Graduation

Graduation is a time for celebration. Friends and family come from miles around to praise the achievements of hard-working students and commend them for their success.

Graduation provides an opportunity for students to look back at their work and revel in the fact that they met or exceeded all of the academic standards set before them. Graduation is also a time of quiet reflection, an opportunity to measure how far you’ve come and how much farther you have to travel.

As you embark upon the milestone of graduation, here are a few things to remember.

Breathe: They call it a “commencement” ceremony because you are at the beginning a new journey. It’s okay if all of your post-graduate plans have not come together. Keep working hard and continue to move in the direction of your dreams.

Grad School: If grad school is an option, be sure to do all of the necessary research. Make sure that a graduate degree is necessary for the job that you desire. Find out where you can get the best education for the lowest price. Talk to a guidance counselor. Find out where the graduates of a particular college or university are placed once they have finished the program as well as their average salary.

Utilize your resources: If you are looking for a job or an internship, be sure to stop by your school’s career services department.

Write it down: This season, full of so much joy, will bring many challenges. Consider keeping a journal. Write down what it felt like to wear that cap and gown and walk across that stage. Write down the fear and exhilaration that comes with moving to a new state for a new job. Write down your goals and your setbacks. Journaling will help you sort out your feelings and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Have fun: No explanation needed!

Live HOPE. Give HOPE.

Four Organizations That Could Take YOU to the Next Level

Tags

career development, leadership

It is not only our own passion and intellect but the guidance and support of others that help us accomplish our goals.

We thought we could help with the latter. We have a compiled a list of organizations that we call “goal supporters” or “dream builders” they offer the support system and education to help you achieve your goals. You don’t have to do it all alone, use these organizations to propel yourself forward.

International Career Advancement Program (ICAP)
ICAP’s goal is to assist highly promising mid-career professionals from underrepresented groups in advancing to more senior positions in international affairs. During the annual week-long seminar, ICAP participants
explore the international problems and policy issues that senior officials will have to deal with over the next decade.

Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)
MLT equips high potential African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans with skills, coaching and door-opening relationships—that unlock their potential to attend a top graduate business school. MLT helps to put minorities on the fast-track to success at every stage of their careers: from College through MBA and the Executive levels.

New Leaders Council (NLC)
NLC works to train and promote the progressive political entrepreneurs of tomorrow — trendsetters, elected officials and civically-engaged leaders in business and industry who will shape the future landscape. NLC’s mission is realized primarily through the NLC Institute; the nation’s premiere political entrepreneurship training program that is building teams of outstanding young professionals in 20 cities across the country.

The Consortium
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management is the nation’s largest diversity network, linking top-tier students, leading MBA programs and corporate partners, including Fortune 500 companies. Our mission is to reduce the under-representation of African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanic Americans in education and business.

HOPE Heals Winner: Laura Davis

Tags

award, career, florida state university, health, iPad, medicine, physician, scholarship

The H.O.P.E. Scholarship Initiative is pleased to announce Laura Davis as the winner of a new iPad through our H.O.P.E. Heals Book Scholarship.

H.O.P.E.’s fifth scholarship award is in partnership with The City Vault to recognize students in medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and/or allied health programs, whose achievements are judged to be outstanding.

Here is an excerpt from Laura’s compelling essay.

“I spent several years on a roller coaster of uncertainty as I began a period of self-doubt, and contemplated career choices other than medicine.  I volunteered in under-served communities and after watching the amazing combination of distress and hope that these patients displayed, I recognized that being a physician was the perfect career for me.  I had found my passion and my calling in the field of medicine.

Inasmuch, I am excited about pursuing a career in rural family medicine, where I can have a greater impact on the biopsychosocial aspects of a person’s illnesses.  For many of my patients, I might be the only physician available for them.  I want to ensure that quality medical care is available to everyone, without regard to income or health status.  I look forward to being a physician that takes time to invest in my patients and their families, and in turn, positively affects the communities that they come from.”

We are excited to see the impact Laura is destined to make on the world of medicine.

Give HOPE. Live HOPE.

[Recap] Generation Y: The New Wave of Philanthropists

Tags

African American, charity, donation, millennial, philanthropy, youth

If you missed, The H.O.P.E. Scholarship Initiative’s latest #hopechat, you can find the discussion’s highlights right here in the recap. Check it out!

@hopescholarship: Good evening and #Welcome to @hopescholarship’s #hopechat ­ Generation Y: The New Wave of Philanthropy

@hopescholarship: Today we have joining us, #philanthropy juggernauts: @hleak, @msciaralyn, @chrisj1914, @craigbrownphd – #hopechat

@msciaralyn: @HopeScholarship Hello, Im Ciara Bostick, Founder & President of @GodsGiftInc a npo for disadvantaged girls in South Florida #hopechat

@chrisj1914: Good evening I’m Chris Johnson Exec Director & Co-Founder of @NCNCF. Thanks for having me @HopeScholarship #HopeChat

@craigbrownphd: Hello. I am excited about our tweet chat tonight. #Hopechat

‏@hleak: @HopeScholarship @MsCiaraLyn @chrisj1914 @craigbrownphd #hopechat Hi, Halima Leak Executive Director, @PQCphilanthropy @PaulQuinnTigers

q1: How did you get involved in #philanthropy?

@craigbrownphd: My philanthropic ventures started after my survival of pancreatic cancer. So my philanthropy is personal. #Hopechat

@craigbrownphd: A1. After my bout with cancer I realized how much I took for granted. I decided to dedicate my life to teaching & giving #Hopechat

@chrisj1914: A1: grew up in a military fam. We lived all over the world & committed to giving what we could, when we could, everywhere we lived #HopeChat

@chrisj1914: @HopeScholarship…when philanthropy is instilled in us early, it becomes a natural part of our lives imo #HopeChat

@hleak: @HopeScholarship #hopechat Honestly, my work in philanthropy was unintentional. A non profit I worked for needed more resources.

@MsCiaraLyn: @HopeScholarship It always been a dream, but it came faster than I imagined. I was unemployed at the time…perfect opportunity #hopechat

q2: Define Philanthropy. What does it mean to you?

@hleak: @HopeScholarship Q2: For me philanthropy is about empowerment. Giving allows us to have a hand in improving our world. #hopechat

@chrisj1914: A2: Investing time, talent and/or treasure. i.e. Volunteering, knowledge (mentorship, as a board member, etc), and/or financially #HopeChat

@MsCiaraLyn: A2. Passion must definitely be a sole driver when speaking of philanthropy and giving back to your community #hopechat @HopeScholarship

@chrisj1914: A2 cont’d: Philanthropy is easy. We can all be philanthropists. Philanthropy is the fabric which holds our communities together

@hleak: @chrisj1914 exactly…philanthropy includes much more than money. It’s about your connection to a cause. #Hopechat

q3: What is the difference between charity and philanthropy?

@chrisj1914: A3: To me charity is a handout. Philanthropy is a hand up. #HopeChat

@craigbrownphdPhilanthropy is staking a claim and providing personal assistance in seeing that which you claim be realized. #Hopechat

@MsCiaraLyn: A3. I would say charity is more so giving, while philanthropy is doing #hopechat @HopeScholarship

‏@HBCUstorian: A3 Charity is giving your surplus. Philanthropy is giving your self. @HopeScholarship #HopeChat

‏@hleak: @HopeScholarship A3: Philanthropy represents a more sophisticated approach to giving. Donors now have more expectations cont… #hopechat

@hleak: @HopeScholarship Donors want their gifts to solve bigger problems. ie rather than feed one person, many want to cure hunger #hopechat

@unoCHANCE: Charity is answering an immediate need usually done one time and Philanthropy is making a longtime commitment to a cause. #hopechat

q4: What has #inspired this immense philanthropic movement by millennials?

@chrisj1914 Q4: CSR has helped. Corporations have plans 2 give back & it trickles down. Calls to action 2. i.e. Sept 11th, ‘Cane Katrina, etc #HopeChat

@MsCiaraLyn A4. We are generation changers. We see the need & importance of traditional values and morals of society #hopechat @HopeScholarship

@chrisj1914 Q4: Also, social entrepreneurship by so many millenials has highlighted the importance to be philanthropic and how easy it is#hopechat

@unoCHANCE A4) I believe prez Obama’s inaugural campaign where he asked ea family member to donate $5 to his campaign was a national starter #hopechat

@craigbrownphd: A4: With shifts in economic focus comes shifts in the needs of others. The drivers change and therefore the concerns shift #hopechat

q5: What shifts need to happen for more young pple to become philanthropists?

@chrisj1914 A5: 1) AWARENESS “that’s not my problem” no…a community problem is EVERYONE’s problem. 2) Find your passion(s) and get engaged #HopeChat

@unoCHANCE Q5) Young people need to think more about helping the greater good and the notion of “paying it forward.” A key word “legacy” #hopechat

@craigbrownphd A5. GREAT QUESTION. We need to get them involved EARLY. They need to know that they MATTER. @choosetomatter #hopechat

@hleak A5: Education about the impact of giving. Efforts like @PQCphilanthropy inform young people of their ability to be change agents. #hopechat

@chrisj1914 A5 p2: Answer the question “what are you passionate about?” Visit your local NP resource ctr. or United Way. Become a mentor. #hopechat

@eddiefrancis @HopeScholarship Q5: If I may, I find that all you have to do is ask then show young ppl. They want to do SOMETHING. #hopechat

q6: Many give back to their churches. How do we get them to sow in other areas?

@chrisj1914 A6: Foundation here again is passion. But our communities have challenges. Mentorship of black youth, grad rates, bullying, etc #HopeChat

‏@unoCHANCE Q6) I think some peo have to be “moved” to give back. Maybe NPOs need to wk harder to help peo understand y it’s imp to giveback #hopechat

@chrisj1914 A6 cont’d: We ALL have gifts which we can share with the world “To give anything less than your best is to sacrafice the gift”

@craigbrownphd A6: Its access. Most people have easy access to the church. So they naturally give. Plus the church asks for the contributions. #Hopechat

@hleak @HopeScholarship expanding ideals of faith and giving to the greater community. Exposing young ppl to philanthropy EARLY #hopechat

q7: Is #philanthropy a lucrative career option?

@chrisj1914 A7: Pick up the phone and call a major gifts officer for a mid to large size nonprofit or any university *drops mic* lol #hopechat

@craigbrownphd A7: YES IT IS. The more organized the effort the more lucrative it can become. Like any business. #Hopechat

@hleak@HopeScholarship A7: Absolutely. It is an underexplored career path. NPOs NEED competent fundraisers to achieve their missions. #hopechat

@L_Siobhan I’m always seeing job offers for Development Directors though so yes #philanthropy can be lucrative if you raise the $$ #q7 #Hopechat

@hleak @chrisj1914 initiatives like @PQCphilanthropy. We have introduced a B.S. in F&P into our curriculum. We’ve gotten serious! #hopechat

q8: How do #nonprofitorganizations make their cause a “hot cause” & get people to donate?

@hleak: @HopeScholarship A8: show the relevance of your cause. demonstrate the impact on individuals AND society. Branding and marketing. #hopechat

@chrisj1914 A8: NPOs succeed in fundraising when they effectively emotionally connect people with their cause through marketing/storytelling #hopechat

@L_Siobhan 16h: Where you heart is there too is your wallet/pocketbook. #hopechat @HopeScholarship

q9: What’s your #best advice for advancing one’s philanthropic efforts?

@craigbrownphd A9: Create a focus so that your philanthropy has an impact. Spread the word of your philanthropy so as to create a trend. #Hopechat

 

@craigbrownphd A9: Support existing philanthropic efforts whenever you can. Spread the word of these efforts to create a trend. #Hopechat

@KeziaMW Q9: Seek advice from ppl w/exp in the philanthropic sector; learn from their mistakes, use their advice to do better & #ThankThem! #hopechat

q10: HBCUs struggle w/ alumni giving. Any advice in this department?

@unoCHANCE A10) Educate students EARLY, many times students allow the experience 2 dictate what they will give back & they forget the legacy #hopechat

@chrisj1914 A10 Effective communication strategy, effective retention strategy, be innovative. Make it easy to give. Conduct research #HopeChat

@craigbrownphd A10: Alumni giving is typically due to a personal connection. The schools need to help the students make that connection. #Hopechat

@craigbrownphd A10: When you feel a sense of debt to a cause you support it. Many student are “Just glad its over” and that is not good. #Hopechat

@chrisj1914 A10 cont’d: Alumni Assocs need 2 view alumni as customers. Should b working 2 make alumni a customer 4 life from 1st day on campus #HopeChat

@hleak A10: Inform alumni of the good that their gifts are doing. SHOW them how their support makes an impact. #hopechat

@unoCHANCE A10)Encourage giving by students while they are n school.Imagine if the entire student pop donated a $1 per yr to the annual fund #hopechat

@craigbrownphd A10: HBCU’s need to build better bonds with and reduce the stress on the students. Its already stressful being black. #Hopechat

q11: For those just starting #NPO (non-profit organization), what are some pitfalls they should avoid?

@chrisj1914 16h A11: Putting the wrong people on their board. Have a process. Have a board matrix. Not filing all the necc paperwork w/ the state #hopechat

@MsCiaraLynQ11. Dont assume ur gonna turn into an organization like the Red Cross overnight #hopechat @HopeScholarship

@KeziaMW Q11: Lastly, another major pitfall new #NPOs encounter is choosing #Competition over #Collaboration! #TeamworkDreamwork #hopechat

q12: As we prepare to conclude this extremely informative #hopechat, any final remarks?

@chrisj1914 A12: Philanthropy is imp.Our NPOs address social issues & impact our quality of life. All of us have a responsibility to ensure #HopeChat

@MsCiaraLyn Q12. Although we gave informative & maybe even “scary” info, remember to have fun! ENJOY WHAT YOU DO! @HopeScholarship

‏@hleak A12: Be involved with the NPOs you support on multiple levels. Accountability = mission fullfilled. #hopechat

Generation Y: The New Wave of Philanthropists

Join The H.O.P.E. Scholarship Initiative (@HopeScholarship) and our panelists of young philanthropists on Thursday April 18, at  6 p.m. EST. This distinguished panel will redefine philanthropy. Follow along and participate in the conversation through the hashtag: #HopeChat.

Finding My Voice at Grinnell College

Tags

albinism, college, education, higher education, self discovery, student

People often say that the college years are the best years of your life. It’s a time of self-exploration, abandoning your parent’s views and forming your own, pursuing knowledge, forming lifetime friendships and becoming more self-aware. All those things were true for me—only after I did some very painful, but very necessary “soul searching.”

I was in deep denial of my albinism, a genetic condition that causes the lack pigment in the hair, skin, and eyes.  Throughout my education, I silently struggled with teasing, low self-esteem, and the visual impairment that accompanies the condition.  During my college search, it was important for me to find a school where I could feel comfortable. Back then, feeling comfortable meant not standing out. Even though my parents both attended HBCUs, they were supportive of my decision to attend Grinnell College, a small liberal arts school in the cornfields of Iowa.

It truly turned out to be one the best decisions of my life! There are so many moments that I treasure from my time at Grinnell. Perhaps one of the most poignant is meeting another Black woman with albinism. What are the odds of that? It felt so comforting to have somebody there who understood my experience completely. She worked at the college and took on a mentorship role in my life. She helped me work through my issues with albinism. I learned so much from her about our condition and she introduced me to an organization that supports people with albinism and their families, the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH), which I am a current active member today.  Now she fulfills the “big sister” role in my life. I’m grateful that we had the chance to meet during my time at Grinnell.

This new found acceptance led me to my passion: educating others about albinism. I’ve learned to be very open about my condition. Living with albinism has taught me these universal lessons which can be applied to make the most out of your college experience:

1.      Be open to meeting new people. You never know how they will affect your life in the present and in the future. They just might lead you to your passion!

2.     Take advantage of every opportunity to share your interests and passion. I used every opportunity I could to educate others about albinism—my sociology class, an academic conference, in everyday conversation etc.

3.      Seek a mentor.  I can’t stress how important it is to have a mentor. If someone is doing something you want to do or if you feel that you can benefit from  mentorship from that individual then explore that opportunity.

4.      Take advantage of every resource your school offers. I became a regular in the student affairs office. They helped me navigate life as a visually impaired student. I also took advantage of learning resources such as the Writing Lab and tutoring services.

5.      Be your own advocate. College is truly the beginning of independence and adult living. Nobody is holding your hand anymore! Make the necessary effort to seek out and speak up about the things you desire. You are your best advocate!

Live H.O.P.E. Give H.O.P.E.

Brandi M. Green
Guest Contributor

About Brandi M. Green

Brandi M. Green is a communications professional by day, writer by night. She uses her gift of writing to educate others about her unique experiences as a Black woman with albinism. Her articles have appeared in various online publications including Madame Noire, For Harriet, xoJane, and Clutch Magazine.  When she isn’t busy writing, planning events, daydreaming, taking exercise classes or focusing on albinism outreach she is probably catching up on episodes from her favorite reality T.V. shows (her guilty pleasure.)  Catch her on twitter @b_mariegreen.

Occupy the Classroom

Tags

classroom, education, HBCU, higher education, learning, president, student

As students do we sike ourselves out of the enjoyment of the classroom? Do we inflate the annoyance of exams and presentations at the cost of seizing the moment? Are we soaking in what the brilliant minds of which our teachers and fellow classmates have to share with us?

Occupying a wooden desk, listening to a lecture; today I was a student again. As I sat, I  felt a sense of purpose and a familiar energy began to rekindle. I feasted on the proverbial fruits of knowledge without the pressure to remember every word out of fear of what may be on the next test.

Sitting in on Professor Gasman’s class and listening to featured guests, Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College and  David Wilson, the new President of Morgan State University, reinvigorated my excitement for today’s HBCUs. I will admit the class sparked my interests and now I am considering applying for grad school sooner.

I realized I appreciated this class because I was enjoying the moment. I learned. I asked questions. I listened to the responses and that is the point of education. I would encourage students to engage their class, if you do, you will learn and if you are learning, instead of memorizing facts out of fear, you will excel and have a good time doing it.

To witness students still exploring their intellectual inquisitiveness  with vigor and to know that the future leaders of the world (and the global community) are being guided by dynamic presidents, felt good.

Live HOPE. Give HOPE.

Jeffrey Chance
Director
The H.O.P.E. Scholarship

Your Stylist, Karen’s Guide to Online Shopping

Tags

advice, fashion, karen curtis, leadership coach, online shopping, shopping deals, styling

“The clothes you choose are sending a message to those around you, but also to you, yourself.” according to Forbes’ article “What Your Clothes Say About You”.

As a professional “style coach” I assist young professionals with updating their look for the job that they want, not just the one that they have. I make a conscious effort to be a “stylish” professional. I truly believe dressing well in and out of the office helps one’s confidence level. It shows that you take pride in your appearance.

Many of us fall victim to bad shopping mistakes: purchasing an item just because it’s on sale or buying a dress because it looks good on a friend whose body shape is completely different than yours.

These habits must be broken.

The key to great style is understanding what works for you. Your Stylist, Karen will guide you through the style process and help you discover your true image. We will uncover the fit, colors and designers that work best for your body, budget and lifestyle

Many women with a passion for fashion can attest that there is no end to the amount we will spend in building the perfect wardrobe. In these economically challenging times I am constantly on the search of how to maintain my love of fashion while staying in good financial standing.

Online shopping has become a lifesaver. Shopping online gives you the opportunity to monitor sales at any time, compare prices, and you never have the hassle of sifting through racks to find the perfect item.

I will break the stylist code and reveal my toolkit. Here are the sites I frequent to keep myself and my clients in show stopping pieces.

Sites for online and printable coupons:
http://www.retailmenot.com/
www.ebates.com One of my favorite sites to get Cash Back is: (It really works!):

Sites to monitor sales:
http://www.shopittome.com/ Great site to join to know when your favorite designer brands go on sale (in your size!)

Sites with consistently good deals:
HauteLook -http://www.hautelook.com/
Ideeli -http://www.ideeli.com/
Rue La La -http://www.ruelala.com

Dresses For Big Night’s (Tip -Rent, Don’t Buy):
Rent the Runway -http://www.renttherunway.com/
Lendperk -http://www.lendperk.com/

About Karen Curtis

Karen Curtis, licensed professional counselor, is the author and creator of Your Stylist Karen. With the dream of being a leadership coach Karen’s background in helping people resolve their emotional issues has grown to also include appearance and self-esteem through styling.

College Success Starts in the Summer

Tags

college students, education, employment, internship, part-time job, study abroad, summer, summer school

This time of year many students are yelling, “I can’t wait for the summer!” for various reasons; many which can be categorized as being unproductive.  My advice, don’t slack this summer; let the summer-time be a launch-pad to your future success.  While other students find themselves scrambling during their last semester, be prepared to transition into the next chapter of your life post-college. Consider these summer options.

Internship

Beef up your resume and get an internship. Cardinal rule, create or update your resume and be dressed appropriately when speaking to a potential employer. Internships can be obtained by applying to announcements, networking with companies at career fairs or reaching out to your personal network.

Summer school

The summer is the ideal time to catch up with your academic scheme. It’s the time to take those difficult classes, those classes that you dropped or classes you could not register for due to limited seating. Summer classes allow students to get the 1-on-1 attention they long for and add good grades to their transcript in the process.

Part Time Job

Working during the summer time is a very practical option for many students to meet their financial responsibilities. If you are looking for a summer job, start early; you will be fighting for the same jobs as every other college student on break. If you obtain a part time job, try to gain experience that pertains to your major or experience that could really strengthen your resume. Conversely, trying something new doesn’t hurt either.

Study Abroad

Enhance your college experience by going abroad to study, while receiving college credits. Studying abroad is an invaluable experience that you will appreciate. Studying abroad during college is much cheaper than planning an inclusive overseas trip with friends and is less difficult than planning a trip post-college, given any new responsibilities you may acquire.

Let the summer-time be a launch-pad to you future success, by considering these options.

Live HOPE. Give HOPE.

The Secret of Gumbo

Tags

advice, black greek success program, chapter, eddie francis, education, fraternity, greek, gumbo, HBCU, sorority

I’ll never forget the words of an old radio colleague, a very cool Cajun man named J.P., who said in a classic South Louisiana dialect, “Eddie, cookin’ takes love.”

In the Black Greek Success Program, I tell my fellow Greeks that every chapter is like a bowl of Gumbo; you have to find a way to gather the ingredients, prep them, and get them to work together.

The mission of every fraternity or sorority chapter is to maintain a healthy family that will promote the mission of the organization.  Creating a family is the easy part; the trick is to maintain that family.  Here are 7 things that fraternity and sorority members need to know.

1. Identify your chapter.  Determine the collective personality of your chapter and decide how it successfully promotes the mission of your organization.  By knowing who you are as a family, you will have a better understanding of who belongs.

2. Observe your prospects.  Once you know who is interested in your organization, watch them from afar to assess whether or not they are serious about contributing to your fraternity or sorority.

3. Identify how your prospects fit.  Do you have a prospect who is a pure worker?  Do you have a prospect whose strong personality will contribute to the chapter’s growth?  Most importantly, do your prospects genuinely want to work for the betterment of your organization or do they simply want to be seen with a nice line jacket while they stroll at the next party?

4. Appreciate the bigger family.  One of the biggest problems we have in the Black Greek System is what I call “chapter delusion”.  These are the chapters that seem to believe they are bigger than both the entire organization and even the college or university.  Without your fraternity, sorority or your college/university, you wouldn’t be a member of “Elegant Epsilon Eta”, “Bold Beta Mu”, or “Chaotic Chi Xi”.  The chapters that maintain a focus on contributing to the bigger families, especially financially, tend to be the most respected and critical players in the game.

5. Know that the real work starts after initiation. Maintain the family; when you initiate your new line, impress upon them that the reason they have letters to wear is the work of those who came before them.  Let them know that if they want to be associated with the notable members they brag about, it will take a commitment to service, education, and their lives.

6. Manage your family.  When you deal with people, problems almost never work themselves out.  It takes strong, consistent leadership to steer diverse personalities in a positive direction.  Take advantage of personality tests to identify your members and to figure out how their strengths contribute to the success of your chapter.

7. Always seek wisdom.  I always listen to those more experienced than I am, even people with whom I don’t agree.  Every chapter member should have a mentor who both preaches the mission of the organization and has a productive life.

Our blood relatives aren’t perfect, therefore, expecting perfection among our frat brothers or sorors is unreasonable.  That is why it is so important to understand the value of getting the personalities in a chapter to work together.  To create the best gumbo (or family), we need the right ingredients and stir it with love.

Live H.O.P.E. Give H.O.P.E.

Eddie Francis
Guest Contributor

About Eddie Francis
Eddie Francis is the author and presenter of “The Black Greek Success Program” and a 1989 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  He also serves as the Director of Communications at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas.  Learn more about him at EddieFrancis.com.