The INROADS National Conference is a signature leadership and professional development experience exclusive to INROADS interns. During the INROADS National Conference, students experience interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, and hear from corporate leaders and INROADS Alumni. Students learn best practices for their career journey and practical tips on how to step up as leaders on campus and eventually in their careers.
Beverly (Bev) Porter is the Chief Programs Officer at INROADS, responsible for leading and overseeing a comprehensive array of services and programs designed to improve educational and career outcomes for students and entry to mid-level professionals across the nation.
Bev Porter has over 25 years of experience in supply chain operations, human resources, project management, and career services. She is an accomplished transformational leader with demonstrated mastery in building and leading teams to do the unimaginable. Prior to joining INROADS as the Chief Programs Officer, Bev served as the Director of the Graduate Career Center at NC State University, Poole College of Management, where she restructured the underperforming, disenfranchised Career Center into a self-directed, high-performing team, consistently delighting stakeholders. Bev transformed the tarnished MBA brand into one recognized globally and highly ranked as one of the Nation’s top MBA programs.
Bev is guided by four principles: laugh a lot, make a difference, have no regrets, and be content in whatever state she is in.
Bev earned a B.A. in Materials and Logistics Management from Michigan State University and a Master of Education in Counseling from North Carolina State University. She is certified as a life coach, marriage coach, executive coach, emotional intelligence coach, and Leadership Coach for Organizational Performance from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Accredited Program and in pursuit of her ICF Associate Certified Coach credential.
The INROADS National Board of Directors announced Forest T. Harper as the next President and CEO of INROADS, the nation’s largest non-profit source of salaried corporate internships and corporate and community leadership development for outstanding students from diverse backgrounds. With more than 33 years of corporate and community experience, Forest is a proven leader dedicated to community health advocacy, leadership and talent pipeline development, and organizational outreach.
Prior to joining INROADS, Forest spent 28 years at Pfizer. He began his career at Pfizer as a sales representative eventually holding numerous leadership positions from Vice-Presidential positions in sales to his last role where he led Capability Development in Worldwide Public Affairs & Policy. Throughout his career, he successfully designed and implemented new sales product and account strategies, led a number of major organizational initiatives, and achieved substantial business results. Harper was also instrumental in spearheading community-based initiatives targeted to underinsured populations and was the architect of multiple public/private partnerships and alliances involved in over 25,000 community-based organizations, including the Pfizer Share Card and Community Health Advocacy.
In addition to his leadership roles at Pfizer, Harper served as the first President of the Pfizer African-American Leadership Network (PAALN) and a member of Pfizer’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Committee. He was also a pioneer in creating and launching undergraduate internship programs with schools such as Florida A&M University’s School of Business and Industry and Morgan State University’s C.A.P (Corporate Alliance Program) at the Earl Graves School of Business, his alma mater.
Forest began his career with Pfizer after serving for six years in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, achieving the rank of Captain. He is a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), an independent, non-profit corporation of senior African-American executives at Fortune 500 companies, as well as, the National Society of Pershing Rifles Alumni Association (NSPRAA). His leadership bandwidth spans from former Secretary and member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for the National Arthritis Foundation to Board of Directors member for the National Council for the Aging (NCOA).
Harper holds a B.A. in Social Work from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD and attended an Executive Leadership Training at Harvard Business School in Boston, MA. A native of Fort Pierce, Florida, he and his family currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Aisha Bowe is a former NASA rocket scientist, a global motivational speaker, and the founder and CEO of STEMBoard an engineering powerhouse recognized in the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. A serial entrepreneur who is passionate about empowering students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), Aisha raised nearly $2 million dollars in venture capital to create LINGO, a self-paced coding kit for learning technical concepts at home. The kits are available at Amazon, Walmart and Target.
Thanks to her work for NASA, Aisha already has an array of achievements relating to space exploration. However, in 2023, she is set to become an astronaut herself—and will be part of the first African American women to fly with Blue Origin. The Blue Origin flight also will make her the first person of Bahamian descent in space.
Aisha—whose journey to the stars began with pre-algebra in community college—has shared her inspiring story in interviews and presentations around the world as part of the State Department’s U.S. Speaker Program. She has garnered significant attention from national TV, online, and print media outlets such as Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Wired, and The Tamron Hall Show; Aisha also was the focus of the recent documentary “In Her Element,” which can be seen on Amazon Prime, Google Play and Apple TV.
She holds a B.S.E in Aerospace Engineering and an M. Eng. in Space Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan, and sits on the university’s Aerospace Department Industry Advisory Board.
This session is the official welcome and kickoff for the INROADS National Conference 2023 (INC 23). After being greeted by INROADS Leaders, hear about the personal journey of Aisha Bowe, an aerospace engineer and tech entrepreneur, who is on her way to explore space as the first Bahamian astronaut. After hearing about Aisha’s challenges and triumphs, you are sure to walk away amazed and inspired.
Casey is from Queens, NYC and majors in Media Studies at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA. This is her 2nd summer as an INROADER and she is currently working as a Marketing Communications Associate at INROADS.
Outside of work, she tries to play basketball whenever she can, or go to her local movie theater or hang out with her sister’s dog Milo. Casey is set to graduate in Spring 2024 and has aspirations to work in Marketing or Advertising at an independent media company or music label.
Janelle Hammond is currently interning at INROADs this summer under the Learning and Development team. She is a Marketing and Graphic Design Major currently attending Salisbury University, with dreams of becoming a Creative Director leveraging her creativity and innovative skills.
Janelle was born in Columbia, Maryland, but is very close to her Ghanaian heritage. In her free time, she loves going to concerts, watching movies, and finding cool museums to visit.
Habiba is a rising senior at Barnard College of Columbia University where I’m majoring in History and Human Rights and have a minor in Psychology. Habiba is a native New Yorker and is passionate about helping her community. As an aspiring lawyer, she hopes to change education and environmental laws that harm and negatively impact her community the most.
Habiba is a huge sports fan (go Knicks!) she is also really into fashion and designing and loves to read (She has a book Instagram!!). Habiba seeks to live a purposeful life guided by compassion, integrity, determination, and continuous personal growth and use this to inspire others to discover their true potential and make a positive impact on the world.
Adelina is a rising junior at Lehigh University studying Cognitive Science and Management. She is a first year INROADS student and is spending her summer interning and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ in the Human Resources Department.
It's time to make connections during this break in between sessions. Here are a few ways to connect:
We encourage you to meet the Constellation rep at the Constellation Exhibit Booth, pick up information at the ServiceNow Exhibit Booth and visit the INROADS Booth to find out about scholarships and other programs. Click the Exhibit Hall tab.
Check out the intern-led Network Lounge where you will find your colleagues getting to know each other while discussing hot topics. Click the Lounge tab, then click the topic you'd like to explore. Lounge hosts and topics are listed here.
Take a photo at the photo booth. When you receive your photo via email, follow the instructions to post on social media. Click on Social Wall to see everyone's posts.
Make connections with a few interns. Click on the Attendee List tab and use the filter function to find interns who attend your university or share your same major. You can upload your headshot by using the Edit Profile feature.
And don't forget to grab lunch!
Naysha Conway-Hart supports and strengthens relationships with the business, community partners and industry leaders to address workforce needs and build family sustaining career opportunities for underrepresented and underserved individuals.
Naysha previously worked in the nonprofit serving youth with disabilities for over seventeen years with a strong focus on partnership development and expansion throughout the Maryland regions. Most recently, she spearheaded many initiatives to improve outcomes for Maryland’s public schools' students with disabilities through youth internships in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties.
Naysha graduated from University of Maryland Baltimore County with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Outside of Constellation’s DEI and Workforce Development team. Naysha is a board member for Howard County Government’s Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities. She is a mother, a wife, and an only child. She stands on going above standards and making a major impact on all the individuals we serve.
Sarah Sobreira was born and raised in Salvador, Brazil, a beach town in the northeast coast of the country. Even though Salvador was where Sarah’s heart was, she knew career opportunities were scarce in a city where tourism is the main economy. At the age of 18 Sarah made the difficult decision to leave life as she knew to pursue the American dream in the United States. It was not without financial struggles and an emotional toll that Sarah has found herself in Louisiana, her first home away from home, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from LSU. After graduating, Sarah received an offer to move to Houston, TX and work for the biggest oil and gas service company in the United States as part of an Engineering rotational program.
Ever since, Sarah has had many different roles within the Energy industry, Engineer, Project Engineer, Engineering Manager, Systems and Processes Manager, Program Manager, and her current position at Constellation Energy, AMP IT Manager. Sixteen years after her first career decision, Sarah is fortunate to say she has looked for and found amazing opportunities to work with diverse teams, who are making a difference daily, while fostering a culture focused on people, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
On a personal note, Sarah is a mother, wife, sister, and daughter, who enjoys spending time with the family, traveling abroad, seeking adventures, and exploring great food experiences.
LeTasha McFarlane, has 15 years of leadership experience in roles ranging from domestic operations, consulting, advising, IT, and Cyber Security. She has been with the Constellation family for a little over a year and isa member of POC-IT (People of Color in Technology) and Alliance for African American Advancement (4A). She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Army National Guard where she mentors soldiers and young ladies, with a strong emphasis on STEM.
Terry Palmer supports the development and implementation of diversity, equity, & inclusion (DE&I) programs and initiatives, including leadership development training. Beginning his career in the Nuclear Power Program of the World’s Finest United States Navy, Terry has since worked in higher education, counseling, and commercial nuclear power before transitioning to do DE&I work fulltime.
Terry holds a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology, Master’s Degrees in Marriage & Family Counseling and Community & Economic Development, and a Certification in Workforce DE&I.When he is not working to improve the climate within his organization, Terry works tirelessly as a servant leader to advance and enrich the community through his membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
Sneha is working as a Software Engineer at Constellation. She was born and brought up in Bangalore, India. She completed her College in India before moving to the US to pursue her master’s in computer science. Sneha enjoys reading, pottery, yoga and gardening in her free time.
In this engaging session, participants will hear about the career paths of several professionals at Constellation Energy. This workshop also aims to inspire audience members to understand how embracing DEIB principles can shape a brighter, more equitable, and prosperous future for clean energy careers.
Ainsworth Smith has successfully managed large-scale, multimillion-dollar projects and produced compelling D/I&E training materials for Fortune 500 clients. His strategic interventions have resulted in increased employee engagement and skill development across client organizations, including optimized innovation and business performance in many companies.
Ainsworth has a Master of Business Administration from Trinity Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psycholinguistics, with a Minor in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Middlesex University, London, UK.
Fun Fact: I love the outdoors, and I am a part of a wildlife management program that ensures a viable ecosystem for wildlife in urban and suburban areas.
Jordan has extensive training and facilitation skills in the engagement and DEI arena. She provides support for client engagements in the areas of strategies to engage millennials and other multi-generational groups. She also supports diagnostics and analytics, report writing, process improvements, and architecting innovative operating models, logistics, and project management.
Jordan Brown has extensive experience helping startup businesses with their long-term strategic plans. Leveraging her experience, she assists Alignment Strategies’ clients with innovative approaches and solutions to their organization’s needs.
Jordan has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oakwood University. She is a 2024 MBA candidate at the University of Maryland.
Fun Fact: I love fishing, it’s one of my favorite hobbies. During my senior year of college, I interned at Dauphin Island Sea Lab on the Gulf of Mexico, where each week I would board a vessel to survey the species of the gulf. We would long line and tag 15ft+ hammerhead and tiger sharks to monitor their populations.
The workshop focuses on the core competencies required to drive engagement awareness, skills and applications. INROADS graduating seniors will be exposed to engagement assessment tools, Gallup’s 12 Elements of Engagement, and an engagement action planning process. These will equip attendees to become effective leaders in this complex global culturally diverse environment. This intentional focus prepares the attendees for the employee engagement realities of the current workplace, while upskilling them to increase their competitive advantage.
Henry A. Kelly is a former Atlanta corporate executive with more than 30 years’ experience in corporate America. In May 2019, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur by starting a logistics company, First Touch Logistics that partners with Amazon.
Kelly has also been active in the community, including a term as chairman and president of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., an organization focused on financially supporting first generation African-Americans seeking a college education. He recently along with his family established an educational scholarship fund in the names of their parents Thomas and Laura Kelly.
In December 2020, Kelly became an author where he and a compliment of writers provide insights and ideas on how to be an effective influencer of others. The book’s title is “The ABC’s of Influence”. They all provide examples and stories on how best to influence through various concepts. In his chapter, Kelly provides a few nuggets that has led him to success across his many years of experience including his recent opportunity as a successful entrepreneur. His key message is that relationships matter!!!
After serving on a criminal justice reform commission of which Kelly was appointed by then Governor Nathan Deal, he began a leadership program for prisoner inmates at the Metro Reentry Facility in Dekalb County. With the success of the program, Kelly was asked to expand the program to Burruss Correctional Center in the city of Forsyth, Ga.
Kelly has a BBA in Accounting from Augusta University, an Executive MBA from Georgia State University and CPA designation.
Angelica Parker is a dedicated and ambitious student at Vanderbilt University, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Human Organizational Development and Studio Art. With consistent recognition on the Dean's List as a rising Senior.
Beyond her academic achievements, Angelica actively engages in campus leadership and community building. For United Campus’s For a Divided Nation (UCDN), Vanderbilt’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Society, Vanderbilt Student Government and more, she has spearheaded initiatives, facilitated learning, and continues to help foster relationships within these organizations.
Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Angelica has already displayed her leadership and strategic skills during her internship as a Strategy and Impact Intern at INROADS for the summer of 2022, and currently stands as the Intern for the CEO, Forrest Harper. Angelica is poised to continue making a lasting impact both within the academic realm and beyond as they embark on their journey of professional growth.
Unlock the secrets to becoming a persuasive and influential communicator during this fireside chat, moderated by one of your intern colleagues, The ABCs of Influence, based on the 2020 book of the same name, this session is designed to equip participants with practical techniques and powerful insights to make a lasting impact in their personal and professional lives.
Dr. Alan James Yu is an inspirational speaker, author, facilitator, retreat leader & coach on love, creativity, and leadership. He aims to help leaders from all walks of life build healthy and flourishing networks for lasting organizational, community, and global change.
Over the last 10 years, Alan has worked in corporate, higher ed, and nonprofit sectors as a leadership educator and facilitator. He has lived in places as diverse as Iowa City, Seattle, and San Diego in the United States; Singapore; and, currently, Bali, Indonesia. He is the author of On Love, Leadership and the Collective Soul: A Guide to Making Creative Change.
In this workshop, we will explore some approaches to cultivating highly engaged and aspirational work environments. Specifically, we will look at (1) how we can create thinking environments to support each other’s own independent, creative thinking and (2) how we can use liberating structures to unleash the collective wisdom and creativity of groups.
Marcus Robinson is the Senior Vice President of Sales for UnitedHealthcare's Individual and Family Plan business. Marcus leverages his expertise in distribution, service experience and strategy for the national growth of the individual exchange business segment for UnitedHealthcare.
Marcus graduated with a B.S. in Marketing and Information Management from the University of Tennessee. His career experience includes VP of Small Business Sales and Account Management for Georgia/Alabama, VP of Small Business Sales South Atlantic and VP of Sales and Account Management at Harken Health.
Growing up, Marcus’s family moved around throughout the Midwest, and he finished high school in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He and his wife have their hands full with their three children, but they do make time to enjoy an active lifestyle by participating in CrossFit, Peloton, and other outdoor activities. Marcus is a board member of Crossroads Career, a Christ centered nonprofit helping people who are unemployed, unfulfilled or underemployed to hear God’s calling on their lives and discover His purpose for their careers. Marcus is also a member of UnitedHealthcare's Diversity and Inclusion executive council and a UnitedHealthcare culture facilitator.
Zakiyya Reyes is the Diversity Equity & Inclusion Coordinator at Munich Re where she oversees our Dare to Dream Internship, manages our external partnerships, and provides support to our ERGs, DEI Council, and Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Network. Zakiyya focuses on building interest and support of volunteering and civic engagement to support Munich Re’s social impact goals. Leading up to her current position she served on the DEI Council. Her passion for influencing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture was instrumental in the development of a DEI initiative leading small group discussions with executive leadership, which led to the launch of our series, “Walking the Talk”, a deeper dive through DEI conversations.
Prior to transitioning to the DEI team she worked on the business side as the Claims Operations Manager for the Munich Re Specialty Insurance, where she was responsible for managing data intake, internal and external reporting, and financial functions. She oversaw a team of twelve analysts, across four locations, and ensured they were able to grow and develop in the ways most important to them alongside their daily responsibilities.
Zakiyya is committed to lifelong learning. She recently graduated with her BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She also invests development time in Munich Re Toastmasters and has rotated through several roles in this chapter, including Sergeant At Arms.
Zakiyya has two children. She enjoys travelling with her family and friends, reading, spending time in nature, and staying active. Zakiyya currently serves on the praise and worship team at her church and she enjoys meeting new people both in person and virtually.
Devin Oliver is a Senior Consultant at Protiviti specializing in Data Privacy. He is a former Inroads intern from the Great Lakes region and an alumnus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied Information Systems and Business Process Management. Devin now lives in Phoenix, Arizona and has been in consulting for 4 years.
Jordan is the Watershed Protection Specialist for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s Mableton office. He works to develop CRK’s Trash Trap program and conduct rain barrel workshops. As a member of our development team Jordan helps expand CRK’s social media reach. Born in Washington state, Jordan received a B.A. from Reed College for Environmental Studies before settling in Atlanta. After working for CRK as a Communications Intern, he joined as a full-time staff member in 2019. He currently lives in Atlanta’s Pittsburg neighborhood.
During this session, you’ll hear from professionals representing six different industries. After hearing a quick overview of each industry, you’ll get to choose an Industry to learn more about during breakout sessions.
CONSULTING: Learn more about the consulting industry and Protiviti, a Global Business Consulting firm. Hear from a former INROADS intern about his experience starting his career in consulting. Engage in a Q&A session to discover what consulting is really like and to gain perspective on the transition from college to the corporate workforce.
DEFENSE: As a leader in the aerospace and defense industry, Lockheed Martin is often at the forefront of technology and innovation. Attend this session to learn about exciting and rewarding career opportunities in fields such as engineering, technology, project management, cybersecurity, and more.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: By attending this breakout, individuals can discover the significant conservation and restoration initiatives undertaken by CRK. This insight can inspire attendees concerned about the environment to consider careers that protect the planet.
FINANCIAL SERVICES: What does a psychology major, communications major, law major, and finance major have in common? All of these students have a place at Truist Bank. Join our breakout session to learn how the financial services industry is so much more than just banking… and see where you fit in!
HEALTHCARE: Come listen to the unique experience of a startup business within a Fortune 5 Company. Hear about distribution strategies, financial discipline, and team dynamics which lead to rapid growth and near nationwide expansion.
INSURANCE: Join Marlon and Zakiyya, two experienced commercial insurance professionals. They'll discuss departments like claims, underwriting. human resources, and IT and how all degrees fit into this unique and growing industry.
DJ Cee Watts is based out of Houston, TX. Has performed at many festivals across the country such as Essence Festival, Rolling Loud etc. She is a playlist curator for Spotify’s Frequency Series which is weekly updated playlist that highlights the hottest music coming out of the Texas region. She has featured sets on her hometowns radio station 97.9 the box and is also a graduated of the University of Houston downtown. She has been featured in the Houston Chronicle as well as Houstonia Magazine. As well as having multiple weekly residincies in her home of Houston Texas, she has also worked with artists such as Megan The Stallion, T Pain, Ken The Man, City Girls and many more.
Join us for a session that celebrates the incredible power of music to break down barriers and unite people from diverse backgrounds. "Rep Your Region" is an immersive musical experience designed to foster inclusivity, respect, and acceptance among listeners. Get ready to embark on a musical journey exploring a wide range of musical styles and traditions from different regions of the United States and around the world!
Alena was raised in Jamaica and moved to the U.S. in 2019 to attend NYU Stern School of Business where she double majored in Marketing and Sustainable Business with a minor in Dance. She graduated Class of 2023 and will start Law School this Fall.
Alena attended school in four different countries to include: Jamaica, China, United States, and the UK. She enjoys cooking; it is her favorite hobby and she received a regional award as the 8th best chef in the Caribbean by the Caribbean Examination Council in 2019.
Irving is a Digital Strategy Senior Manager in the Government & Public Sector at EY focusing on Technology Consulting. Irving supports several state and federal account teams relative to technology solutions for their clients that includes building a solution architecture, evaluating platform options, defining scope, and the teams to deliver it.
Irving has over 25 years of experience in Digital Process Automation and Customer Relationship Management across several domains/industries including Federal, State and Local Governments, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Transportation and Logistics.
Yuvi Sidhu, a product leader, data scientist, and MBA candidate at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina, is motivated by transformative leadership and appreciating cultural differences. An alumnus of INROADS, he embarked on an incredible journey, encompassing a diverse array of internships in marketing, information technology, supply chain, and operations, spanning different regions, including Fairfield County and Southeast.
Sidhu's dynamic life journey from being born in India involved traversing multiple countries and states, fostering a profound appreciation for cultural nuances and societal intricacies that drive effective leadership. This unique background propelled him to make a resolute impact, leveraging his expertise in strategy, data analysis, critical race theory, and human resources design to support major DEI initiatives for his clients during his tenure as a consultant. Notably, in 2021, Sidhu underwent the esteemed leadership program at the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) in the nation's capital, broadening his horizons through the lens of civic leadership. Through this experience, he grasped the significance of representation and privilege in the context of diversity, inclusion, and work culture. Developing AI-enabled products, Sidhu's contributions have left indelible footprints across various sectors, from healthcare to non-profit, media, and retail industries. His proactive involvement in NSBE & SHPE conferences and leadership in organizing the NSBE/SHPE career fair during his undergraduate tenure at Rensselaer in Troy, New York, earned him accolades, including the Staff Excellence and People's Choice Awards, celebrating his dedication and drive to serving many years and developing the first-ever corporate networking space.
Guided by a vision to intersect strategy, entertainment, storytelling, and science in the private sector, Sidhu remains keenly aware of the evolving landscape of equity and equality in both our communities and corporate environments. Committed to rethinking the future, he applies the frameworks learned during his MBA courses to leave a lasting impact at a women-owned and women-led startup, pioneering innovative baby food products by exploring the potential of mammary cells. In his free time, Sidhu enjoys growing his passion in music, playing competitive tennis & basketball, making new recipes at home, and spending quality time competing in board games with his family.
Eager to share his career journey before and after INROADS, Sidhu is enthusiastic about supporting interns' career growth in any capacity. He invites interested individuals to connect with him via email at yuvi@yuvisingh.com or through his Instagram handle IG: ysidhu.
Attend this multi-generational Alumni Panel discussion to hear the personal journeys of INROADS Alumni who took their internship experiences to the next level. You will also hear practical tips for effective relationship building and strategies to hone your leadership skills.
Xavier Scott is an Information Systems Major at Kennesaw State University and an IT Intern at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
He enjoys: Weightlifting, watching/playing sports
His Mission: Is to serve others by leveraging my leadership skills and passion for business and technology. He aspires to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing innovative solutions and creating opportunities for growth. Through his endeavors, he aims to inspire others to lead, to give back, and to build a better future for our communities and beyond.
Triniti Boson is a determined and goal driven first time INROADS intern who is a Junior at Texas Southern University. She is working towards achieving her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance for May 2025.
In her near future, Triniti aspires to be a business woman in the Finance industry while simultaneously running a business of her own. Growing up, Triniti always had a passion to positively impact others in her community and plans to do likewise with her future business. A few of her volunteering experiences include the Houston Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Dance for the Cure, the Houston Humane Society and the Westbury High School Marching Band. She is also the creator of a holiday project for homeless families titled “Operation Gingerbread House”.
Trinity Ross, a current rising junior, political science major attending Clark Atlanta University. She was born and raised in Dallas,TX but resides in Atlanta, GA when attending school. She is a proud UNCF J.P. Morgan Scholar and UNCF Alfred Street Scholar. Trinity currently serves as the president of the Collegiate 100 chapter at Clark Atlanta University. She also serves as a Campus Activities Board member who helps plan Welcome Back Week, Homecoming, Springfest, and many more student engaged events. Trinity has also served as the president of the CAU Texas Club and Co-Captain of Onyx Elite Dance Team at Clark Atlanta University. After receiving her Bachelor's degree, Trinity plans to further her education and attend law school and aspires to become a corporate lawyer.
Trinity enjoys dancing, cooking, shopping, and traveling. She also enjoys all community service events both on and off campus where stands solely with her university's two mottos, "Culture for Service" and "I'll Find A Way or Make One". Trinity received her first internship this summer through the INROADS Internship Program with MetLife as a Global Customer Service & Operations intern focusing in Sales Compensation Administration.
Habiba is a rising senior at Barnard College of Columbia University where I’m majoring in History and Human Rights and have a minor in Psychology. Habiba is a native New Yorker and is passionate about helping her community. As an aspiring lawyer, she hopes to change education and environmental laws that harm and negatively impact her community the most.
Habiba is a huge sports fan (go Knicks!) she is also really into fashion and designing and loves to read (She has a book Instagram!!). Habiba seeks to live a purposeful life guided by compassion, integrity, determination, and continuous personal growth and use this to inspire others to discover their true potential and make a positive impact on the world.
Rising Senior at Gettysburg College Double majoring in Political science and International Global Studies with a minor in Peace & Justice.
Fun fact: Studied abroad in Berlin for 6 months
It's Day 2. How many connections have you made? Here are a few ways to connect:
Click the Exhibit Hall tab to visit the Constellation, ServiceNow, and INROADS booths.
Click the Lounge tab to meet in a casual environment with your peers. Lounge hosts and topics are listed here. Once you reach the Lounge, click a topic of interest.
Click on Social Wall to see everyone's social media posts. Do you see your post? If not, make sure you click on Photo Booth and follow the instructions that will arrive with your photo via email.
To connect with anyone attending this conference, click on the Attendee List tab and use the filter function to find interns you'd like to meet. You can upload your headshot by using the Edit Profile feature.
Also, now's a good time to eat.
Dr. Dawn Truong is currently serving as the Director of Campus Health and Wellness for Bronco Wellness at Fayetteville State University (FSU). Dr. Truong earned a Master of Public Health, with an emphasis in Behavioral and Community Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, a Doctorate in Education from Columbus State University, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). She has over 6 years of experience working in Public Health. Her areas of expertise include Health Promotion and Education, Health Disparity, Food Insecurities among College Students, Substance Use and Abuse Prevention Research, Community-Academic Partnerships, and Public Health Programming. Dr. Truong also has expertise in program planning, implementation, data analysis, and evaluation.
Prior to joining Fayetteville State University, Dr. Truong was serving as the Director for the Center for Health Disparities Community-Based Research at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. In her previous role, Dr. Truong collaborated with local non-profit health agencies and multiple disciplines across campus to eliminate health disparities among underserved communities. Her programmatic responsibilities allowed her to bridge local community partners and students from multiple disciplines to provide learning opportunities with real-world experiences to prepare graduates for the workforce and graduate education.
This presentation will highlight the 9 Dimensions of Wellness for interns to identify the importance of being health conscious today for a protected successful future. After this presentation, you will be able to:
Joy B. Webb, community catalyst, believes a holistic people-powered, community-driven approach to philanthropy is what will ultimately drive sustainable change and community transformation. She is passionate about the experiences and perspectives of southern Black girls and women. She is the Network Engagement Manager of the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium, which is a collaborative effort to fund and uplift the voices of Black women and girls in the South. Joy is responsible for facilitating and fostering connections, collaborations, and engagement among the various stakeholders, organizations, and individuals involved in the consortium's work. She works with the community in building relationships, coordinating events and initiatives, and supporting the overall goals and mission of the consortium.
Joy also works in active collaboration with numerous civic-focused organizations. She serves on the Center of Civic Innovation Advisory Council-Inequality in Philanthropy, a Giving Circle Coach for Philanthropy Together and Community Investment Network, and is a founding member of The Counsel.
Joy is a graduate of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2022, Women of Color Radiant Leadership Institute 2022 Cohort, and works on several municipal initiatives. She completed her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) from The American College of Financial Services. She also was selected as one of the honorees for the 2022 Black Women Give Back List from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis’ (IUPUI) Women’s Philanthropy Institute highlighting 10 Black women philanthropists. The Black Women Give Back List highlights Black women who saw a need in their community and took matters into their own hands to address it. Webb was recently selected for the PLACES fellowship, a learning journey focused on incorporating an equity and justice lens into their grant making and community engagement practices.
Joy is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a BS in Graphic Design. She went on to earn her MBA from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. As a native of Decatur, Georgia, Joy volunteers and serves as an active community advocate.
This session is designed to create a pipeline of next generation philanthropists. Learn about non-traditional philanthropy and its impacts and understand the difference between social impact change versus philanthropy; the values and purpose of your giving; and how you can be impactful now!
Deirdra Cox is Founder and President of Community Sustainability Enterprise (CSE), an economic and community developed focused Georgia based 501c3, whose vision is cultivating inclusive communities who turn jobs into careers, financial literacy into wealth and collective success into generational change: producing an equitable economy. Community Sustainability Enterprise is in the business of transforming families, businesses, and neighborhoods into thriving households and financially sustainable communities, who generate wealth and pass on family legacies.
Deirdra is a 36-year veteran of the banking industry, in the community development space, where sustainable homeownership and small business, through financial literacy and capability and workforce development were her focus. Deirdra is a pioneer in the banking industry Community Reinvestment Act (CRA Act 1977) landscape. She was instrumental in placing two full-service bank branches inside of two Gwinnett County high schools, who served an over 90% diverse student population, that was also 98% free and reduced lunch. Deirdra believes your past doesn’t determine your future. Access, Exposure and Experience create sustainable career opportunities. Deirdra has a keen focus on grooming youth for sustainable careers in corporate America, because the youth are our future.
Deirdra grew up on 104th and Central Park West, where the theater and communication were her favorite things. She attended Central Missouri State University with a concentration in Communications. The beach, her two adult children and her new grandbaby doggie are her happy place.
The fundamental competencies to your growth journey whether in the community or at work, require you to have a grasp of the rules of engagement. During this session, we will discuss the rules of engagement, also known as your GPS Coordinates. We will also examine how communication, critical thinking, DE&I awareness, professionalism teamwork, and technology position you for leadership.
Rachelle Nelson, M.Ed, serves as a Director of School Support for Achievement Network. She is a former Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and a current equity consultant. She influences educators to acknowledge and redress inequities by providing comprehensive solutions that lead to positive student outcomes. Rachelle has expertise in the following areas: instructional leadership, special education, multilingual / English learner education, standards-based instruction, and assessment. Having worked nationwide and internationally for the DoDEA, she has been frequently called upon to design and facilitate professional learning and leadership coaching for district, school leadership teams, and new professionals in a variety of industries.
Rachelle holds a Bachelors degee in Middle School Education, Masters degree in Special Education, secondary ELA and School Leadership endorsements, certificates in Designing Untraditional Schools and Design Thinking, among others.
In this session, you will be provided resources to aid you in creating a path that allows you to take lead on initiatives and programs that you are passionate about in your profession. Using Rachelle’s Take 3 Method, you will walk away with a better understanding of your leadership stock, be better equipped to take a stand on a topic, and create a vision for who you are as an authentic leader.
Erin Eberle Quilinquin is an experienced Instructional Designer. She started in the middle school classroom in 2011 after graduating from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. While teaching, she earned her Masters of Education in Digital Teaching and Learning from NC State University. She is the owner of EQubed LLC, an Instructional Design consulting firm. She and her husband live in Pennsylvania with their dog Quinn.
Taking the next step as a professional lead to many new circumstances. Focus on strategies that will help you present yourself the way you want to be seen. Tackle areas of concern head-on and learn strategies to navigate the interpersonal aspects of the professional environment. Examine the impact of imposter syndrome and connect with strategies to combat it. Learn about the subtle cues your body language sends, how to address being the youngest person in the room, what to do when there is conflict, and so much more. This interactive session will have reflections, discussions, and lots of powerful resources.
Rachelle Nelson, M.Ed, serves as a Director of School Support for Achievement Network. She is a former Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and a current equity consultant. She influences educators to acknowledge and redress inequities by providing comprehensive solutions that lead to positive student outcomes. Rachelle has expertise in the following areas: instructional leadership, special education, multilingual / English learner education, standards-based instruction, and assessment. Having worked nationwide and internationally for the DoDEA, she has been frequently called upon to design and facilitate professional learning and leadership coaching for district, school leadership teams, and new professionals in a variety of industries.
Rachelle holds a Bachelors degee in Middle School Education, Masters degree in Special Education, secondary ELA and School Leadership endorsements, certificates in Designing Untraditional Schools and Design Thinking, among others.
In this session, you will be provided resources to aid you in creating a path that allows you to take lead on initiatives and programs that you are passionate about in your profession. Using Rachelle’s Take 3 Method, you will walk away with a better understanding of your leadership stock, be better equipped to take a stand on a topic, and create a vision for who you are as an authentic leader.
Miracle Chatman is a renowned advocate for student activism and leadership development. Her impactful initiatives on campus, including implementing diversity training, gender-neutral facilities, and a freestanding multicultural building, have made her a prominent figure in the student community during her time at Michigan State University. Miracle's dedication to advocacy and allyship led to the establishment of the prestigious Miracle Chatman Allyship Award, which recognizes one (1) student leader yearly who demonstrates exceptional commitment to marginalized communities other than their own.
In this empowering session, Miracle will share their experiences as a student activist, offering valuable insights on how student leadership and activism can positively impact your professional career. Participants will explore effective strategies for advocating change, gain essential leadership skills, and discover how to leverage their experiences as student leaders to thrive in their future professional endeavors. Whether you aspire to make a difference in your community, on campus, or excel in the workplace, this workshop will equip you with practical tools and invaluable knowledge to unlock your potential and achieve success both as a student leader and a professional.
Hailing from Washington D.C., Ariel Grant is a project management and marketing maven that produces dynamic results. A graduate of The University of Oklahoma, Ariel currently consults with INROADS and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Ariel's experience working in various industries equips her with a rich perspective that is unmatched. She has worked directly on marketing and communications teams with established organizations including Women In Film, The National Academies Press, Oklahoma City Thunder – National Basketball Association (NBA), and the United Negro College Fund.
This power packed session will equip you with 21 quick tips to maximize your time and set impactful goals. Reduce procrastination, limit distractions, and learn effective skills to transform your life.
Erin Eberle Quilinquin is an experienced Instructional Designer. She started in the middle school classroom in 2011 after graduating from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. While teaching, she earned her Master's of Education in Digital Teaching and Learning from NC State University. She is the owner of EQubed LLC, an Instructional Design consulting firm. She and her husband live in Pennsylvania with their dog Quinn.
Taking the next step as a professional lead to many new circumstances. Focus on strategies that will help you present yourself the way you want to be seen. Tackle areas of concern head-on and learn strategies to navigate the interpersonal aspects of the professional environment. Examine the impact of imposter syndrome and connect with strategies to combat it. Learn about the subtle cues your body language sends, how to address being the youngest person in the room, what to do when there is conflict, and so much more. This interactive session will have reflections, discussions, and lots of powerful resources.
Joy B. Webb, community catalyst, believes a holistic people-powered, community-driven approach to philanthropy is what will ultimately drive sustainable change and community transformation. She is passionate about the experiences and perspectives of southern Black girls and women. She is the Network Engagement Manager of the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium, which is a collaborative effort to fund and uplift the voices of Black women and girls in the South. Joy is responsible for facilitating and fostering connections, collaborations, and engagement among the various stakeholders, organizations, and individuals involved in the consortium's work. She works with the community in building relationships, coordinating events and initiatives, and supporting the overall goals and mission of the consortium.
Joy also works in active collaboration with numerous civic-focused organizations. She serves on the Center of Civic Innovation Advisory Council-Inequality in Philanthropy, a Giving Circle Coach for Philanthropy Together and Community Investment Network, and is a founding member of The Counsel.
Joy is a graduate of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2022, Women of Color Radiant Leadership Institute 2022 Cohort, and works on several municipal initiatives. She completed her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) from The American College of Financial Services. She also was selected as one of the honorees for the 2022 Black Women Give Back List from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis’ (IUPUI) Women’s Philanthropy Institute highlighting 10 Black women philanthropists. The Black Women Give Back List highlights Black women who saw a need in their community and took matters into their own hands to address it. Webb was recently selected for the PLACES fellowship, a learning journey focused on incorporating an equity and justice lens into their grant making and community engagement practices.
Joy is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a BS in Graphic Design. She went on to earn her MBA from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. As a native of Decatur, Georgia, Joy volunteers and serves as an active community advocate.
This session is designed to create a pipeline of next generation philanthropists. Learn about non-traditional philanthropy and its impacts and understand the difference between social impact change versus philanthropy; the values and purpose of your giving; and how you can be impactful now!
Dr. Regina D. Biddings-Muro is Vice President for University Advancement at Cal Lutheran. Since 2018, she has led the university’s efforts to expand philanthropic and community support. She earned her doctoral degree from Benedictine University in Illinois. She also holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees, both from Purdue University.
Dr. Biddings-Muro held leadership roles for more than 20 years in the steel, natural gas, and electric utility industries. Her first career, while an undergraduate, was in broadcast journalism as a news anchor, reporter, and talk show host. She has a passion for organizations that focus on lifelong education, racial and social justice, and the elimination of suffering.
When you post a quick pic on social media of you and your boo at your latest hangout, what kind of impression do you want to make? After all, all your friends are posting on TikTok, Insta, or the newest social platform, right? Do you think you have an obligation to speak out against a policy, practice, or perceived wrongdoing that you witnessed? In our session, we’ll explore how and why your reputation is tied to your digital decisions.
Deirdra Cox is Founder and President of Community Sustainability Enterprise (CSE), an economic and community developed focused Georgia based 501c3, whose vision is cultivating inclusive communities who turn jobs into careers, financial literacy into wealth and collective success into generational change: producing an equitable economy. Community Sustainability Enterprise is in the business of transforming families, businesses, and neighborhoods into thriving households and financially sustainable communities, who generate wealth and pass on family legacies.
Deirdra is a 36-year veteran of the banking industry, in the community development space, where sustainable homeownership and small business, through financial literacy and capability and workforce development were her focus. Deirdra is a pioneer in the banking industry Community Reinvestment Act (CRA Act 1977) landscape. She was instrumental in placing two full-service bank branches inside of two Gwinnett County high schools, who served an over 90% diverse student population, that was also 98% free and reduced lunch. Deirdra believes your past doesn’t determine your future. Access, Exposure and Experience create sustainable career opportunities. Deirdra has a keen focus on grooming youth for sustainable careers in corporate America, because the youth are our future.
Deirdra grew up on 104th and Central Park West, where the theater and communication were her favorite things. She attended Central Missouri State University with a concentration in Communications. The beach, her two adult children and her new grandbaby doggie are her happy place.
The fundamental competencies to your growth journey whether in the community or at work, require you to have a grasp of the rules of engagement. During this session, we will discuss the rules of engagement, also known as your GPS Coordinates. We will also examine how communication, critical thinking, DE&I awareness, professionalism teamwork, and technology position you for leadership.
Miracle Chatman is a renowned advocate for student activism and leadership development. Her impactful initiatives on campus, including implementing diversity training, gender-neutral facilities, and a freestanding multicultural building, have made her a prominent figure in the student community during her time at Michigan State University. Miracle's dedication to advocacy and allyship led to the establishment of the prestigious Miracle Chatman Allyship Award, which recognizes (1) one student leader yearly who demonstrates exceptional commitment to marginalized communities other than their own.
In this empowering session, Miracle will share their experiences as a student activist, offering valuable insights on how student leadership and activism can positively impact your professional career. Participants will explore effective strategies for advocating change, gain essential leadership skills, and discover how to leverage their experiences as student leaders to thrive in their future professional endeavors. Whether you aspire to make a difference in your community, on campus, or excel in the workplace, this workshop will equip you with practical tools and invaluable knowledge to unlock your potential and achieve success both as a student leader and a professional.
Hailing from Washington D.C., Ariel Grant is a project management and marketing maven that produces dynamic results. A graduate of The University of Oklahoma, Ariel currently consults with INROADS and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Ariel's experience working in various industries equips her with a rich perspective that is unmatched. She has worked directly on marketing and communications teams with established organizations including Women In Film, The National Academies Press, Oklahoma City Thunder – National Basketball Association (NBA), and the United Negro College Fund.
This power packed session will equip you with 21 quick tips to maximize your time and set impactful goals. Reduce procrastination, limit distractions, and learn effective skills to transform your life.
Dr. Roderick T. Heath is the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students at Fayetteville State University, focusing on building sustainable programming and a student retention-based campus. Before working with Fayetteville State University, Dr. Heath was the Director of the Men's Achievement Center and African American Male Initiative in the Division of Student Affairs at North Carolina Central University. He was responsible for assisting students with academic, social, emotional, professional, and cultural development in this capacity. Before joining North Carolina Central University in 2015, Dr. Heath worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator for the State of North Carolina, Gang Outreach Coordinator for the Durham Police Department, Education Supervisor for Durham Housing Authority, High School Graduation Counselor, and Dean of Students for a K-8th Charter school.
Dr. Heath is a first-generation 2006 graduate of North Carolina Central University, where he majored in Mass Communications. Dr. Heath received his Master of Education from Wingate University in 2010 and his Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership from Fayetteville State University. Dr. Heath has a passion and dream of helping at-risk youth gain control of their future. Dr. Heath's Objective is to utilize his dedication to assisting students in developing social and emotional skills to help their educational journey. Dr. Heath strives to be an articulate communicator while effectively interacting with diverse populations of students at various academic levels.
Outside his Fayetteville State University duties, Dr. Heath's company, The Higher Education: Black Male Collective, provides consultation services to low-income and at-risk youth. In his personal life, Dr. Heath is a father, husband, and an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Join this empowering workshop, which is designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies to elevate your leadership potential through networking, team-building, and personal development.
Yvonne McKinnon is the National Director of Learning and Development at INROADS, and has more than 15 years of experience leading training, building programs, and spearheading development initiatives in the Criminal Courts as well as, private and public Higher Education Institutions. Through this work, she has done everything from defining policy and serving on the leadership team to reporting metrics used for financial projections. A native of Pittsburgh, PA., she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science from Duquesne University. She currently resides in a suburb outside of Atlanta and enjoys all things food.
As our conference ends, join us for an enriching wrap-up session where we reflect on the highlights, share valuable insights, and set the course for future endeavors. We will share a few announcements about how you can remain involved after your summer internship and provide a few tips on how you can begin to pay it forward. The Conference Wrap-Up is a pivotal moment for attendees to come together one last time and solidify the impact of our collective journey.