Vol. 20, N0. 1The Journey SPRING 2015

Message From the Executive Director

Newsletter

Advisory Board

Board of Trustees

Melanie AveryDirector of Philanthropy, VeteransOn The Rise, Inc.

Michele BallantyneSVP, Federal Government and Industry Relations, Recording Industry Associationof America (RIAA)

Geraldine Barber HaleFinancial Manager

Norma BarfieldDirector of Development & Planning,Community Academy Public Charter Schools

Nicole K. BatesDeputy Director, Global HealthPolicy & Advocacy, Bill & Melinda GatesFoundation

Donielle Buie (Ron Brown Scholar 2000)EntrepreneurTerri DeanChief Membership Officer,Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Ambassador Diana lady DouganChairman, Cyber Century Forum

Jordan GoldbergVice President, Real Estate GroupAlliance Bernstein

Dane E. HolmesHead of Investor Relations,Goldman Sachs

Jack leslieChairman, Weber Shandwick

Thaderine D. MacFarlanePhilanthropist

Gavin McFarlandPhilanthropist

Michael A. MalloryPresident, Ron Brown Scholar FundExecutive Director, Ron BrownScholar Program

Jonathan D. MarinerChief Investment Officer,Major League Baseball

Andrew C. PilaroChairman, CAP Advisers Limited of Dublin

Anthony M. PilaroChairman Emeritus RBSF Board ofTrustees, Chairman, CAP Foundation,CAP AdvisersLimited of Dublin

Christopher A. PilaroPresident, CAP Charitable Foundation

Marva A. SmallsEVP, Global Inclusion Strategy,VIACOM & EVP, Public Affairs andChief of Staff, Viacom Kids & Family Group

Mary SnitchDirector, NASA ProgramsLockheed Martin Corporation

Kathy Thornton-BiasMichael B. S. TreismanGeneral Counsel, TigerManagement LLC

Thomas A. WallerSenior Director of Corporate Affairs,Constituent Relations, Wal-MartStores, Inc.

Aaron S. WilliamsExecutive Vice President, InternationalDevelopment, RTI International

InayearwhentheRonBrownScholarProgramisfocusingondemonstratingits“impact”,wehavebeenlookingatthewidelydifferentbutincreasinglypowerfulwaysourScholarsareinfluencingpositivechangeinAmericaandglobally.Then,comestheunexpectedandtimely—aletterwereceivedfromKeonPearson(RBS2011);anotethatmakesusrealizethat“impact”isactuallymoreofaprocessthananoutcome.I’msharingwithyouapart

ofKeon’sletterbecauseitsoclearlyillustrateswhyallofyouwhobelieveinourScholarsandsogenerouslysupporttheProgramarehavingapositive“impact”onsomanylives.

Dear Mr. Mallory and Ms. Evans-Grevious,

I hope this note finds you both well. I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the profound way that the Ron Brown

Scholar Program has impacted my life. Being at Harvard can be intensely tough at times, especially for people from my background and family situation. However, because of the support of RBSP, I have felt secure, supported, and at ease during my college career. Knowing that I would never have to worry about affording books, or making flights home, or getting to medical school interviews across the country made an invaluable contribution to my mental health and well-being. All that I had to do was study hard and be a normal student, and I could rest assured that things would fall into place.

And things have certainly fallen into place! I have had unimaginable journeys across the globe, learned to com-municate (admittedly, quite poorly) in two additional languages, experienced running a small non-profit, literally run thousands of miles, fallen in love, developed strong friendships with people from three different continents, deepened my passion for medicine and minority health, and, most recently, gained acceptances into the top medi-cal schools in the country.

So I wanted to thank you both for the excellent work that you do every day. When I heard that all twenty-eight finalists received the scholarship this year, I nearly wept with joy. Twenty-eight lives were forever changed, and it was truly a beautiful moment.

I cannot believe that it has already been four years since my Selection Weekend! I still vividly remember exactly where I was when I got that fateful phone call. Being a Ron Brown Scholar has meant the world to me. Soon enough I plan to be able to contribute my time and treasure to this cause!

Sincerely,Keon

Wehavemanyreasonstocelebratethisyear.Wereachedourfundraisinggoal;weheardfromandwereinspiredbyourspeakersduringtheSixthAnnualAmericanJourneyAwards,SamAlemayehu(RBS2004),thefirst(butweknowfarfromthelast)RonBrownScholartocontributefundstocoverafullscholarshipforanewRonBrownScholar.Samrepeatedtheword“love”duringhisspeech—andweallunderstoodtheprofundityofwhathewasconveying.DonielleBuie,ourfirstScholarTrustee,gaveastirringspeechinwhichsheaskedtheaudiencetoconsiderarangeofsoul-searchingquestions,concludingwith,“Areyoureadytogothedistancewithme,becauseIamwithyou?”

WealsoheardfromMs.CokieRobertswhopaidspecialtributetoherbrotherThomasHaleBoggs,Jr.whopassedawayinthefallof2014.TomwasaninspiringfriendandsupporteroftheProgramwhowasinstrumentalinthenamingoftheRonBrownScholarProgramandbecamededicatedtothesuccessofeachRonBrownScholar.

Throughouttheeveningandineverycornerofthevasthall,ourScholarsconnectedwithfriendsoftheProgram,ourfriendsmadenewfriends,andeveryonehadagoodtimecelebratingaspecialfamilyofyoungleaders.

AsKeonmentioned,wewereabletoawardascholarshiptoeachofthetwenty-eightfinalists—thatwasthesweetestpartofaverysweetweekend.Thankyouforbeinganimportantpartofourfamily.

PleaseenjoytheScholaraccomplishmentsprofiledinthisnewsletter.Wehopeyouwillstayintouchwithus,connectwithaScholarandkeepusinyourgivingplans.

Allthebesttoyou,

MichaelA.MalloryPresident&ExecutiveDirector

Spring 2015

Spring 2015

The Ron Brown Scholar Program Newsletter 2015

Spring 2015

2

New Board of TrusTees MeMBer; 2015 scholar reflecTioNs

Advisory Board (cont’d)

(Continued on Page 4)

3

New ParTNershiP wiTh GoldMaN sachs; hiddeN GeNius ProjecT

Dane E. Holmes Joins Board of Trustees

(Continued on Page 11)

TheRonBrownScholarProgramproudlywelcomesournewestTrustee,Mr.DaneE.Holmes.DaneistheHeadofInvestorRelationsforGoldmanSachs.Heisresponsibleforallas-

pectsofinvestorrelationsandforshareholders,debtinvestors,ratingagenciesandcorporategovernanceengagement.HeisamemberoftheFirmwideClientandBusinessStandardsCommittee,theFirmwideRiskCommittee,theDisclosureCommitteeandtheAmericasDiversityCommittee.Priortoassuminghiscurrentrole,DanewasintheFinancialInstitu-tionsFinancingGroupwithintheInvestmentBankingDivision.HejoinedGoldmanSachsin2001asaVicePresidentandwasnamedManagingDirectorin2004andPartnerin2010.Priortojoiningthefirm,DaneworkedatJ.P.Morgancoveringthefinancialinstitutions,municipalandhealthcareindustriesandheldvariouspositionsintheMergers&Acquisitions,CapitalMarkets&Advisory,andPortfolioManagementgroups.

DaneearnedaBAinArchitecturefromColumbiaUniversityin1992.“I am excited to join the Ron Brown Scholar Program as a

Trustee. It is an honor to be able to contribute to the significant and longstanding impact the Program has had on young African Americans.” –DaneE.Holmes,GoldmanSachs

Reflections From a 2015 Ron Brown Scholarship Recipient

By:LeahYared,RBS2015

Program Announces Partnership With Goldman Sachs

TheRonBrownScholarProgramandGoldmanSachsarepleasedtoannounceacollaborationthatwillsupportthefundingoftennewRonBrownScholarsannuallyoverthenextfouryears.ThiscommitmentbyGoldmanSachs(withthepossibilityofincreasedmulti-yearsupport)isthelargestcorporateinvestmentreceivedtodatebythe

RonBrownScholarProgram.ItunderscoresbothGoldmanSachs’commitment topromotediversityand theevolv-ingnational reputationof theRonBrownScholarProgram.This joint effortwillsignificantlyaffect theabilityofauniqueandsuccessfulcollegescholar-shipprogram forAfricanAmericans to enlarge itsnetworkof future leaders.

“Our partnership with Gold-man Sachs provides an incredible opportunity for us to continue building upon our motto, ‘The value of one; the power of all.’ An increase in the number of young leaders we can support through scholarship assistance will mean an exponential increase in their ability to influence successful and sustainable change. Over the past nineteen years, Ron Brown Schol-ars have successfully matriculated at and graduated from America’s top colleges and universities. As they mature, network as a family,

and move into professional posi-tions in every area of endeavour, their accomplishments become truly impressive. The time is right; the partnership with Goldman is powerful; it will enable the Ron Brown Scholar Program and its talented Scholars to expand their impact on American and global progress,” says Michael Mallory, Executive Director, Ron Brown Scholar Program.

“We are excited to launch this partnership with the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Ron Brown Scholars have demonstrated im-

outreach through outstanding organizations such as the Ron Brown Scholar Program.” – Cindy Joseph, VP, Head of Diversity Re-cruiting, Goldman Sachs. ■

RBS Brandon Nicholsonto Head the Hidden Genius Project

BrandonNicholson (RBS2001), has been namedthe founding Executive

DirectoroftheHiddenGeniusProject. The mission of thisorganizationconceivedofandlaunched by two fellow RonBrown Scholar colleagues—JasonYoungandTyMoore–is

tobetheleadingincubatorofhigh-performing black maleentrepreneurs and technolo-gists.TheProjectrepresentsaninnovativeapproachtoaccom-plishing positive societal im-pact.Italsoconfirmsabeliefundergirding the uniquenessand value of the Ron BrownScholarProgram.HiddenGe-nius confirms the realizationofacriticalaspectofthePro-gram’sinitialdream:

“The vision of Mr. Mal-lory and the Pilaro family was clearly for us to pursue our individual missions and aspirations, all the while sup-porting each other to build towards the greater good. I’m extremely proud to be working with high-quality guys such as Jason and Ty, both of whom I have admired since the very first days I met them. What’s critical is the fact that they have such big dreams; the paramount ingredient in be-ing able to accomplish trans-formative results. It’s a great feeling to run alongside fellow

Scholars who believe we have the power to create value and uplift communities writ large. ‘The Value of One; the Power of All,’ perfectly captures this mission.”

Hidden Genius is a path-waytoachievementforfutureentrepreneurs. Ithingesupona commitment to mentoringunderservedyouthandcreat-ingacohesivecommunityoftech innovators, who actu-ate transformational changewithintheircommunities.The

thisworkexceedsthecurrentcapacitytomeetit.TheHiddenGeniusProjectwantstobeinthe vanguard of meaningfulimpactinthisrealm.

Brandonbelievestheirven-ture marks an opportunityto disrupt the way we envi-sion training and productiv-ity for young people fromunderserved communities.In short, it offers a chanceto empower communities toempowerthemselves,andac-cordinglyleveragetechnology

Hidden Genius is a pathway to achievement for future entrepreneurs.

Projecthasbegunbysupport-ingyoungmenintheOakland,Californiaarea.Theend-pointgoalistoexpandnationwide,helpingyoungblackmalestobuildtheconfidencenecessaryforthemtoperseverethroughsystemicbarriersandachievetheirdreams.Thedemandfor

as a vehicle. The Scholars’partnershipinHiddenGeniusaswellastheirgoalsandas-pirations for their endeavor,provide clear proof that RonBrown Scholars, who standoutinhighschoolduetotheirintelligence and commitment

Iremember sitting there thinking, “Did I hear that right?” I looked aroundto seemy fellowScholars jumpingout of their seats, hugging eachother,and crying tears of joy. I’m not much of a crier, but the atmosphere was

somovingthatmanyofusgotemotional.WehadjustheardMr.Mallorysaythe words: “YouALL won!”With three words, our lives changed forever.

Rewind to the beginningofSelectionWeekend.Whenwearrivedat the6thAnnualRonald H. BrownAmericanJourneyAwardsreceptiononFridaynight,wewerebroughtintoamassiveroomfilledwithwell-dressedadults.Theeve-ningwastohonorthelegacyofthelateThomasHaleBoggs,Jr. and highlight the accom-plishmentsofourveryownRonBrownScholarSamAlemayehuwiththeEmergingLeadershipAward.Weallspreadoutaroundtheroomandmingled,andastimepassed,itbecameeasiertoshakeaperson’shandandstrikeupaconversa-tion. Ron Brown alumni were mixed in withdonors,supporters,andpanelists;everyonewasidentifiedbythecoloredhangingIDtagswornaroundtheneck.Iremembersteppingintothatoverwhelmingroom,notknowingwheretoevenlookfirst,andthefirstpersonwhocameuptotalktomewasanalumnus.Hewarmlywelcomedmeandimpartedsomewordsofwisdomfortherestof thenight,andfor the longroadahead.

All too soon, the reception ended and theceremony progressed to the dinner, where

eachScholarwas seated at aseparate table surrounded byRBS alumni, supporters, andbusinesspeoplefromacertaincompany.Thereceptionexpe-riencehadpreparedusforthisnewtest:diningwithinfluentialpeople.The JourneyAwardsdinnerhighlighted the legacyofMr.ThomasHaleBoggs,Jr.andallofthesupporthepro-

videdtheProgramovertheyears.CokieRobertsservedashostandinspiredusalltocarryonMr.Boggs’commitmenttoliftingupthefuturelead-ersofAmerica.Ms.RobertsalsoannouncedtheThomasHaleBoggs,Jr.MemorialScholarshipFundwhichwould recognizeoneRonBrownScholar each year as a Tom Boggs Scholar.

The Program then recognized 2004 RonBrownScholarSamAlemayehuwiththe2015Emerging LeadershipAward.As Sam spokeabout his Ethiopian upbringing and what theProgrammeanstohim,wealltooknoteofhishumilityandpoise.AsthedaughterofEthiopianimmigrants, his speech struck a chord withinmeasI thoughtaboutmyownparent’sdesireto supportmyeducation inanywaypossible.

Jerry B. BiasFounder and Chief Executive Officer,Wisdom Oak Winery

Melanie Wilson BiasPrincipal and Chief Operating OfficerWisdom Oak Winery

Robert B. BinswangerProfessor, Dartmouth College

lance BlanksFormer NBA General Manager

John BurtCo-Founder, MBA JumpStart Advisory Group

Kevin J. CarringtonVice President, The Segal Company

Matthew D. CuttsPartner, Squire Patton Boggs, LLP

Pamela EllisonManaging Director, Robin Hood

lauri Fitz-PegadoPartner, Livingston Group, LLC

Guy E. FlynnPartner, DLA Piper, LLP (US)

Nupur Parekh FlynnManaging Director/Co-Director of Marketing,Brown Capital Management

James HackneyEntrepreneur

Judith HarrisonSenior Vice President, Staffing and Diversity& Inclusion, Constituency Management Group

Ritza J. HendricksManaging Partner, R.Y. Ink! LLC

Ellie HyltonClient Solutions AssociateNielsen

Michelle C. IfillSenior Vice President & General Counsel,Verizon Operations, IT & CAO

Calvin C. laRocheCo-Founder, DC Ventures and Associates

Sharon Brickhouse MartinFounder and President, Brickhouse MartinHealthcare Engineering

Emmit J. McHenryEntrepreneur

Ginger McKnight-ChaversAttorney

lesia Bates MossPresident, Seedco Financial Services

Cynthia A. MurrayPresident, Cynthia Murray Enterprises, LLC

Joshua B. RalesFounder & Managing Partner, RFI Associates

Eileen Cassidy RiveraVice President, Global Marketing andCommunications, Harris Healthcare Solutions

Rodney E. SlaterPartner, Squire Patton Boggs, LLP

V. Davis SmithPrincipal, Organizational Development andExecutive Coach, Caste Energy LLC

Elsie Wilson ThompsonAttorney

Maria TildonSenior VP, Public Policy & Community Affairs,CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Jonice Gray TuckerPartner, BuckleySandler LLP

R. Kenly WebsterAttorney at Law

Michael A. WilliamsChief Medical Information Officer &Associate Professor of PediatricsUniversity of Virginia Health Systems

Bethany Dickerson WynderDirector of Admissions & Financial Aid, Trinity Episcopal School (Charlotte, NC)

Michelle Robinson (Ron Brown Scholar 1997)Assistant Professor of American Studies,UNC-Chapel Hill

Jason W. Young (Ron Brown Scholar 2000)Entrepreneur

Dane E. Holmes is Head of Investor Relations at Goldman Sachs.

Leah Yared will attend Harvard College in the fall.

Mike Mallory with Cindy Joseph of Goldman Sachs.

pressive achievements, both in and outside the classroom, and show strong potential for leadership and ser-vice. Through our new partnership, we hope to expose these talented individuals to the wide range of opportunities at Goldman Sachs, in-

cluding mentorship, professional development and internship pro-grams. Diversity is at the core of our values, and it’s important that we continue to expand our

Spring 2015

Spring 2015

The Ron Brown Scholar Program Newsletter 2015

Spring 2015

5

reMeMBeriNG ThoMas hale BoGGs, jr.; rBs doNielle Buie

4

scholar sPoTliGhT; scholar reflecTioNs (coNT’d)

Scholar Spotlight: Malcolm Grayson, RBS 2011 Remembering a Friend

He’saphilosopherandapoet,achessmasterandaviolin-ist, a published researcher

and a Harvard grad—no wonderMalcolmGraysonisatthetopoftheacademicfoodchain.ButwhenMalcolmfoundouthewasarecipi-entoftheprestigiousMichaelC.RockefellerTravelingFellowship,hedecidedgradschoolcouldwait.

Awarded by members of theRockefeller family to a selecthandful of Harvard seniors, the

. . . his gifts and how he uses them will inspire younger people to understand and follow their own dreams.

By Gary Nordheimer

ShortlyafterIattendedmyclosefriendTomBoggs’funeralIbegantothinkabouttryingtoestablishameaningfulwaytoexpandhislegacy.Tomhadbeeninvolvedinandgeneroustomanygoodcauses,includinghisschools,universityandlawschoolandmanyotherworthycauses.Wetalkedwithmembers

ofhisfamilyanditbecamequiteclearthattheRonBrownScholarProgramheldaspecialplaceinhisheart.Tom was a very private per-

son,almosttothepointofbeingshy,butnotwhenitcametotak-ing the time to help select andmentor the many Scholars whopassed through his open door.Discussions with Tom’s familycementedtheideathatTomwouldhavebeenveryproudtohaveanendowedscholarshipinhisname.We quickly reached out to hisfamily and to a large extendedfamilyoffriends,sharingfavoritestoriesaboutTomandourmutualgrieffromTom’spassing.

We agreed to try toraiseenoughmoneypriortotheSixthAnnualAmer-icanJourneyAwardsDin-nersowecouldestablishan endowed fund in hisname, to fund at leastone full scholarship an-nually.Webelievethisisanoutstanding tribute toTom and his family andfriendsthatwithinaveryshortpe-riodoftime,thekernelofanideagrewintorealityandthefirstTomBoggsScholarhasbeenselected.Tom’s children, Douglas Boggs

and Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen,carried on Tom's tradition andparticipatedintheinterviewofthefirstTomBoggsScholar,ayoungmanwhowouldhavemadeTomveryproudasthefirstinwhatweanticipatewillbealastingtributeto Tom and his deep commit-menttotheRonBrownScholars.

“We are so proud to select Raymond Pryor, IV as the 2015 re-cipient of the Tommy Boggs Schol-arship. Raymond, an all-League offensive lineman, is a big guy with

a huge heart. He’s a brilliant stu-dent and a natural politician so it is hard to imagine a better choice.”

– Elizabeth Boggs DavidsenRaymond Pryor IV, a young

football,basketball,andbaseballathlete and avid sports fan, willnot realizehis dreamof playingfirst-division collegiate sports.Hisnaturalaffinitytodowellinschoolwillserveashisvehicletorealizehisdreams.Hisstrongestsubject has always been math-ematics; he plans to utilize hisqualitative-quantitative abilitiesas he pursues his undergraduatestudiesandaprofessionalcareer.

Apart from his academic in-terests, Ray has a true passion:

combat ing inequi tythroughconnectivity.Heobserved, experienced,and was disgusted bythe achievement andopportunity gaps in hishighschool.Hebecamea beneficiary, member,and then leader of hisschool’s Angels for AP Excellence that encour-agedpromisingstudents

of color to enroll in advancedcourses(wheretheyareseverelyunderrepresented).Buildingonhisleadership development trainingasaBezosScholarat theAspen

Institute,RaylaunchedtheAsk An Angel Network & Expo,astudent-generated online and in-personconnectivity platform throughwhich students can engage withthe experiences, insights, andadvice of his high school’s,100-year-old alumni network.

As he looks ahead to begin-ning his undergraduate educa-tion at Duke University, Rayhopes to expand his quest tomaximize the positive impacthe can have on transformingpossibilities for under-servedindividuals and communities.■

Reflections From a 2015 Ron Brown Scholarship Recipient(Continued From Page 2)

fellowship provides a year’sworth of financial support forunrestricted travel to a foreigncountry.That’sright:unrestricted.Recipients of this coveted prize

getanentireyeartoenrichtheirlives outside of academia bydoing,well, just aboutwhateverthey want.With the freedom togo anywhere and do anything,MalcolmplanstohikethelengthofJapanwhilememorizingpoetryand mastering lucid dreaming.

Malcolm will perfect a spe-cial memorization techniqueknown as the “Memory Pal-ace” to commithundredsofpo-ems to memory–a small feat

considering he can already re-cite a 108-line poem by heart.

Malcolmalsoplanstousethisjourney of awakening to masteranother craft—lucid dreaming.

He explains: “A lucid dream isjust like a normal dream exceptfor two things: 1)You happento know that you’re dreamingand2)Younowhavefullcontroloverwhathappensinthedream.It’s quite fun manifesting yourimagination right before youreyes.” Malcolm plans to masterlucid dreaming as an instru-ment to design video games,another lifelong passion of his.

With a double major and aminorfromHarvard(allwithhon-ors,bytheway),Malcolmworksasaprivatetutorforhigh-profileclientsaroundtheworld.Parentsbook him months in advance tocome to their country and teachtheirkidsanythingfromtheSATtoEnglish,poetrytophilosophy.

Malcolm’s aspirations andhis accomplishments to dateshowcase the range of abilitiesourRonBrownScholarspossess.

Theyareallintellectualstandouts,buttheirdreamsmovethemalongunique and diverse paths. Mal-colmsharesaservicethemecom-mon among RBS: that his giftsandhowheusesthemwillinspireyounger people to understandand follow their own dreams. ■

It was also inspiring to learnthat just a few short years outof college, Sam had the goodfortune and generosity to giveback $40,000 to the Program.Hefullyfundedascholarshipsothatanotherstudentcouldreceivethesameawardhewasblessedto

win.Thatwasextremelymoving.I remember him saying, “TheProgram showed me love.” Inthose few words, I immediatelyknew the potential impact theProgram would have on me.

Moments later after laugh-ing at Ms. Robert’s charismatic

speeches,wewerecalledoverbyMrs.Evanstoformalineandgoup on stage.We each called outournameandhometownintothemicrophone.Althoughtheantici-pationofwalkinguponthatstagegavemenervousjitters,everyonespokecalmlyandclearly–andtheaudience loved it! Iwalkedbacktomyseatwithasmallfeelingofaccomplishment.AsIreflectedonthe speeches from past ScholarsKarlaAghedoandSam,Iimaginedwhatitwouldbeliketobeuponthat stage in a few years givingmyownspeech.Getting tomeetScholars who were in our shoesnottoolongagoopenedoureyestothebrightfuturesaheadofus.

FastforwardtoSaturdaynight.The moment Mr. Mallory saidthose fateful words can only bedescribedasunbelievable.Ifeltahugeweightliftoffmyshoulders.AndbecomingaScholarwasonlyhalftheshock;theotherhalfofitwasfindingoutthatallofusmadeit.After a weekend of bonding,we were rooting for each other.

TheseedsoftheRonBrownfam-ily had already been sown, anda family looks out for its own.

I went home the followingmorningthinkingbacktothephe-nomenalyoungmenandwomenIhadjustmet–thequintessenceofblackexcellence.Iwashumbledand honored to be considered apartofthisfamily.Atschool,Iwasalways“thatkid”–somethingofanoutlier in termsofacademicsandrace.TheAmericanJourneyAwards dinner taught me thatblackexcellenceisnotunnatural;there are hundreds of role mod-els in this Program alone. Thewisdom past Scholars bestoweduponuswasmuchdifferentfromtheusual“Followyourdreams!”or “Find your passion!” Thesewererealpeople(peoplewecouldactuallyrelateto!)whofoundtheirpassionandthrived.I’msuretheRBS Class of 2015 will rise tothe occasion of excellence, andI thankeveryonewhopaved thewayforustoachievethishonor.■

Fifteen years ago, I was a finalist forthe Ron Brown scholarship. I tried tokeep my cool, not show my nervous-

ness (not let on that running through myhead was every possible question theymight ask me the next day!). But what IkeptcomingbacktoandwhatIhavecomebacktooverandoversinceIwasafinalistis that I was and am surrounded by excel-lence.Theyhadmyhue.Thathadlivedmystory.Andtheyshowedmethatbeingyoung,giftedandblackwasnotananomaly.Iwasunique,butnotalone.Special but not rare.

While I sincerelyhope that everyone isabletowalkawaywith$40,000tohelpcreatenewopportunities(theworldsodesperatelyneedsourtalents,leadershipandideas),what

Memories From 2000 RBS Donielle BuieWill You Go the Distance With Me?

I pray is each of you walk away from theselectionweekendexperiencewiththebegin-

ningofdeepfriendshipsinwhichtheanswertothefollowingquestionsisaresoundingyes:

If I fail, will you help me find the lesson? If I fall, will you catch me?

If I succeed will you cheer for me. If I am unsure, will you encourage me?If I suffer a loss, will you sit with me?

If I forget who I am, where I came from, and how many people helped to get

me here, will you remind me? If I am scared to think big, live boldly and

serve humbly, will you help me push through the fear?

Will you be my brother and sister on this journey? Are you ready to go the distance

with me, because I am with you.Congratulations 2015 Ron Brown Scholars!

Cokie Roberts shares a moment with 2015 scholarship winner Montell Brown following the American Journey awards dinner.

Raymond Pryor, IV will attend Duke University in the fall.

Gary Nordheimer (center) shown with Lesley Israel (left), Barbara Boggs (3rd from left) and Gail Nordheimer (far right).

Spring 2015

76

2015 roN BrowN scholars

Congratulations to the 2015 Ron Brown Scholars!

Jason Adulley Bronx,NYRegisHighSchool College:WilliamsCollegeInterest:African-AmericanStudies

Akintobi “Irvin” I. Akinseye Frisco,TXFriscoHighSchoolCollege:BrownUniversityInterest:Neuroscience

Andrew O. Bempah Evanston,IL EvanstonTownshipHighSchoolCollege:StanfordUniversityInterest:OperationsResearch

Lena F. Blackmon Vail,AZ UniversityHighSchoolCollege:StanfordUniversityInterest:MaterialScience

Montell D. Brown Cincinnati,OH OakHillsHighSchoolCollege:UniversityofPennsylvaniaInterest:BiologicalBasisofBehavior

Caroline E. Haoud Astoria,NY BardHighSchoolEarlyCollegeQueensCollege:ColumbiaUniversityInterest:Biochemistry/Physics

Melanie C. P. Horton UpperDarby,PACommonwealthConnectionsAcademyCollege:TuftsUniversityInterest:Psychology

Desmond J. Howard Lexington,KY BryanStationHighSchoolCollege:UniversityofPennsylvaniaInterest:Physics

Taylor L. Howell Fayetteville,GASandyCreekHighSchoolCollege:GeorgiaInstituteofTechnologyInterest:ChemicalEngineering

Javarcia D. Ivory Clinton,MS ClintonHighSchoolCollege:StanfordUniversityInterest:Biophysics

Bruke M. Kifle Alexandria,VA ThomasAlvaEdisonHighSchoolCollege:MassachusettsInstituteofTechnologyInterest:Engineering

Devin B. Kilpatrick Rome,NYRomeFreeAcademyCollege:PrincetonUniversityInterest:EarthScience

T’Angela J. Knight Memphis,TN WhitehavenHighSchoolCollege:UniversityofTennesseeInterest:Marketing/Psychology

Courtney R. Lewis Kennesaw,GA TheWalkerSchoolCollege:HarvardCollegeInterest:Neuroscience

Ayanna D. Martin Collierville,TN St.Mary’sEpiscopalCollege:VanderbiltUniversityInterest:Economics

Anthony D. Mayfield FortWorth,TX BoswellHighSchoolCollege:StanfordUniversityInterest:ElectricalEngineering

Christopher D. McKinnisPinehurst,NC PinecrestHighSchoolCollege:UniversityofNorthCarolina-CharlotteInterest:Meteorology

Tristan J. McLaurin Conway,MA PioneerValleyPerformingArtsCharterPublicSchoolCollege:MassachusettsInstituteofTechnologyInterest:MechanicalEngineering

DivineAsia E. Miller Brooklyn,NY BrooklynTechnicalHighSchoolCollege:AmherstCollegeInterest:Psychology

Andrew R. Moton Stockton,CA TokayHighSchoolCollege:HarvardCollegeInterest:InternationalAffairs

Zaria A. Noble Denver,CO KentDenverHighSchoolCollege:WashingtonUniversity–St.LouisInterest:PoliticalScience(Pre-Law)

Chidera C. Osuji Stockbridge,GADutchtownHighSchoolCollege:YaleUniversityInterest:InternationalRelations

Jaylen J. Pittman Montgomery,ALLAMPMagnetHighSchoolCollege:YaleUniversityInterest:GlobalAffairs

Raymond E. Pryor, IVAurora,CO EastHighSchoolCollege:DukeUniversityInterest:PublicPolicy

Matthew W. Shearin ElCajon,CA ElCajonValleyHighSchoolCollege:DartmouthCollegeInterest:ComputerScience

Mojique D. Tyler Brooklyn,NY BardHighSchoolEarlyCollegeCollege:YaleUniversityInterest:Physics

Auriel S. Wright Macon,GA NortheastHighSchoolCollege:HarvardCollegeInterest:GlobalHealthcare

Leah S. Yared Rockville,MD RockvilleHighSchoolCollege:HarvardCollegeInterest:Government

Spring 2015

Spring 2015

The Ron Brown Scholar Program Newsletter 2015

Spring 2015

9

roN BrowN scholar uPdaTes (coNT’d)

8

roN BrowN scholar uPdaTes

Ron Brown Scholars—What Are They Up to NOW? Spring 2015

Ron Brown Scholars—What Are They Up to NOW? Spring 2015(Continued From Page 8)

(Continued on Page 12)

(from left to right) Bradley Pough (RBS 2008), Rashawn Dye (RBS 2010), Mondaire Jones (RBS 2005) (back to us), and Kai Ross (RBS 2005) enjoy time together during the 2015 Alumni Association meeting in Washington, DC.

Katori Hall, (1999) will premiere her newwork,The Blood Quilt, atArenaTheatre inWashingtonDConMay7th.

Immanuel Foster (2002) is a litigation as-sociateatSkadden,Arps,Slate,Meagher&FlomLLPinBoston.

Brandon Nicholson (2001)istheexecutivedirectoroftheHiddenGeniusProject,whosevisionistobetheleadingincubatorofhigh-performing black male entrepreneurs andtechnologists.These leaders are committedto mentoring underserved youth and creat-ingacohesivecommunityoftechinnovatorswhoactuatepositive,transformationalchangewithintheircommunities.Throughitsmodel,The Hidden Genius Project aims to bolsterworkforce and economic development as ameanstoeffectapositivesocietalimpact.

Tristan Ivory (2000)iscurrentlyputtingthefinaltouchesonhisdissertationandshouldbedonethisupcomingJune.

Tracy "Ty" Moore II (2002)isbusymanag-ingtheresearchcontractthatMindBlownLabswasawardedbytheU.S.TreasuryDepartment.Inaddition,he'sreachingouttoschoolsthatwouldliketousetheirbest-in-classfinancialcapabilitygameandlessonplans.Shortly,he'llbejoiningJasonYoung(2004)intheWhiteHouse at the President'sAdvisory CouncilMeetingandpresentingattheClintonGlobalInitiativeUniversityconferenceinMiami.

Eddie Martin, Jr. (2000) is continuing hisworkasaspecialassistantattheU.S.Depart-ment of Education's Center for Faith-basedandNeighborhoodPartnerships,anInitiativethatispartoftheWhiteHouseOfficeofFaith-basedandNeighborhoodPartnerships.Heisalsoservingaschaplain(captain)ofthe400thMilitaryPoliceBattalionatFortMeadeandtheyouthpastoratNineteenthStreetBaptistChurchinWashington,DC.

Geraldine Pierre Haile (2004)recentlyde-fendedherdissertationandhasstartedworkingfull-timeatMathematicaPolicyResearchinOakland,CAasasurveyresearcher.

Faith Jackson (2012) was recently electedpresident of Read Between the Minds, ane-mentoring,non-profitorganizationsheco-foundedin2013.Sheisreallyexcitedtobemakingithermainfocusoutsideofschool,and theorganization iscurrentlypartof theVentureIncubationProgramatHarvardBusi-ness School. She is still deciding her plans

for the summer, but hopes that the summerinvolvesbothproductivityandrelaxation.

Matt Wood (2013) is striving to finish hissophomoreyearstrongly,willbeinNYCasasummeranalystforCreditSuisse,andlooksforwardtofinalizinghisplanstocontinuehisstudiesinBrazilinthefall.

Crystal Boyd (2006) is alive and well inBerlin,researchingbestliteracypracticesforteachingrefugeesintheschoolsystemaspartoftheAlexanderVonHumboldtFellowship.She'screatingwithherproductioncompanyandtheteamisworkingonpitchingDown-townGirlsanddevelopingitintoaTVshow.This summer she will be meetingAngelaMerkelfordinnerwithherprogram,andlivinginBarcelonaandpartsofGreece.

Sharlene Brown (2004) is working as amanagement consultant forAccenture. SheremainsveryinvolvedintheeducationspaceandjoinedthefoundinggovernanceboardofanewschoolopeninginEastLA.

Chanel Washington (2011)willbeworkingatGoldmanSachsinNewYorkasananalystforthePrivateWealthManagementdivisionaftergraduatingfromHarvardCollege.

Michael Mekonnen (2009)justreturnedfromaveryrefreshingandwonderfultriptoEthio-pia(9yearsafterarrivingintheUS!),andalsojustmovedpasttheone-yearanniversaryasasoftwareengineeratGoogle.“Ihavelearnedandgrowninmanywaysinthisfirstyear,andIlookforwardtothesameamount,ifnotmore,ofgrowthinthecomingyear.”

Jordan Alston-Harmon (2013) transferredtoHarvardCollegeinthefall.HeleadsaprogramwiththeInstituteofPoliticsthatdiscussestheintersectionofraceandpolitics,competesontheHarvardMockTrialteam,andvolunteerswith a group that tutors incarcerated youthonceaweek.HewillinternattheNewYorkofficeofMcKinsey&Companythissummer.

Julius Mitchell (2009)hasjustreturnedfrombackpacking in southern China, Singapore,and the Philippines to celebrate the LunarNewYear.As his teaching fellowship withtheYale-ChinaAssociationendsthiscomingJune,he ispreparingapplications toawiderangeoffinance,legal,researchandconsult-ingpositions.

Jade Craig (2002) wasmarriedonSeptember22, 2014. He and his wife Jamie currently

liveinWashington,DC.WiththehelpofRonBrownScholarProgrammentors,hereceivedapresidentialappointmentintheObamaAd-ministration.HeservesastheSpecialPolicyAdvisor to theAssistant Secretary for FairHousingandEqualOpportunityat theU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelop-ment(HUD).

Malcolm Grayson (2011)isabouttogradu-ate from Harvard College with a degree inphilosophy.AftergraduationheplansspendayearlivinginthewildernessofJapan,memo-rizingpoetryandmasteringluciddreaming.

Brennan Gould (2001) is director of pro-gramsattheCharlottesvilleAreaCommunityFoundation and oversees the Foundation'sgrantmakingandstrategiccommunitydevel-opmentinitiatives.SheandherhusbandAndreareawaitingwithgreatexcitementthearrivaloftheirlittlegirlinJune.

Folake Dosu (2007) is the marketing man-ageratBolstr,anonlinemarketplacewhereemergingconsumer,retailandmanufacturingbusinesses can access growth capital froma network of accredited investors. ChecktherecentfeatureinInc.magazine.Inothernews,sherecentlybecameaForteFoundationMBALaunch Fellow and her daily Chicagocommuteischallenging.

Victoria Offei-Dua (2014)willbehavingalowkeysummerandtakingsummercoursesforherpre-medprerequisitesandshadowingattheHuntsvillehospital.Herplanistobeaheadinherpre-medcoursessothatshecanstudyabroadintheUKduringthespringsemesterofherjunioryear.

Dorian Dargan (2007)leadsProductatYou-Now,afast-growinglivevideosocialnetwork& venture-backed tech startup in NYC. HeandhiswifeareexpectingababygirlinMay.

Camille Everhart (2009) iscurrentlyfinish-ingupherMaster'sinMechanicalEngineeringatStanford,andwillbetakingherqualificationexamforPh.D.candidacyinthespring.

Bryant Watson (2006)isheadedtoYaleLawSchoolthisfall.

Frederik Groce (2010)iscurrentlyworkingastheCEOofStanfordStudentEnterprises.Hehasjustre-signedforanotheryearandisexcited to continuehisworkwith theorga-nization. One of the big projects he's been

investingalotofhistimeoniscreatingabrandnew incubator for Stanford start-ups calledCardinalVentures.

Jasmine Browne (2007) is currently sup-porting the testing and commissioning of anewverticalformfillsealmachineforP&G.ThisrolehasledtoseveraltripstoBelgiumduringthelasthalfof2014andthebeginningofthe2015.Herculminatingtripwillbea3monthassignmentinthePhilippinestoensureasuccessfulstartupofthemachine,beginninginMarch2015.

Danielle Allen (2005)ismovingbacktoDCfromBoston.She'salsotakingonanewroleconveningandadvisingeducationphilanthro-pistsatImpactforEducation.

Andrea Headley (2010) isfinishinguphersecond year as a doctoral student studyingthe politics of crime control. Her currentresearchhascenteredonprisonprivatizationandpolice-communityrelations.

Gomian Konneh (2014) was awarded the"InterculturalAward"fromtheUniversityofPennsylvania's Onyx Senior Honor Society,which is an award that was designed forthe underclassman "who has made notableachievementsinpromotingelementsofblackculture through art, dance, or other artisticexpression."ShehasalsoreceivedanawardfortheOnyxSeniorSociety'sFreshmanHonorRoll.ShewillbeinterninginManhattanwithViacomandwillbeworkingonaprojectintheContentDistributionandMarketingdivisionand is very excited to learn about themassmediaindustryinthisveryhands-onmanner.

Ihotu Ali (2003)justreturnedfromatriptoNigeriaforfamilyweddingsandconnectingwith ruralnurses andmidwives.She joinedthe research and advocacy team at ChoicesinChildbirthinNewYorkCity,andlaunchedher in-home women's massage therapy andpreventivemedicinepractice:www.Creative-Rebirth.com.

William Chichester, III (2001)hascelebratedhisfirst-yearweddinganniversarytohisbeau-tifulwife,Ivy.HespenthisanniversaryinSt.John'sVirginIslands.HecontinuestoresideinCharlottesville,VA,andleadsCapitalOne'sdiversitycampusrecruitingefforts.

Chaz Beasley (2004)isfinishinguphistermas thepresidentof theYoungDemocratsofMecklenburg County in Charlotte, NC. Heremains active in the community, having

recently begun serving as chair of a localnonprofitboard.HecontinuestoworkasanattorneyatAlston&BirdLLP.

Jennifer Green (2003) currently serves asVicePresidentandCounselatCreditSuisse.

Alexandra Wood (2003) is currently theglobaldigitalproductdirectorofHavasWorld-wide,whereshewasrecentlyselectedasoneof46Havasemployees(outofthe16,000-per-sonemployeebase)forHavasCEOYannickBolloré's inaugural class of next generationleaders, which grooms high-performingmanagers for executive leadershippositionswithin the company. She was also recentlytappedtowriteacolumnontechnologytrendsforThe Drum.

Kalonji Nzinga (2002)isfinishinghisthirdyear of a PhD program at NorthwesternUniversity in the School of Education andSocialPolicy.Heisbeginninghisdissertationresearchonthemoralsocializationinvolvedinengagingwithhip-hopmusic.

Miles Malbrough (2012) is finishing hisjunioryearatHarvardCollege.He'scurrentlyplanning his senior thesis research on classconsciousnessandsocialmobilityofAfrican-

Americancommunities in theSouth,whichwill begin in May of 2015. Besides seniorthesisresearch,MileswillcontinuehisworkastreasurerandCFOofthePhillipsBrooksHouseAssociation (PBHA) this summer.Astudent-run non-profit, PBHA is Harvard'slargestserviceorganization,runningover80after-school,mentoring,adultservices,advo-cacyandsummerlearningprogramsannually.

Chris Lyle (2008) is currently working atBankofAmericainNYCasaseniorfinancialanalyst supportingFICCEmergingMarketsFinance.InFebruary2015,hewaspromotedto assistant vice president. In addition towork,hehasbeenpreparingfor theGMATwith hopes of attending business school inthenearfuture.

Mondaire Jones (2005) isthoroughlyenjoy-inghisclerkshipforJudgeAndrewL.Carter,Jr.oftheU.S.DistrictCourtintheSouthernDistrictofNewYork.Itisthebestjobhehashadthusfar.

Brandon Hill (2011)acceptedaninternshipwithGoogleforthesummer.HeisalsoonthevergeoflaunchinghiscampaignforstudentbodypresidentofStanford.Hehasco-founded

(Continued on Page 9)

Spring 2015

Spring 2015

The Ron Brown Scholar Program Newsletter 2015

Spring 2015

1110

roN BrowN leaders NeTwork; harvard Mock Trial aluMNi sPoTliGhT; rBs kaTori hall deBuTs New Play

RBS Brandon Nicholson to Head the Hidden Genius Project(Continued From Page 3)

Alumni Spotlight—Megan Donovan-Davissmallergroupandgetting togetherwas likebeingwithfamily.Eveningsortripswerefilledwithalotoflaughterandgreatopportunitiestobondandcomparenoteswithlike-mindedindividuals.Youknew,nomatterwhereyouoriginally came from or what school youattended,youhadagreatnetworkofpeopletoleanonatthatmomentandinthefuture.Also,tobehonest,thepersonwhohasalwaysbeenmystrongestmentorhasbeenMichaelMallory.Hehasalwaysbeensupportiveofmychoicesandwasthereformeformysuccessesaswellasmyrougherpatches.Hecontinuestobeoneofmyfavoritepeopleandsupporters.

What advice would you give to fellow RBS interested in obtaining a position similar to yours?

Inanycareer,successisamixtureofhardwork, timing, and connections. Especially,when you are starting out in a career it isimportant to be fearless and eager but alsohumble.IlandedmyfirstinterviewtobeanassistantbuyerbycallingtheHRdepartmenthiring manager and leaving a message thatsaidalthoughIdidnothaveanyexperienceinthefieldIwaspassionateandifshegavemefifteenminutesofhertimeIwouldcon-vinceherIwastherightcandidateforthejob.

In what ways do you feel that your profes-sional endeavors are fulfilling your sense of purpose?

Iamincrediblyluckythatthroughoutmycareer I have been able to mix my analyticmind with my creative side. Being on theforefrontoftrendswithinfashionwhenIwaswithSaksandBloomingdales,andnowhome

Megan Donovan-Davis (RBS 1997) isthecurrentSeniorBuyerfortheentirefurniture division of ZGallerie. She

wasselectedinthefirstclassofRonBrownScholars.MeggraduatedfromHarvardCollegewithadegreeineconomics.Recently,weaskedhertoreflectonherlifeandhervictoriesintheyearssincebecomingaRonBrownScholar.

Meg, would you share some anecdotes from your undergraduate college days that illustrate how your interaction with the Ron Brown Scholar Program was valuable to you?

It is often difficult to think of life as amarathonandnotasprint.Itisimportanttobefocusedincollegeasthistraitleadstosuccess,butitisequallyasimportanttoenjoytheexpe-rience.AtHarvard,itwassoeasytodeveloptunnelvisionaboutyourfuture.BeingpartofthefirstclassofRBSmeantwewereamuch

furnishings is incredibly rewarding. I gainagreatdealofpleasurewhensomeonetellsmehowmuchhe/shelovesmycompanyoraspecificproductIhavedeveloped.IfeellikeIammakingpeople'slivesricherbymakingthebackdropoftheirlifetheirdreamenvironment.Inadditiontomydayjob,Irecentlystartedablogthatallowsmetoexploremypersonalpassions; it provides another creative outletwhereIcantakechanceswithoutthepressureofthoseprojectsbeingpartofamulti-milliondollarbusiness.Itispurefun!

What are your personal hopes and profes-sional plans moving forward?

I hope that both personally and profes-sionallyIcontinue tofindnewandexcitingopportunities and never stop challengingmyself togrowanddevelop. I amproudofwhoIamandwhereIaminmylife.Thenext5to10yearsaresomethingIlookforwardtowithmuchanticipation.

toabetterworld,aregenuineleaderswhomatureintosuccessfulprofessionalswithunlimitedpotential.Brandonsumsitup:

“While it is unquestionably important for people of all backgrounds to get to ex-perience other cultures and environments, people should not have to disqualify their own environments as the sites of their own growth and development. My mission is to address this challenge on a systemic level.”

From Jason Young, (RBS 2000) and co-founder Hidden Genius Project:

“The Hidden Genius Project never would have been possible without the Ron Brown Scholar Program. While Ty and I were the co-founders, there were a number of Scholars who provided invaluable sup-port along the way. Michael McDaniels helped us to structure the program and commuted over 2 hours each way on week-ends to work with our students. We also drew heavily on Errol Saunders extensive experience, and of course, Brandon has been involved since day one. Hidden Ge-nius is an excellent example of what can happen when Ron Brown Scholars come together.” ■

■

RonBrownScholarandplaywright,Katori Hall, is a rising star incontemporary American the-

Ron Brown Scholars Celebrate the Success of Playwright Katori Hall, RBS 1999

Ron Brown Scholars embrace Katori Hall following a performance of her play, The Blood Quilt on April 28 in DC. (From Left to Right) Jocelyn Bell, Morgan Harper, Ade Sawyer, Dr. Ku McMahan, Katori Hall and Ubah Dimbil.

ater.At just 30 years old, her play The Mountaintop starred Samuel L. Jack-son andAngela Bassett on Broadway.

An alumna of Columbia, Harvardand Julliard, Hall was also the firstblackwoman towinEngland's covetedLaurence OlivierAward for Best NewPlay in2010.Naturally,whennewshitthisspringthathernewplayThe Blood Quilt was being produced in DC, areafriendsandScholarscameoutinsupport.

The Blood Quilt is currently run-

ning through June 7 atArena Stage inWashington, DC. For information andticketsvisithttp://www.arenastage.org.■

WiththankstoourCorporatePartnerswhoprovidedjobleadsandadvice,theRonBrownLeadersNetworkenjoyedaverysuccessfulyear in recruiting.Over25 students securedhighlycompetitivepositionswithourcorporatepartners.Theplacementsto-dateareasfollows:

Ron Brown Leaders Network Spring Update

Capital One Internship Program•TeresaDanso-Danquah,CornellUniversity

Deloitte•EstherOwolabi(full-timeconsultant),

GeorgetownUniversity•MarcusHarris(full-timeconsultant),

UniversityofVirginia•CrystalChukwurah(full-timeconsultant),

DukeUniversity

DLA Piper Undergraduate Legal Internship•NanaAbrefah,ColumbiaUniversity•ChigozieAkah,ColumbiaUniversity

Goldman Sachs•ChanelWashington(full-timeanalyst),

HarvardCollege•EboQuansah(summeranalyst),Princeton

University•KristenShipley(undergraduatecamp),

NorthCarolinaA&TUniversity•NjeriGrevious(summeranalyst),Yale

University•OllieHowie(summeranalyst),Harvard

College•OmololaAgabalogun(summeranalyst),

HarvardCollege•ZolaBridges(summeranalyst),

JohnsHopkinsUniversity

Siemens Summer Internship Program•JohnGiles,UniversityofAlabama-

Huntsville

Sikorsky Aircraft Summer Internship Program•AndrewBlack,YaleUniversity•AveryFisher,NorthwesternUniversity•ChristinaFagbile,GeorgiaInstituteof

Technology•CinneahEl-Amin,BarnardCollege•JimmyHarris,MIT•MorganMahlock,StanfordUniversity

Verizon Summer Internship Program•JeronFenton,PrincetonUniversity•NehemiahBlackburn,YaleUniversity•GomianKonneh,Universityof

Pennsylvania

Wake Forest School of BusinessMasters of Management Corporate Fellows Program•BrittanyColeman,DukeUniversity

Weber Shandwick/ Powell Tate•KhadijahDavis(full-timehireatWeber

Shandwick),GeorgetownUniversity•TaylorEvans(PowellTatesummerintern),

UniversityofNorthCarolina-ChapelHill

ForadditionalinformationontheRonBrownLeadersNetworkandourCorporatePartnersProgram,pleasecontactHollyDuke(hduke@ronbrown.org).■

Harvard MockTrialAssociation is the#1 MockTrial program out of thou-sands across the country. It is one of

a handful of completely student-run teams,andtheprogramhasdoneaphenomenaljobcompetingagainstteamswithmanyattorneysserving as formal coaches. The programis extremely competitive, with there beingthree rounds of intense try-outs each year.Naturally,itisveryexcitingtohavethreeRonBrownScholarsontheteam:JordanAlston-Harmon, Faith Jackson, and Tyler Parker.

JordanisasophomorestudyingsociologywhofirstparticipatedinMockTrialatNorth-westernUniversityduringhisfreshmanyearthere. He has since transferred to Harvard,whereheagainfoundhimselfmakingitontotheMockTrialprogram.Faithstartedpartici-patinginMockTrialforthefirsttimeincollege,and has competed since her freshman year,onlystoppingduringayearofffromHarvard.

Tylerisasophomorewhohasbeenonthepro-gramsincehisfreshmanyear.HMTAisfurtherbrokendowninto3-4teams,eachconsistingof6-9competitors,andJordan,Faith,andTylerallcompeteonthetwomostcompetitiveteams.

Those two teams both came in secondplacewithrecordsof7-0-1attheirrespectiveRegionalTournaments, and they then went

on to Championships. From there,Tyler’sandFaith’s teamunfortunatelysawtheendto their competitive season, while Jordan’steam again came in second but went onto win the national championship. Jordan,Faith,andTyleralltraveledwiththeirteamstoStateCollege,PA for theChampionshipTournament,andtheyhadawonderfultimecompeting alongside their scholarship sib-lings.Muchof theapproximately20hoursof traveling involved them joking aboutthe fun times theyhavehadasRonBrownScholars,reminiscingaboutselectionweek-ends’pastandlookingforwardtothefuture.

All in all, Jordan, Faith andTyler havethoroughly enjoyed being on the HarvardMockTrialAssociation together, have rec-ognized how great it is to have had threeRonBrownScholarsmake itonto theverycompetitive program, and look forward toonedaycompetingonthesameteamtogether.

Ron Brown Scholars Participate With Harvard Mock Trial Association

Jordan Alston-Harmon (left) enjoys a fun moment with the winning national team this Spring.

Macarrin Morton (RBS 2003) takes notes during recent brainstorming session at the offices of Deloitte.

Neveen Mahmoud (RBS 2007) shares her new program during the Ron Brown leadership meeting in Washington, DC.

Spring 2015

Spring 2015

12

scholar uPdaTes (coNT’d); save The daTe

Ron Brown Scholar Program1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 206 Charlottesville, VA 22901

Phone: (434) 964-1588Fax: (434) 964-1589

email: info@ronbrown.org

Visit us atwww.ronbrown.org

Ron Brown Scholars What Are They Up to NOW?

Spring 2015(Continued From Page 9)

Mark Your Calendars for the Annual Ron Brown Scholar

Summer Reunion and leadership Summit

IMPACT: Ron Brown Scholars

Catalyzing Change in Our Communities and the World

Offices of Deloitte Arlington, VA

August 7-9, 2015

More details to come!

Our Partners

an innovation and leadership academy forBlackstudentscalledEnzaAcademy(www.enzaacademy.org)whichoperatesintheBayAreaandNewYorkCity.ItwasinspiredbyRonBrown.

Danai Kadzere (2010) isworkingwithhereditor/publishingteamtoputthefinaltouchesonThe Princess GamescomingJuly27,2015to bookstores and libraries across the USAandCanada.

Jeanine Pollard (2005)islookingforwardtohersummerinternshipwiththeSmithsonianCenterforLearningandDigitalAccess.

Charday Ife (2010) isatUSCfinishingupher fifth year double-majoring inAfrican-AmericanStudiesandEconomics.

Fatima Loeliger (2007)islivingandworkinginNYCasCreativeDirectorforTheMuse.com,anonlinejobsearchplatformfocusedonthemillennialjob-seeker.Sheislovinglearningmoreandmoreaboutthetechspaceandcan'twaitforsummer.

Natalie Davis (2005) is in the final stagesof her dissertation proposal. Her study willinvestigateBlackstudents'politicalandintel-lectualagencyacrosscontexts(i.ewithinoneAfrican-centeredandoneplace-basedschool).

Amber Bailey (2009)wasnamedasa2015AdvocacyScholarforPreservationAction.Sheis a public historian committed to using thepasttoeducateandengagehercommunityandadoptedhometownofChicago.Herinterestinhistoricpreservationisrootedinherdesiretobe a steward and advocate for marginalizedcommunitiesandhistoricplaceswithinthem.Tothisend,sheisespeciallyinterestedinhowhistoricpreservationcanbeusedasatooltorevitalizeeconomicallydepressedareas.

Maia Roberson (2011) hasdecidedtoattendtheUniversityofUtahtopursueaPhD.

Carolanne Sanders (2009)hasdecidedontheUniversityofWashingtontogetherMasterofPublicHealthinCommunityOrientedPublicHealthPracticewithaconcentrationinhealthpolicy.ShemovestoSeattleinthefall.■

Save the Date