college graduate, Abu earned his degree from Wilberforce University, the nation’s oldest private HBCU. Abu previously served as senior grassroots manager for All Voting is Local in Pennsylvania, director of State Affairs, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM, and as a political strategist on major campaigns, including Biden-Harris, Bloomberg for President, Katie McGinty for Governor and Justice David Wecht’s Supreme Court campaign. Abu is a 2025 Male Mentor of the Year for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.’s Nu Sigma Chapter, a 2022 Philadelphia Legacies Community Service Award recipient, a 2022 HBCU Data Academy graduate and a longstanding NAACP leader. His life’s work centers on one mission: Build systems, relationships and opportunities that ensure Black men and boys are not just seen—but prepared, supported and empowered to lead.
Closing Remarks, Recognitions and Networking
1:45 to 2 p.m.
Library Learning Commons