Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc.

The 20th Annual Umoja Conference presents the Fall Faculty Institute, which is a specialized faculty track for the deeper exploration of this year’s theme, “Voices of the Future: Elevating Student Leadership and Agency!” We invite all college faculty to join us for a specialized conference track that emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy, counseling, and assessment. This special conference track will leverage innovative thinking and evidence-based principles to accelerate learning and belonging for Black college students, while also exploring ways to reduce the persistence of educational inequities impacting student success. #AcceleratedLearning #RetainBlackStudents #InclusivePedagogy #SelfActualization #BuildingCommunalIntelligence #InnovativeEducation #AfricanCentered #CulturalEducation #IntrusiveCounseling   

💫 A Time to Remember! - The Student Leadership Summit 2024 💫 SLS 2024 brought in over 200 Umoja Community students, staff, and volunteers. Plus, the gracious partnership of UC San Diego students, faculty, and staff. Empowered by Lorraine Hansberry’s famous quote, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.” This year's SLS theme reflected on the call to action for Umoja Scholars to accept the torch of leadership. With this, teaching the next generation of Umoja students to own their identity and be audacious in their quest for self-actualization. Students learned the significance of establishing a leadership counsel for Umoja Programs, engaged in intentional and deliberate advocacy, and discussed issues of protest occurring on a global level. Moreover, students connected with social justice leaders in higher education, like Dr. Calvin Mackie, President and CEO of STEMNOLA. Students felt valued and were provided with space to explore the realities of leadership in their varied identities. Umoja students marveled and led in ways that showcased their ability to lead, while being affirmed and uplifted as Black people. Through ritual, dance, song, laughter, and rich history, our connectedness to the African Diaspora aided in the holistic transformation of our students and their deep self-development. The Student Leadership Summit brought together the Umoja Community in California and Washington for cross-regional collaboration, advocacy, training, and support to go into the academic year with ambition and strategic planning. The SLS 24 enhanced students' understanding and knowledge of the admissions and transfer process within the UC system. Students lodged in the residence halls, ate in the dining facilities, and lived for 3-days as future and potential UC students. The SLS infused the university experience at UC San Diego, to broaden student's knowledge of self-efficacy, self-actualization, and connectedness to the African Diaspora as a revolutionary leader once they pursue other avenues in their educational journey. We know that for true transformation to occur, our students need a holistic experience, and that is what happened at the SLS 2024! We look forward to doing this again and elevating SLS 2025 to another level!

The Umoja XX Conference is coming to Southern California on October 31 – November 2, 2024!  

🌟 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀: 𝗨𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗫𝗫 | 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟭𝘀𝘁 - 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝗻𝗱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 🌟 The Umoja Community Education Foundation is excited to announce that the Umoja 2024 Conference is officially open for indaba (workshop) proposals! This year’s conference, themed “𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆,” promises to be an inspiring gathering aimed at advancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. 🎓 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹? We’re looking for dynamic sessions that: - 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 & 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲: Share strategies and stories that ignite passion and drive. - 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 & 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: Offer actionable tools and guidance for students’ personal, academic, and professional growth. -𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Empower participants to embrace their potential and lead with confidence. 📅 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: - 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: October 31st - November 2nd, 2024 - 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲𝘀: 1,200+ educators, administrators, students, and community leaders. 🌐 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹: Take this opportunity to contribute to a transformative event by submitting your proposal through our online submission form. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this incredible conference! 🔗𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/g_xmh4Qn Join us in shaping the future of education and leadership. We can’t wait to see how your ideas will inspire and elevate our community! #UmojaConference2024 #Education #StudentLeadership #CallForProposals #IndabaSessions Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Anita Bailey M.S., Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Rashall Hightower, Reginald Shaw Jr., Jeromy Dickerson, Ehsam Kazimi, Jahkiya McLoskey, Dr. Damien Danielly, De'Von T Walker, Maryhelen Blake, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins

Get ready for an inspiring session that will ignite new ideas and elevate our learning journey to new heights! 🚀🎤 #StudentLearningSummit2024 #KeynoteSpeaker

Today, we celebrate the power of unity as we bring together the Umoja Community from across California and Washington! The Umoja Student Leadership Summit (SLS) 2024 is a shining example of our commitment to fostering collaboration, advocacy, and support. With over 5,000 students across 73 affiliate programs, our summit is more than an event—it’s a movement. By connecting campuses and students from various regions, we exemplify the essence of Umoja, a Kiswahili word meaning "unity." This collective strength allows us to advocate for change, resources, and support more effectively. From Greater Sacramento to San Diego, and from Northern California to Washington, we are strengthening relationships and creating a network of empowered leaders. Here’s a look at our regions: ✨ Region 1: Greater Sacramento ✨ Region 2: San Francisco/East and South Bay ✨ Region 3: San Jose/Santa Clara County ✨ Region 4: Los Angeles ✨ Region 5: Inland Empire/High Desert ✨ Region 6: San Diego ✨ Region 7: Kern County/Orange County ✨ Washington Partners Our goal is clear: to increase affiliate programs that bring together student leaders and foster a collective advocacy as 1Umoja. We’re excited to see the transformative impact this summit will have as we uplift, inspire, and equip our Umoja Scholars to lead and make a difference. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey! #UmojaSLS2024 #LeadershipSummit #BlackExcellence #StudentLeaders #UmojaCommunity #HigherEducation #SocialJustice #STEAM #MentalHealth #CommunityBuilding #AfricanDiaspora #Ratchetdemic Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Anita Bailey M.S., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Rashall Hightower, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Reginald Shaw Jr., Jahkiya McLoskey, Dr. Damien Danielly, Maryhelen Blake, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins, De'Von T Walker

As we count down to the first day of the Umoja Student Leadership Summit (SLS) 2024, we are excited to highlight a core focus of our event: empowerment through self-efficacy, self-actualization, and connectedness to the African Diaspora. Inspired by Christopher Emdin’s groundbreaking work, “Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success,” our summit will affirm and uplift the image, spirit, and identity of Black students. We believe that understanding and embracing one’s identity is crucial for revolutionary leadership and success. Through Umoja practices like “Mattering” and “The Porch,” students will delve into their individual and racial identities, engage in critical dialogues, and develop a profound understanding of how to articulate their experiences and emotions regarding the Black identity. This immersive experience aims to cultivate a deep sense of empowerment and cultural connection, preparing our scholars to lead with confidence and authenticity. Get ready for a transformative journey that will challenge, inspire, and elevate our community leaders! #UmojaSLS2024 #LeadershipSummit #BlackExcellence #StudentLeaders #UmojaCommunity #HigherEducation #SocialJustice #STEAM #MentalHealth #CommunityBuilding #AfricanDiaspora #Ratchetdemic Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Anita Bailey M.S., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Rashall Hightower, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Reginald Shaw Jr., Jahkiya McLoskey, Dr. Damien Danielly, Maryhelen Blake, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins, De'Von T Walker

🌟 We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mayen B. Udoetuk as the new Chief Learning Officer at the Umoja Community Education Foundation! 🌟 With a professional motto of "Learning occurs everywhere - let’s nurture it!", Dr. Udoetuk is a fierce advocate for lifelong learning. Dr. Udoetuk is committed to driving strategic growth through innovative educational programs and operational strategies. She has dedicated her career to developing learning solutions that help reduce long-standing demographic disparities related to the Future of Work. Dr. Udoetuk is invigorated by fostering effective teaching and facilitation, course and curriculum design, academic program management, and educational business operations. She is passionate about inclusive pedagogy and andragogy, educational technology, curriculum innovation, student success, and educator support—especially as they relate to the jobs of tomorrow. Prior to joining the Umoja Community Education Foundation, Dr. Udoetuk served the University of California by spearheading efforts aimed at creating courses, programs, and partnerships in previously untapped continuing education and professional development markets. Before that, she led the development and implementation of university-wide academic programs while providing course design and instruction in both chemistry and educational psychology at Texas A&M University. Her roles as a chemist, university faculty member, higher education administrator, and consultant solidified her passion for fostering a culture of continuous learning. Dr. Udoetuk earned a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Professional Leadership in Special Populations and a Master's in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Houston. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry with a focus on materials science from Norfolk State University. Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Anita Bailey M.S., Rashall Hightower, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Ehsam Kazimi

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Calvin Mackie, the visionary founder of STEM NOLA and former tenured Tulane University Engineering professor, will be our keynote speaker at the Umoja Student Leadership Summit (SLS) 2024! Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor, internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur. Dr. Mackie's work with STEM NOLA is dedicated to inspiring and engaging the community in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). His commitment to STEM education resonates deeply with our mission to empower Black student leaders and drive innovation. But that’s not all! We are also partnering with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities into our summit. This collaboration will offer our students hands-on opportunities to explore STEAM fields and expand their educational horizons. #UmojaSLS2024 #LeadershipSummit #BlackExcellence #StudentLeaders #UmojaCommunity #HigherEducation #SocialJustice #STEMNOLA #STEAM #MentalHealth #CommunityBuilding #AfricanDiaspora #Ratchetdemic Calvin Mackie, Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Anita Bailey M.S., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Rashall Hightower, Jahkiya McLoskey, Dr. Damien Danielly, Maryhelen Blake, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins, De'Von T Walker, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Reginald Shaw Jr.

At the Umoja Student Leadership Summit (SLS), we recognize the profound impact that the political and racial climate, post-pandemic challenges, and economic hardships can have on our students. Many of our Umoja scholars juggle multiple responsibilities, often leading to overwhelming stress and mental health challenges. Our commitment to whole student development goes beyond academics. This year, we're offering dedicated sessions around leading with diverse identities as children of the diaspora, facilitated by expert mental health practitioners and the UCEF programming team. A key highlight will be a transformative sound bath experience led by Dr. Terence Elliott, designed to nurture the spirit and promote wellness. We believe in creating a safe space where our students can receive peer support, engage in wellness activities, and participate in intentional dialogue addressing multiple dimensions of wellness. As Dr. Joy DeGruy poignantly states, "Breaking this cycle and claiming our humanity will require much work from all of us. Those who have been the victims of years, decades, and centuries of oppression first must heal from injuries received first-hand, as well as those passed down through the ages." Our goal is to model mindfulness and support the mental health and well-being of our Black students, reinforcing the importance of self-care and community solidarity. Let’s come together to foster resilience, provide support, and create a space where our students can truly thrive. #UmojaSLS2024 #LeadershipSummit #BlackExcellence #StudentLeaders #UmojaCommunity #HigherEducation #SocialJustice #STEAM #MentalHealth #CommunityBuilding #AfricanDiaspora #Ratchetdemic Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Anita Bailey M.S., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Rashall Hightower, Jahkiya McLoskey, Dr. Damien Danielly, Maryhelen Blake, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins, De'Von T Walker, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Reginald Shaw Jr.