Vol. 18, N0. 1The Journey SPRING 2014

Message From the Executive Director

Newsletter

Board of Trustees

Advisory Board

Norma Barfield

SeventeenyearsagothisProgramwasatitsbeginning–therewasexcitementaswellasameasureofanxiety.Buttoday,astrongteamofRonBrownScholars,advisors,staffandthemanyfriendswhohavejoinedthisfamilymakeitunbreakable.

Soweareattheendofthebirth-to-collegecycleandabouttostepintothenewandIfeelasexcitedasIdidwhenourfounderandprimarybenefactor,TonyPilaroandIwerejustputtingourthoughts

together,imaginingwhatagroupofScholarscouldaccomplishintermsofselfrealizationandthenpayingitforward.Icanreportthattheyhaveexceededourexpectationsintermsoftheirinternationalpresence,creativity,sensitivityandaccomplishments.AllofourScholarscontinuetoamazewiththeirimpactfulachievementsanddedicationtoserviceandphilanthropy.Inaddition,theyhavea99%graduationrate–morethandoublethatofthenationalaverageforAfricanAmericancollegegraduates.

Nowisthetimetobuilduponwhatwehavelearned,andtogrowtheProgram,andforthemostimportantreason:InvestmentintheRonBrownScholarProgramhaspaiddividends.GreaterinvestmentswillfundmoreScholars—thiswillhavethe“multipliereffect”—thegreaterthenumberofScholars,themorechallengesandopportunitiesScholarstackle,themorewecaneffectpositivechanges.Thisincreasesthescopeanddepthofourimpact,whichwillgrowexponentially.Webelievethatonegreatleadercanimpacthundredsifnotthousandsofpeople.

OnMarch28,2014wewerehonoredtopaytributetoMr.KennethI.ChenaultatourFifthAnnualAmericanJourneyAwards.Mr.Chenault’sleadership,workethicandfocusonmeasurableachievementsinordertoobtainsuccessareamodelforwhatyoungpeopleshouldaspireto,bothpersonallyandprofessionally.HisAmericanJourneyinspiresusandchallengesustodiscoveranddemon-stratetheverybestinourselves.KenandhiswifeKathy’sgenerosityepitomizesRonaldH.Brown’svisionaryleadership,hisselflessnessandpassionforbuildingabetterworldcommunity:goalsdirectlyalignedwithourpurposetoadvancethecollectiveaspirationsandimpactofextraordinaryyoungleaderswhodefytheodds.

OnthesameeveningweweredelightedtoawardtheProgram’sfirstAmericanJourneyAwardforEmergingLeadershiptoRonBrownScholarJasonYoung.Jason’stalentforenablingotherstorealizetheirdreamshasbeenrepeatedlydemonstratedsincehewasthirteenyearsold.Recently,PresidentObamaannouncedtheappoint-mentofJasonasamembertothePresident’sAdvisoryCouncilonFinancialCapabilityforYoungAmericans.

This yearwehired an independent consultant to reviewand evaluate our support and services toRonBrownScholars. These services include, but are not limited to,mentoring, counseling, leadership de-velopment activities and high intensity interactions. What differentiates this review is thatwe have in-cluded a control groupof past scholarship competition semifinalists to better compare the impact of ourservices to ourScholars versus those that did not receive that same type of support. Wewant to evalu-ate howour direct supportmight bemultiplied and sharedwith other students from similar backgrounds.

There aremany things I could continue to tell you, butmost youwill read about throughout thisnewsletter.The past year has been exceptional and Iwant to thank each of you for your support, finan-cial and otherwise.We cannot be successfulwithout your genuine interest in ourRonBrownScholars.

Warmest regards,

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

Director of Development & Planning, Com-munity Academy Public Charter Schools

Nicole K. Bates, DrPHDeputy Director, Global Health Policy & Advocacy, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Terri DeanChief Membership Officer, Girls

Scouts of Eastern PennsylvaniaAmbassador Diana lady Dougan Chairman, Cyber Century Forum

Jack leslieChairman, Weber Shandwick

Thaderine D. MacFarlanePhilanthropist

Gavin McFarlandPhilanthropist

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

Jonathan D. MarinerExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Major League Baseball

Andrew C. PilaroChairman, CAP Advisers Limited of Dublin

Anthony M. PilaroChairman Emeritus RBSF Board of Trustees, Chairman, CAP Foundation, CAP Advisers Limited of Dublin

Christopher A. PilaroPresident, CAP Charitable Foundation

Marva A. SmallsEVP, Global Inclusion Strategy, VIACOM & EVP, Public Affairs and Chief of Staff, Nickelodeon Group

Mary SnitchDirector, NASA ProgramsLockheed Martin Corporation

Kathy Thornton-BiasPresident, Bang & Olufsen America Inc. (North America)

Michael B. S. TreismanGeneral Counsel, Tiger Management LLC

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

Tom WernerChairman, Boston Red Sox, Partner and Co-Founder, Carsey-Werner LLC

Aaron S. Williams Executive Vice President, International Development, RTI InternationalDonielle Buie (Ron Brown Scholar 2000)Entrepreneur

Melanie Avery

Director of Philanthropy, Veterans On The Rise, Inc.

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

Geraldine Barber-HaleFinancial Manager

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Ron BRown ScholaR Selection weekend ReflectionS

Advisory Board (cont’d)

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2014 Ronald h. BRown ameRican JouRney awaRdS

Selection Weekend ReflectionsBy: Sojourner Ahebee, 2014 Ron Brown Scholar

UponmyarrivalforSelectionWeekend,Iwasgreetedwithfeel-ingsoffearandexcitement.IknewthatIwasonthebrinkofbeingsurroundedbyanexceptionallytalentedgroupofyoung

people,butIdidn’tknowwhatthisoccasionwouldbringandhowIwouldbechangedbyallthis.FromthemomentImettheotherfinal-ists,wefellintothedepthsofconversation,talkingaboutourfavoritecities,ourstudies,ourdreams,musicweloved,theschoolswecamefrom,thepeoplethattouchedourlivesforthebetter,andthereasonswhywekeepdoingwhatwedo.Itwastrulymagical,ineverysenseoftheword,tobetalkingamongstsomeofthebestAfrican-Americanmindsinthecountry,tofeelathomeagainwithvoicesandnarrativesthatcarriedsomuchpoweranddrive.

Friday eveningwe had the opportunitytomeetwithguestsat theAmericanJourneyAwardsdinnerandreception,includingRBSPBoardmembers,currentRonBrownScholarsanddonors.AsImademywayaroundtheroom,Iwaswitnesstoallthefabulousandexhilarat-ingstoriesthatvariousguestscarriedwiththem,and Iwas touchedby the overwhelmingyetthrillingexperienceofmeetingthem.Duringdinner,Mr.KennethChenaultgavethemostin-spiringandmemorablepresentation.Hetalkedaboutgivingbacktoyourcommunity,notasamoralduty,butasameansoflosingyourselfintheserviceofothers.Heremindedustonotturnourbacksonthosewhoarelessfortunate,buttolendahand,toplacealadderdownforthoseinneed.Iwillneverforgetthat.

Therestoftheweekendwasnothingshortofamazing.IremembersittinginaroomatPattonBoggsLawOffices,andasfinalistswentinandoutfortheirinterviews,variousRonBrownScholarscameintotheroomandsharedtheirexperiencesandtheirjourneys.Iremembersittingbackandthinking,wow,notonlyareRonBrownScholarsextraordinaryintheiractions,but theyareconsciously thinkingaboutothers,andwhat theycangiveback.The senseof selflessnessand intellectualism thatpermeated theweekendwassimplyenchanting.

Laterintheafternoon,Mrs.TraceyBrownJames,thedaughterofthelateU.S.SecretaryofCommerce,RonaldH.Brown,spokeaboutherfather’slegacyandthewayinwhichshelivesthroughhislegacy.ItwashearteningtoseehowRonBrown’slifehadservedasaphysicalforceinthelifeofMrs.BrownJamesandhowthisforcehadalmostbecomecontagious.HerkindnesswasatestamenttothestrengthoftheRBSPfamily.Shedistributedamemoirshehadwrittenaboutherfathertoallthefinalistsintheroom,eachbookcarryingapersonal,handwrittenmessage.Hermessagetomeread:“Sojourner,alwaysfollowyourdreams,andtellthetruth!”Ifyoudidn’tknowbynow,IwasnamedafterthefamousAmericanabolitionist,SojournerTruth,andherownlegacyhasfollowedmeforallofmylife.So,whenIreadherwords,Icouldnothelpbutfeelempowered,andabitspiritual.Herkind

OnFriday,March28,2014,500friendsandsupportersoftheRonBrownScholarProgramgatheredat theJWMarriott inWashington,D.C.for theFifthAnnualRonaldH.BrownAmericanJourneyAwards.Mrs.SharonEpperson,SeniorCommodities&PersonalFinanceCorrespondent,CNBC,was

ourenthusiastichostfortheevening,welcomingguestsandhighlightingtheimportanceoftheProgramandthescholarshipsupportitprovidestostudents.

Establishedin2009,TheRonaldH.BrownAmericanJourneyAwardseekstohonorthoseindividualswhoexemplifythevisionandtransformativeidealsofthelateSecretaryandserveasmodelstowhichtheScholarsshouldaspire.ItwaspowerfulandfittingtohonorthelegacyofthelateSecretarybycelebratingtheaccomplishmentsandserviceofMr.KennethI.Chenault,Chairman&CEOofAmericanExpress.

WhenthefirstclassoftwentyRonBrownScholarsgraduatedfromcollegein2001,wecreatedanAlumniAssociation.Mr.Chenault’snamewasthenoftenmentionedasaleadermostadmiredbyalumni,onetheywouldmostliketomeetandonewhose

RBSP Hosts Fifth Annual American Journey Awards

life’strajectorytheywouldhopetoemulate.NoneofuscouldhaveguessedthenthatMr.Chenaultwouldonedaybecomeafriendandstrongadvocatefor theRonBrownScholarProgram.

Mr.Chenault’s presence andwords brought the audi-encetoitsfeetasheremindedusthatleadershiphasmanydimensions,butthatoneenduringhallmarkofaleaderisrecognizingapersonalaccountabilitytogiveback,tobringthenextgenerationforwardandtomaketheworldaroundthemabetterplace.

“Commitment, dedication, courage, compassion, thepursuitofexcellence–theseareallqualitiesIlookforinleaders. TheRonBrownScholarProgram instills theseattributes in all of its students.By providing a brighterfutureforthesestudents,youprovideabrighterfutureforoursociety.IwasveryfortunatetohaveRonBrownasafriend,”saidMr.Chenault.“Ronwasacatalystforchange.Hewasnotonly thefirstAfricanAmericanSecretaryofCommerce,hewasthebest.Thisawardmeansagreatdealtomebecauseithashisnameonit.AndIknowhowstronglyRonfeltaboutprovidingopportunitiesforouryoungpeople.”

Mr.ChenaultconcludedtheeveningwithamessagetotheRonBrownScholarsandFinalists,whowerealldreamingofwheretheirownAmericanJourneysmightleadthem.“Keeppushingforward.Bedriventosucceed,tomakeadifference,butneverleaveyourpeoplebehind.Remember,youareleadersandneverforgetthattheroleofaleaderistodefinerealityandgivehope.Andyoucanonlyfulfillthisrolebyyouractions.”

RonBrownScholarDamianWilliamspresentedthe2014AmericanJourneyAwardtoMr.Chenault.“It’sanhonortopresenttheAmericanJourneyAwardtoMr.Chenault.He’sbeenaherotosomanyRonBrownScholarsandasymbolofwhatweshouldstriveforinlife.We’vebeenblessedtohavehimaspartofourscholarshipprogramandwehopetocontinuetomakehimproud.”

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lance BlanksFormer NBA General Manager

Pamela Blechman EllersonManaging Director, Robin Hood

John BurtDirector, North American Diversity Recruiting, The Boston Consulting Group

Kevin J. CarringtonVice President, The Segal Company

Matthew D. CuttsPartner, Patton Boggs, LLP

lauri Fitz-PegadoPartner, Livingston Group, LLC

Guy E. Flynn Partner, DLA Piper, LLP (US)

Nupur Parekh Flynn Managing Director/Co-Director of Marketing, Brown Capital ManagementEarl G. Graves Sr. Chairman and Publisher, Black Enterprise James Hackney Entrepreneur

Damon Haley Managing Partner, Urban Marketing Consultants of AmericaJudith Harrison

Senior Vice President, Staffing and Diversity & Inclusion, Constituency Management Group

Ritza J. Hendricks Managing Partner, R.Y. Jnk! LLC

Michelle C. Ifill Senior VP & Deputy Counsel, Verizon Enterprise SolutionsCalvin C. laRoche Co-Founder, DC Ventures and Associates

Sharon Brickhouse Martin Founder and President, Brickhouse Martin Healthcare Engineering

Emmit J. McHenry Entrepreneur

Ginger McKnight-Chavers Attorneylesia Bates Moss President, Seedco Financial Services

Cynthia A. Murray President, Cynthia Murray Enterprises, LLC

Joshua B. Rales Founder & Managing Partner, RFI Associates

Eileen Cassidy Rivera Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications, Harris Healthcare Solutions

Rodney E. Slater Partner, Patton Boggs LLP

V. Davis Smith Principal, Organizational Development and Executive Coach, Caste Energy LLC

Elsie Wilson Thompson Attorney

Maria Tildon Senior VP, Public Policy & Community Affairs, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Jonice Gray Tucker Partner, BuckleySandler LLP

R. Kenly Webster Attorney at Law Bethany Dickerson Wynder Director of Admission & Financial Aid, Trinity Episcopal School (Charlotte, NC)

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

Jason W. Young (Ron Brown Scholar 2000) Entrepreneur

In2014SojournerwillserveasoneoffiveNationalStudentPoets,thenation’shighesthonorforyouthpoetspresentingoriginalwork.

HostSharonEppersonandScholarDamianWilliams,presentMr.Chenaultwiththe2014AmericanJourneyAward.

OnthesameeveningweweredelightedtoawardtheProgram’sfirstAmericanJourneyAwardforEmergingLeadershiptoRonBrownScholarJasonYoung.Jason’stalentforenablingotherstorealizedreamshasbeenrepeatedlydemonstratedsincehewasthirteenyearsold.

“An awesome event and such a great cause! Michael Mallory’s commitment to this program is so inspiring. I was very honored to

be a part of the evening.”~Sharon Epperson, AJA Host and Senior Commodities & Personal Finance

Correspondent, CNBC

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Ron BRown ScholaR JaSon young Recognized

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fundRaiSing update 2014

Ron Brown Scholar Program Fundraising Update 2014

Asanorganizationourgoalistosecurefundingthatwillallowustoincreasethenumberofscholarshipsawarded,whileatthesametimeofferthesupportnetworkandsafetynetsthatleadtothesuccessofRonBrownScholarsandCaptains.

Wecontinuetomakegreatstrideswithourfundraisingeffortsandhavesteadilybeengaininggroundtogetbacktoawardingthenumberofscholarshipsperyearpriortothefinancialdownturnin2009.Wearepleasedtoreportthatweofferedtwenty-sixnewscholarshipsthisyear.Werecognizewestillhavemuchtoaccomplishtomeetourultimategoalofatotalof400RonBrownScholarsbyourtwentiethanniversary.Inordertoachievethiswehaveestab-

lishedafundraisinggoalof$1millionforfiscalyear2014and$22millioninendow-mentby2020.Weareonourway. Ourendowmentgrewfrom$10.2millionattheendofDecember2012to$13.5millionattheendof2013.2013wasanexceptionalyearforfundraisingaswell.Inadditionto theAmerican JourneyAwards,whichservesasourprimaryannual fundraiser,the Program established an EndowedScholarshipatHarvardinhonorofDavidL.Evans.Weraised$630,000ingeneral

Our2014RonaldH.BrownAmericanJourneyAwardfundraisingeventwasahugesuccessraising$740,000beforeexpenses,anincreaseofover$300,000comparedto2013.Each scholarship awarded is $50,000which includes $10,000 a year for four years towards educa-

tional expenses and an additional $10,000 in serviceswhich supportScholarmentoring and leadershipdevelopment.Wehavenostatisticalproofofthis,butthinkthereareveryfew,ifanyphilanthropicorganizationsinthe

countrythatcanequaluswhenitcomestominimalspendingonadministrativecostsandactualgivingtothosetheyserve.Ifyouhavenotmadeadonationtothe

Programthisyear,itisnottoolatetomakeadifference.Pleasetakeafewmomentsandconsiderfillingouttheenclosedgiftenvelope ormake a donation online atwww.ronbrown.org.We cannot achieveour objective of creating a network ofhigh-achievingleadersforservice,justiceandathrivingworldcommunity,withoutyourhelp.■

American Journey Award for Emerging Leadership Presented to

Jason W. Young, RBS 2000

JasonYounghasarecordofturningdreamsintoachievements.Asa13-year-oldin1995hefoundedtheJ.W.Young&Associatestravelagency,andonceitwasrunninghestarted(andmostlywas)theNewWorld

Tutorialservice.ThefirstblackvaledictorianatPacificHills(CA)HighSchool,JasonwenttoHarvard,wherehedoubledmembershipintheHarvardBlackMen’sForumandturnedtheclubintothethird-highest-grossingstudentorganization,atthesametimeincreasingten-foldattendanceatitsflagshipevent,theCelebrationofBlackWomen–andestablishingascholarshipforyoungblackwomenofexceptionaltalent.Whileanundergraduate,JasonspenttwosummerswithPriceWaterhouseCoopers.Graduatingwithadegreein

Economics,JasonwentfromHarvardtoMerrillLynch.Butidealisticentrepreneurshiphadbecomeanaddiction,andin2007helefttojointhefoundingteamofWikinvest.com,anearly-stagetechnologystartupthathelpsnormalpeople

CongratulationstoRonBrownScholarJasonW.YoungontheannouncementbyPresidentObamaofhisappointmenttoserveasamemberonthe

President’sAdvisoryCouncilonFinancialCapabilityforYoungAmericans.

“I am humbled to have been asked to participate on the President’s Advisory Council, and I look forward to helping to ensure that

the council leverages technology to deliver financial education in the most effective manner possible. As always, I remain grateful to my Ron Brown Family. I never would

have been able to take advantage of this opportunity without their support.” ‑Jason Young, RBS 2000

tomakebetterinvestmentdecisions.Whilethere,healsovolunteeredonthesidehelpingyoungadultswiththeirpersonalfinances.Throughthiswork,Jasoncametounderstandthatfinancialilliteracyhadreachedepidemicproportionsinourcountry.In2011,whileworkingasaKauffmanEntrepreneurialFellow,he

foundedMindBlownLabs,aneducationtechnologycompanythatcre-ates captivating,mobile, game-based solutions that empoweryoungpeople throughfinancial capability.MindBlown’s goal is to impact20Mlivesby2020.Heandco-founderandfellowRonBrownScholar,TyMoore,movedtoOaklandtolaunchtheirnewcompanyandwereimmediatelystruckbytheneedtoenablemoreblackstoentertheBayArea’ssignatureindustry:hightechnology.Alongwithseveralotherblacktechnologyentrepreneurs,theyfoundedtheHiddenGeniusProj-ect,amulti-yearprogramthattrainsunderservedblackmaleyouthinsoftwaredevelopmentandentrepreneurialthinking.JasonhasservedontheboardsoftheHarvardClubofSanFrancisco,

theHarvardBlackAlumniSociety,and,afirstforus,theRonBrownScholarProgram’sAdvisoryBoard.Histalentforenablingotherstorealizedreamshasbeenrepeatedlydemonstrated,andtheProgramisdelightedtohaveawardedJasonitsfirstAmericanJourneyAwardforEmergingLeadership.■

White House Advisory Council Appointment

fundsfortheProgramand$350,000fortheendowedscholarshipatHarvard.Weadded450newfriendstotheProgramandourtotalnumberofdonorsrose35%,from226in2012

to305in2013.Mostsatisfyingwasthefactthat62.4%(196)ofourScholarsdonatedfinanciallytotheProgramandallenhancedtheirserviceefforts.Collectively,RonBrownScholarsthemselvesdonatednearly$24,000totheProgramin2013.

JasonYoungnamedtothePresidentialAdvisoryCouncilonFinancialCapabilityforYoungAmericans.

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ScholaR Spotlight; RBSp outcomeS SuRvey

Scholar Spotlight: Crystal Boyd RBS 2006RBSChapterDelegate-NewYork

CrystalBoydisamulti-mediaartist,researcher,andproducerwhobeganhercareeratNYU’sTischSchooloftheArtswithaBFAinDrama.ItwasatTischwhereCrystalgainedexperi-encewithactors,filmmakers,andproducersalike.Uponleavingschool,Crystalco-founded

1990LexProductions,amulti-mediaentertainmentcompanythatdeconstructsmodernexperiences,exploresrelationships,andcelebrateswomen.WiththecompanyCrystalhascast,produced,and

BoaRd of tRuSteeS memBeR Spotlight

Spotlight: Dr. Nicole Bates, Board of Trustees MemberBy Lora Strum, RBS 2013

Dr.NicoleBates,agraduateoftheUniversityofVirginia,iscurrentlyDeputyDirectorofGlobalPolicyandAdvocacyat theBillandMelinda

GatesFoundation.Earlyexperienceswithhealthcaremotivatedhertogivevoicetothesilentandadvocateforimprovedlocalandglobalpublichealth.Inspiredandempoweredtomakeadifference,sheservedontheUniversityofNorthCarolinaChapelHillDissertationCommittee,theDecadesofVaccinesCollaborationandiscurrentlyservingontheRonBrownScholarFundBoardofTrustees.

“What I do now is give a voice to children because they are not walking the halls of congress or parliament.”

Dr.BatescurrentlyservesastheDeputyDirectorofGlobalPolicyandAdvocacyattheBillandMelindaGatesFounda-tion.Shehasembracedtheopportunitytobringlife-savingvaccinestochildrenindevelopingcountriesand,withherflagshipinD.C.,helpeffectimportantglobalpolicychangetoaidyouth.In2013,throughherworkattheFoundation,Dr.Batesgatheredtheworld’sleadersatthefirstGlobalVaccinesSummittodiscusspoliovaccinationanderadica-tion.Additionally,partneredwiththeGAVIalliancesheworkedtobringsustainablehealthresourcestotheworld’spoorestcountriestoprovidewithstandinggoodhealth.Recently,shehelpedraise8.3billiondollarstohelpchildrenreceivethenecessaryvaccinations.

The true blessing in my profession is I have the opportunity to work for people who are passionate and powerful and put that all towards a good cause.”

Dr.BatesbeganherjourneythroughpublichealthasasociologyandbiologydoublemajorattheUniversityofVir-ginia,whereshefirstmetRonBrownScholarFundPresident,Mr.MichaelMallory.Sincethen,hermentorshaveincludedSenatorEdwardKennedyandadvocatesattheCenterforDiseaseControl.UnderSenatorKennedyshewasabletoeffectchangethroughherworkonwelfarereform,familymedicalleave,andearlycareandeducation.Whatshecreditsashergreatestexperienceduringhercareer,however,wastheopportunitytohavementorswhotookapersonalinterestinherandexposedhertothingsshewouldn’thavesoughtotherwise.Thisenlightenmenthelpedhershiftherfocustoglobalhealthandprovidingcleanparksandeatingpracticestothoseofallraces,communitiesandsocioeconomicstatus.

Herworkinglobalhealthhastakenhertomyriadofdevelopingcountriesandexposedhertochildrenindireneedoflife-savingvaccinations,sterilefacilitiesandthefundstothrive.TravelingtoTanzania,Vietnam,CambodiaandMaliwheresickbabieswerewarmedbyspaceheatersinhospitalsthesizeofutilityclosets,shefindsthestrengthtosurviveashergreatestmotivation.

“The kids were just beautiful and fantastic. It was a different setting with the happiest and most generous people.”

Drawingontheinspirationshederivesfromtoday’syouth,Dr.BatesisexcitedtojointheRonBrownScholarProgramBoardofTrustees.ShehopestodofortheyoungerScholarswhathermentorsdidforher:introducenewconceptsandopportunitiestohelpshapethepromiseinyoungindividuals.

“Through this program the world’s future leaders are crossing in your path.”

editedvariousfilmprojectsintheNYCarea,includingtheSAG-AF-TRANewMediaseries,“DowntownGirls.”ShehasusedthecreativeartstoteachliteracyinternationallyforyoungstudentsinGhana,India,andNewYorkCity.HernextchapterwilltakehertoBerlin,whereshewillshootafilm,teachstudents,andresearchcreativepedagogyformigrantyouth.ThepartnersforCrystal’sworkinBerlinincludetheInternationalRescue

CommitteeinNewYorkCity,theSunshineChildren’sDevelopmentCentreinAccra,Ghana,theShanti-BhavanBoardingSchooloutsideofBangalore,India, and FEZ-Berlin, Europe’s largest non-profit children, youth andfamilycenterofferingcreativeplayandfocusongloballearning.Herre-

searchwillculminateina thesis paper thatwillinclude case studies of

WearepleasedtoshareearlyresultsofouroutcomesstudythathasbeenindevelopmentoverthepastyearwithBarryNagle,aseniorresearcherwithEvaluationandActionResearchAssociates.Currentlywehave250+pagesofrawdatathatBarrywillbeworkinghardtoanalyzeincreating

asummaryreportwhichshouldbeavailableinthecomingweeks.ThisreportevaluatesthepersonalandsocietalimpactsoftheRonBrownScholarProgramandsatisfiesafiveyearfollow-upstudyrequirement.Intheearlyresults,wewerepleasantlysurprisedtofindthatanoverwhelmingmajorityofScholarsreport

formingfriendshipswithotherScholarsduringcollege.Over80%ofouralumnisolidlyidentifyasbeingaleaderinsomeaspectoftheirlives.Andfurther,welloverhalfofallScholarsreportedbeinginvolvedinweeklycommunityserviceactivitiesandnearlyallScholarsoutofcollegedonateaportionoftheirannualsalarytocharity.Resultslikethisseemtovalidateourmissionofconnectingservice-mindedleadersforalifetime.Andalthoughthiscomesasnosurprise,wearestilldelightedtoreportthatthegraduationrateofRonBrownScholarscontinuestomorethandoublethatofthenationalaverageforAfricanAmericancollegegraduationrates.■

Ron Brown Scholar Outcomes Survey in the Works

Dr.NicoleBatesservesasDeputyDirectorofGlobalPolicyandAdvocacyattheBillandMelindaGatesFoundation.

individual studentsatFEZ-Berlin. Inaddition,CrystalwillcreatevideoofchildrenfromShanti-BhavanandtheInternationalRescueCommittee,aswellasfurthervideoandmediathatexplorethedevelopmentofmigrantyouthinBerlin.CrystalplanstousethisresearchtoengagewitheducationalsystemsintheUnitedStates,includingMichiganpublicschoolsaswellascharterschoolsthatspecialize in educatingyouth inunderdevelopedareaswithdenseimmigrantandimpoverishedpopulations.■

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2014 Ron BRown ScholaRS

Congratulations to the 2014 Ron Brown Scholars!

Sojourner S. AhebeeHometown:Philadelphia,PAHighSchool:InterlochenArtsAcademyCollege:StanfordUniversityAcademicInterest:History/InternationalRelations

Morgan T. Brewton-JohnsonHometown:Smyrna,GAHighSchool:PaceAcademyCollege:PrincetonUniversityAcademicInterest:Anthropology

Devon K. CashHometown:Houston,TXHighSchool:EpiscopalHSCollege:StanfordUniversityAcademicInterest:PoliticalScience/African

AmericanStudies

Tyrone D. ClayHometown:NewOrleans,LAHighSchool:SciAcademyCollege:SwarthmoreCollegeAcademicInterest:PoliticalScience/English

Nancy E. ColemanHometown:Tampa,FLHighSchool:H.W.BlakeHSCollege:WashingtonandLeeUniversityAcademicInterest:ChemicalEngineering

Joshua L. Davis Hometown:LosAngeles,CAHighSchool:JamesA.GarfieldHSCollege:DartmouthUniversityAcademicInterest:Psychology

Shanelle DavisHometown:Jamaica,NYHighSchool:BenjaminN.CardozoHSCollege:HarvardUniversityAcademicInterest:Undecided

Mathama M. BiilityHometown:Cary,NCHighSchool:SalemAcademyCollege:DukeUniversityAcademicInterest:PublicPolicy/Film

Lisa R. FrancoisHometown:Albany,NYHighSchool:EmmaWillardSchoolCollege:BrownUniversityAcademicInterest:PoliticalScience

Leonard A. GalmonHometown:NewOrleans,LAHighSchool:CohenCollegePrepHSCollege:YaleUniversityAcademicInterest:VisualArts

Quintin M. Hall Hometown:Chicago,ILHighSchool:LatinSchoolofChicagoCollege:VanderbiltUniversityAcademicInterest:Engineering

Shayla HarrisHometown:WestOrange,NJHighSchool:KentPlaceSchoolCollege:UniversityofChicagoAcademicInterest:PublicPolicy/UrbanStudies

Hassan Y. HassenHometown:Marietta,GAHighSchool:SouthCobbHighSchoolCollege:DartmouthUniversityAcademicInterest:Chemistry/Neuroscience

Gomian N. KonnehHometown:Philadelphia,PAHighSchool:JuliaB.MastermanHS

College:UniversityofPennsylvaniaAcademicInterest:Neuroscience

Sean T. MeansHometown:Charlottesville,VAHighSchool:MonticelloHSCollege:StanfordUniversityAcademicInterest:InternationalRelations

Idris N. MitchellHometown:Columbia,MDHighSchool:TheParkSchoolofBaltimoreCollege:YaleUniversityAcademicInterest:GlobalAffairs/Economics

Dasia S. MooreHometown:Reidsville,NCHighSchool:ChathamHallCollege:YaleUniversityAcademicInterest:GlobalAffairs/InternationalRelations

Andrew D. NtimHometown:Zion,ILHighSchool:Zion-BentonTownshipHSCollege:StanfordUniversityAcademicInterest:Undecided

Victoria Offei-DuaHometown:Huntsville,ALHighSchool:HuntsvilleHSCollege:VanderbiltUniversityAcademicInterest:Pre-Med

Odemi E. Pessu Hometown:Lawrenceville,GAHighSchool:ArcherHSCollege:BrownUniversityAcademicInterest:InternationalRelations/Economics

Michael C. ReidHometown:Dolton,ILHighSchool:MountCarmelHSCollege:HarvardUniversityAcademicInterest:Economics

Caelle V. RousseauHometown:Hamilton,NJHighSchool:NottinghamHSCollege:AmherstCollegeAcademicInterest:Biology

Oghenetegiri “T.G.” SidoHometown:Montgomery,ALHighSchool:LovelessAcademicMagnetProgramCollege:StanfordUniversityAcademicInterest:ComputerScience

Herbert Spurlock, IIIHometown:NewOrleans,LAHighSchool:JesuitHSCollege:FordhamUniversity

AcademicInterest:English/Spanish

Marjada F. TuckerHometown:Starkville,MSHighSchool:TheMississippiSchoolforMathandScienceCollege:RiceUniversityAcademicInterest:Chemistry(Pre-Pharmacy)

Colin O. Webb, IIHometown:Lawrenceville,GAHighSchool:GwinnettSchoolofMathScience&TechnologyCollege:MassachusettsInstituteofTechnology(MIT)AcademicInterest:Engineering

SPECIAL NOTE: Of the more than 5,000 applications received this year, 26 were awarded this honor in the Class of 2014.

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BoaRd of tRuSteeS

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Steven h. RuBin honoRed; david l. evanS event

WhatmakestheRonBrownScholarProgramstandouthasbeenourkeenfocusonbeingmorethansimplyascholarshipprogram.Oursuccessreliesheavilyuponvolunteersandsupportstaffextend-ingthemselvestoourScholarswhichispriceless.

Ron Brown Scholar Program Recognizes Steven H. Rubin

StevenH.RubinstartedvolunteeringwiththeProgramin1997andhassincedevotedmanyhoursandconsiderableenergytocultivatingandsupportingtheScholars.ItwasourpleasuretorecognizeSteveforhiscommitmenttothePro-gramandourRonBrownScholars.“SteveRubin,inshort,isamentor,uncleandfriend.HenurturedatalentI

didn’tgettoexplore;hechallenged,encouragedandmademebetter.Hecaredenoughtoreadbetweenthelinesandconnectonapersonallevel.Heencouragedmetopassiton.Hisimpactismultipliedwhenwecarryonthelessonsfromourinteraction.IfeelluckytoknowSteve.” —Stefon Q. Burns, RBS 2003.“ThetruegiftofbeingaScholarisnotthescholarshipitselfbuttheopportunityto

havepeoplelikeStevealongforthejourney.HetrulyembodiesthespiritoftheProgramandIamblessedtohavehimasafriendandmentor.”—Geraldine Pierre, RBS 2004.

WeareimmenselygratefultoSteveforhisintensepersonalinvolvement,wisdom,generosityandunwav-eringbeliefintheboundlesspotentialofRonBrownScholarsandtheProgram.■

TheestablishmentoftheRonBrownScholarProgramEndowedScholarshipatHarvardinhonorofDavidL.EvanswascreatedtopaytributetotheremarkablelegacyofMr.Evansasapioneerinhighereducation.BeginninginJuly2014,theendowedscholarshipwillfundatleastoneundergraduatestudent

atHarvard.Eachrecipientwillreceivefundingandbementoredandadvancedthroughouthis/hercareerviainternshipsandthenetworkoffriendsandadvisorswhoadmireDavidEvans.AsofOctober2013,ofthe314RonBrownScholars,105matriculatedatHarvardand8wereenrolledinthefreshmanclass.

Ron Brown Scholar Program Endowed Scholarship at Harvard in Honor of David L. Evans

AcelebrationforMr.EvanswasheldattheendofOctober,honoringhismorethanfourdecadesservingstudentsintheHarvardcommunityandbeyondandpayingtributetohislong-standingleadershipanddedi-cationtohelpingtheHarvardcommunitytotrulyrepresentournation’sdiversityandmulticulturalism.Theeventraisedover$350,000fortheendowedscholarship.TheundergraduatestudentatHarvardselectedforthe2014scholarshipwillbeannouncedshortly.

Theeventwasco-chairedbyMs.NormaC.BarfieldandMr.WilliamM.Lewis,Jr.,withhonoraryco-chairsMr.KennethI.Chenault,Chair-man&CEOoftheAmericanExpressCompanyandMrs.KathrynC.Chenault.TheeveningprogramincludedtributesfromMr.CharlesJ.Hamilton,Jr.,Dr.WilliamR.FitzsimmonsandkeynotespeakerHarvardLawProfessorDavidB.Wilkins.TheeventopenedwithareceptionforsponsorsandfriendsofDavidL.Evansandwasfollowedbythe

AwarmwelcomebacktoAaronS.WilliamswhobrieflyresignedfromourBoardwhileheservedasDirectoroftheUSPeaceCorpsfrom2009to2012.WearehonoredtohaveAaronreturntotheBoardofTrusteesandappreciatehiscontinuedsupportandcommitment.

AaronisexecutivevicepresidentofRTI’sInternationalDevelopmentGroup(IDG).BeforehisPeaceCorpsappointment,hewasvicepresidentofinternationalbusinessdevelopmentforRTIfrom2003to2009.PriortoRTI,heservedfor22yearsasaseniorofficialattheUnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID),whereheattainedtherankofcareerministerintheSeniorForeignService.Hisawardsincludethe

Welcome Back Aaron S. Williams

USAIDDistinguishedCareerServiceAwardin1998andthePresidentialAwardforDistinguishedServicein1988and1992.Aaronhashadadistinguishedcareerasaseniorexecutiveingovern-

ment,business,andnon-profitorganizations,withbroadexperience inpolicyformulation,strategicplanning,andthedesignandimplementa-tionofdevelopmentassistanceprograms.Hehasdirectedawiderangeofdevelopmentassistanceprogramsintheareasofeconomicpolicydevel-opmentandeconomicgrowth,tradeandinvestmentpromotion,bankingandfinance,democracyandgovernance,education,housingandurbandevelopment,andpublichealth.Hehasbroadexperiencein thestrategicdesignandmanagementof

assistanceprograms, includinglong-termassignments inSouthAfrica,Honduras,Haiti,CostaRica,andBarbadosand theEasternCaribbeanislandsregion.InhisroleasaseniorofficialatUSAID,Mr.Williamspro-

videdpolicyandprogramleadershiptomajorgovernmentorganizationalunits,bothinheadquartersandfieldassignments.Duringhiscareerasanexecutivewithfoundationandinternationalconsultingorganizations,Mr.Williamshasledprojectdesignteamsinseveralcountries,workinginLatinAmericaandtheCaribbean,Africa,theMiddleEast,andAsia.Hehascreatedandmanagedinnovativepublic-privatepartnershipsbe-tweenglobalcorporations,governmententities(intheUnitedStatesandhostcountries),nongovernmentalorganizations(NGOs),andinternationalfoundations.HeisamemberoftheCouncilonForeignRelations,andhehasservedontheboardsofdirectorsofCARE,

theNationalPeaceCorpsAssociation,andtheInstituteforSustainableCommunities.Heisafrequentlec-turerandpanelistoninternationaldevelopmenttopicsatuniversities,researchandpolicyinstitutes,andatUSandglobalconferences.

CongratulationstoBoardofTrusteesmember,KathyThornton-BiaswhorecentlyjoinedBang&OlufsenAmerica,Inc.asPresidentoftheirNorthAmericadivision.

“I am eager to join the Bang & Olufsen team, as the company raises the bar in innovation and design, and possesses strong brand legacy and a worldly reputation for providing incredible customer experiences and state‑of‑the‑art products.” – KathyThornton-Bias

Congratulations Kathy Thornton-Bias on Your New Role

(Continued on Page 12)

Board of Trustees Member Updates

DavidL.Evans(center)sharesamomentwiththeevening’shostDeborahC.WrightandkeynotespeakerDavidB.Wilkins.

celebrationdinnerhostedbyMs.DeborahC.Wright,Chairman&CEOofCarverBancorp,Inc.Generousdonationsfromkeysponsorsandfriendshelpedtomaketheeventpossible.TheRonBrownScholarProgramespe-

ciallywouldliketothankMr.&Mrs.KennethI.andKathrynC.Chenault,Mr.GeorgeW.Haywood,Mr.WilliamM.Lewis,Jr.,Mr.NeilBrown,BETNetworks,Mr.&Mrs.FrankandNinaCooper,Ms.JillFordandMr.DiarraK.Lamar,Mr.&Mrs.Jason

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Ron BRown ScholaR pRogRam Regional chapteRS

Ron Brown Scholar Program Endowed Scholarship at Harvard in Honor of David L. Evans (Continued From Page 10)

ThemissionoftheRonBrownScholarProgram(RBSP)extendsfarbeyondfinancialassistanceforcol-lege.OurProgramseekstocultivateafamilyofhigh-abilityAfricanAmericanScholarsforlife.Thisyear,welaunchedanexcitingnewinitiativeatRBSPthatservestokeepScholarsevenmoreconnected

tooneother:theRonBrownScholarRegionalChapters.Overthepastseveralmonths,wehaveworkedwithScholarsacrossthecountrytoestablishregionalchaptersineightmetro-

politanareas:Boston,Philadelphia,Chicago,NorthernCalifornia,SouthernCalifornia,NewYork,ConnecticutandDC.InareaswheretherearenotenoughScholarstowarrantaformalchapter,wehaveidentifiedScholarswhowillserveasRegionalDelegates.ARegionalDelegateexistswheretherearefewundergraduateandalumniScholarsbuttheDelegateagreestobearesourcetoScholarswhoarelivingnearbyormaytraveltothearea.TheRegionalDelegatesalsorepresenttheRonBrownScholarProgramwhenevereventsorinitiativesarehappeningnearthem.

RonBrownScholarChaptersserveasanaddedsupportnetworkforScholars.Scholarswithinthechapterareencouragedtocometogetherasoftenaspossibleforformalandinformalevents.Thesecouldincludecommunityserviceprojects,guestlectures,meals,parties,orattendingaspecialeventinsupportofaScholarsuchasaUniversityconcertorpoetryslam.Thereisnolimittowhatthechaptercandoasagroup.Chaptereventsoverthepastfewmonthshaveincluded:

•IndoorRockClimbing(NewYorkChapter)•FarmandWineryTour(DCMetroChapter)•DinnerandConversationwithSpecialVisitor,MichaelMallory(SouthernCaliforniaChapter)•ScholarDinnerGathering(NorthernCaliforniaChapter)•AuthorTalkwithwriterPaulTough,authorofHow Children Succeed(NewYorkChapter)•ScholarDinnerGathering(BostonChapter)•DinnerontheTown(ChicagoChapter)

Blue Pins:IndicateaChapterlocationPeople Icons:IndicateaRegionalDelegate

Ron Brown Scholar Regional Chapters Launched

andMelanieGoins,Mr.MichaelLynton,Mr.&Mrs.HenryandCeliaMcGee,Ms.HildaM.Ochoa-Brillembourg,Mr.FranklinD.Raines,Mr.MarcosRodriguez,Mrs.ElsieWilsonThompson,DigitasandPublicisGroupe,Dr.BruceDunson,Hon.LisaWil-sonEdwardsandMr.RobertH.Edwards,Jr.,Mr.&Mrs.MichaelandValerieGuthrie,Ms.CarlaHarris,Mr.&Mrs.AlbertandKatharineMerck,Ms.DeborahC.Wright,andtheVerizonFoundation.■

Welcome to the Ron Brown Scholar Fund Advisory Boardnew RBSp adviSoRy BoaRd memBeRS announced

WethankallmembersofourAdvisoryBoardfortheirstrategicadviceandgoodcounselaswemakestepstoensurethegrowthandlongevityoftheProgrambyprovidingstronggovernanceandleadership.WewelcomethefollowingnewmemberstoourAdvisoryBoard:

Melanie Averyisaleaderwithoversixteenyearsofexperienceinthefieldsofprojectmanagement,changemanagementandITandbusinessstrategy.SheistheDirectorofPhilanthropyatVeteransOnTheRise,Inc.,anotforprofitorganizationthatprovidestransitionalsolutionsforhomelessveteransintheDC,MarylandandVirginia.

MelanieisanactivememberoftheUniversityofVirginiaandUniversityofMarylandalumnias-sociations.Sheisayouthmentor,andamemberofAlphaKappaAlphaSorority,Inc.ShehasalsoservedonseveraladvisoryboardsthroughouttheNorthern,VAcommunity.MelanieisagraduateoftheThomasJeffersonHighSchoolforScienceandTechnology.SheearnedaBAinEconomicsfromtheUniversityofVirginiaandanMBAfromtheUniversityofMarylandSmithSchoolofbusiness.Sheisalsoacertifiedprojectmanagementprofessional(PMP).Shehasalsostudiedexecutivelevelnon-profitmanagementatGeorgetownUniversity.

Cynthia Murray isanauthor,motivationalspeaker,attorneyandsuccessandleadershipexpert.ShegainedmuchofherexpertisefrommorethansixteencombinedyearsofexperienceasaprosecutorandasaseniorlevelbusinessmanagementprofessionalforoneofthelargestandmostrespectedglobaldefensecontractorsintheUnitedStates.

Cynthiahasnegotiatedandmanageddozensofmultiplemillion-dollarcontractswithmorethanfifteennationsinNorthAmerica,Europe,AsiaandtheMiddleEast.Shealsofacilitatesseminarsforcorporateprofessionalshelpingtoimproveskillsetsinleadership,effectivecommunication,changemanagementandwork-lifebalance.

Sheisauthorofthenon-fiction,inspirationalbooks,Seasons of Change: Surviving and Thriving During Life’s Biggest ChallengesandThe Power of A Plan: Ten Keys to Achieving Your Goals and Winning!”

CynthiareceivedherJ.D.andB.A.fromtheUniversityofVirginia.

V. Davis Smithprovidesorganizationalsolutionsforbusinessesandconfidentialinsightstoindi-vidualsandexecutives.Knownasafixerwithhonedskillforprocessdevelopment,Davisoffersaleadingedgeapproachtohelpingorganizationsmanagechangeandcoachingindividualstoachievehi-impactresultsfromtheoutsidein.Resultsincludefunctionalperformanceimprovements,riskmitigation,andleadershipdevelopment.Clientsincludeenergycompanies,publicsectoragencies,smallbusinesses,multinationalexecutives,andindividuals.

Withfourteenyearsofexperience,Davishasservedascorporatecounselfocusingintheareasofcomplianceandethics,humanresources,operations,regulatoryaudits,andinvestigations.Herbusinessexpertiseincludesmanagingupwardsof$100millioninmonthlyenergytransactionsforaregionalelectrictransmissionorganization,asoneoftheyoungestandonlyAfrican-Americanstoholdsuchapositioninthecountry.Shebeganhercareerinenergysolutions,informationtechnology,andchangemanagementasaconsultantforWIPROTechnologies.

DavisholdsaJurisDoctorandBachelorofScienceinChemicalEngineering.SheiscurrentlypursuingaMasterofArtsdegreeinorganizationalpsychology.DavisislicensedtopracticelawinIndianaandWashington,DC.Herpassionsincludeteachingandyouthmentoring,backcountryhikingandcamping,andargentinetango.

Jonice Gray TuckerisapartnerwithBuckleySandlerLLP.Jonicerepresentscorporateandindividualclientsinmattersinitiatedbygovernmentregulatorsaswellasinprivatecivillitigation.Shealsoconductsinternalinvestigationsonbehalfofcorporationsandcounselsclientsoncompliancewithconsumerprotectionlaws.

JoniceisactiveintheAmericanBarAssociation,wheresheistheChairfortheRetailBankingandCon-sumerLawCommitteeoftheBankingLawCommitteeandCo-Vice-ChairfortheFairAccesstoServicesoftheConsumerFinancialServicesCommittee.SheservesontheBoardofTrusteesfortheWashingtonLaw-yers’CommitteeforCivilRightsandUrbanAffairs.ShealsoservesontheBoardofDirectorsoftheKolarCharitableFoundationandisamemberoftheExecutiveCommitteefortheYaleLawSchoolAssociation

JonicereceivedherJ.D.fromYaleLawSchoolandherB.A.fromtheUniversityofVirginia(PhiBetaKappa).■

Ron Brown Scholar Chapters and Regional Delegates

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RBSp coRpoRate paRtneRShipS

Corporatepartnershipsarecriticaltowhatwedo.Withthehelpfrompartners’stewardship,mentorship,jobandinternshipleads–wecanenhanceourprofessionaldevelopmentservicesnotonlytoourScholarsbutalsototheRonBrownCaptains.Captainsarethetop3%ofapplicantswho,thoughnotawardedascholarship,areaskedtojoinourinvitation-onlyprofes-

sionaldevelopmentprogramwhereweprovideaccesstoopportunitieswithourpartnersandcareerprepprogramming.CorporatepartnersreceivehighlycustomizedservicestomaximizetheirrecruitingeffortsamongourtalentedpoolofRon

BrownScholarsandCaptains.ThishasbeenaverysuccessfulyearforconnectingScholarsandCaptainstoourcorporatepartnersthroughdirectedoutreachandresumecollections.Belowisasampleofsummeropportunitiessecuredthroughourrecruitingeffortswithcorporatepartnersoverthepastfewmonths.

Corporate Partnership Update

DeloitteMichael Robinson, Princeton University

DLA Piper Undergraduate Legal InternshipNnamdi Nwaezeapu, Columbia University

Google Bold Discovery ProgramLaura Alston, Columbia University Lola Agabalogun, Harvard University Joel Bervell, Yale University Chileta Dim, Dartmouth College Jourdan Dorrell, Northwestern University Avery Fisher, Northwestern University Halimo Hassen, Dartmouth College Rafiat Kasumu, University of Pennsylvania Janae Savoy, University of Maryland, Smith School of Business Tiffany Onyejiaka, Johns Hopkins University

HBOKiah Clingman, Howard University, School of Communications

Ron BRown ScholaRS hoSt authoR paul tough

TheNewYorkChapterofRonBrownScholarshostedauthorPaulToughfordinnerandconversationatthehomeofRBSFTrustee,GavinMcFarlandonApril26th.ToughisaCanadian-AmericanwriterperhapsbestknownforauthoringWhatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America and How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the

Hidden Power of Character.CurioustoknowwhatmotivatedScholarstoachieve,Toughinvitedthegrouptodiscusstheirbackgroundsandpersonal

experienceswithearlyeducationaswellascollege. CrystalBoydRBS2006observedthat thecollectivesharingofstoriesprovedtobeaverypowerfulexperience:“ThiswasthemostinspiringnightsI’vehadinalongtime.ItwaslikeI Have Risen intheflesh.”SomeScholarsreflectedonbeingmislabeledasremediallearnersinchildhoodandhowthatcreatedself-doubtevenastheyconsistentlyexceededexpectationsandoutperformedpeersinschool.Othersspokeofdeterminedfamilymembers

New York Chapter of RBS Hosts Author Paul Tough

The Ron Brown Scholar Alumni Association invites you to mark your calendars for the 2014 Summer Leadership Retreat, August 8‑10, 2014 in

Arlington, Va. at the offices of our partner and host, Deloitte.

This year’s conference will focus on Scholars coming together to support one another and strengthening the family bond. A day of dialogue and

break‑out sessions implementing our motto, “The Value of One, The Power of All”.

Exciting ideas for the conference are shaping up right now and friends of Ron Brown Scholars are warmly welcome to participate in the conference.

For more information or to join our planning committee, please contact Holly Duke, Scholar Development and Outreach Manager

at hduke@ronbrown.org.

2014 Summer Leadership RetreatAugust 8-10, 2014

Save the Date

orrolemodelswhoservedasfierceadvocatesfortheireducation.Thegroupalsodiscussedsharedchallengesduringcollegeforstudentswhoarenotinthemajoritypopulationoncampus.

ThistopicisofparticularinteresttoToughasheisworkingonanewprojectrelatedtocollegeeducation.Toughsharedhisowninfluencesinlife.Hereflectedonexperiencesincollegeandcareerthatledhimtocaredeeplyabouteducationpolicy.

WearegratefultoPaulToughforjoiningusforanightofengagingdialogueandweareeagertoseethenextprojectfromthisnewfriendofRBSP.■

Morgan Stanley, Richard B. Fisher Scholarship ProgramEliana Mason, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School

VIACOM / VH1Cinneah El‑Amin, Columbia University Uniqua Flowers, University of Wisconsin

Siemens Mohammed Toure, Harvard University

Sikorsky Teferi Taylor, Georgia Institute of Technology

Weber ShandwickJordan Alston Harmon, Northwestern University

White House Internship ProgramVictoria Chigozie Akah, Columbia University

Thebenefitsofourcorporatepartnershipsarebestfeltwhenwereceivemessageslikethisfromthestudentsweserve:

“I am thrilled to be the second scholar, after Brandon Hill, working in the Office of Presidential Correspondence as a part of the White House Internship Program this summer. I owe this amazing opportunity to RBSP for referring me to the program.”

Chigozie Akah, RBS 2013ColumbiaCollege‘16“Without the Ron Brown Scholars Program, I would not have had access to the many career opportunities, advice, internships, and mentors that I have had the past two years. I am thankful for this program and admire the leadership within it. I am a Ron Brown CAPtain and am proud to represent this program. Knowing that there are people out there who have done what you want to do and are willing to do whatever it takes to help you exceed your potential is comforting and is frankly what I have loved the most about being a Ron Brown Captain.

Kiah ClingmanRonBrownCaptainHowardUniversityClassof2015HBOSummerIntern2014

To learnmoreaboutourCorporatePartnershipProgramcontactMrs.HollyDuke,ScholarDevelopmentandOutreachManager–Phone:(434)964-1588orEmail:hduke@ronbrown.org.

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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

RBSp newS StoRieS (cont’d)

Selection Weekend Reflections(Continued from Page 2)

wordsletmeknowthatitisokaytobelieveindreamsthatcan-notbescaleddown,itisokaytobeaseekerofthetruth.So,forthat,Ithankher.

It is trulyanhonortohavebeengiventheopportunitytobecomeaRonBrownScholar.ThisProgramismore thanascholarship,itisacommunitythatIcanseemyselfgrowinginto,becomingapartof,andthereisnothingmoreinspiringandheart-warming than that. So, I thank everyonewhohasmadethishonorarealityformeandfortherestofmypeers.■

Additionally,theeveningpresentedtheopportunitytomeetmanynewfriendsandintroducethemtoourfamilyofScholars,Finalists,staff,andlifelongfriends.Wearethankfultoallourfriendsandsupporterswhomadethisaparticularlymemorablenight.

Generous donations from corporate sponsors make the event possible. The RBSP especially would like to thank corporate partners American Express, Deloitte, Siemens, Major League Baseball, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Patton Boggs LLP, Weber Shandwick, BET, Viacom, MacFarlane Partners, RLJ Companies, AARP, The Cochran Firm, DLA Piper, Sikorsky, Boies, Schiller & Flexner, LLP, MIM Software Inc., Merck, Verizon, Lockheed Martin, Huawei Enterprise and Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide.■

“When it was announced Friday evening that the travel and lodging expenses of the 2014 Ron Brown Scholar Finalists for their trip to Washington were borne by Ron Brown Scholar alumnae and alumni, I was deeply moved. The munificence and obvious gratitude of these young people to the Ron Brown Scholar Program

brought to life the following words of rhyme about gifts received and owed.”It cost me nothing, but it wasn’t free.

Martin and others paid the bill for me.So give me the tab for those yet to come.

And please don’t tell them where the help came from.

–David L. Evans, Senior Admissions Officer, Harvard University

(Continued from Page 3)RBSP Hosts Fifth Annual American Journey Awards

Coming Soon!Redesigned Program Website

Wehavebeenspendingthepastfewmonthsrevampingourwebsitewithanew

design,improvednavigation,enhancedcontent,information

aboutourScholarsandexcitingstoriesabouttheimpactourAlumniare

makingaroundtheworld.Staytunedforthelaunchlaterthissummer.