JANUARY 13-16, 2017

1st ANNUALLEADERSHIPCONFERENCEMIAMI, FLORIDA

SPONSORED BY: THE INFINITE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

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Greetings Colleagues!On behalf of the Executive Board of the Infinite Scholars Young Professionals Network (ISYPN), it is my pleasure to officially welcome you to the 1st Annual ISYPN Leadership Conference.

At ISYPN we celebrate the young professional and promote opportunities to recognize and showcase the talents and innovations of our peers. This event has been designed and devoted to the personal and professional development of you, the young professional!

Over the next few days, you will experience a rich environment full of information, learning, culture and of course, fun. Take advantage of your time at this event and explore opportunities to network with peers, new and seasoned professionals, and potential mentors.

I invite you to download the Guidebook app on your Android or iOS device to follow along and stay connected to the ISYPN Conference during and after our time together. Use the passphrase “ISYPN2017.”

On behalf of the Executive Board and the Conference Planning Committee, I would like to wish you all an informative and enlightening conference experience.

Best Wishes,

Angela M. DiggsPresidentInfinite Scholars Young Professionals Network

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCEInfinite Scholars Young Professionals Network

1st Annual Leadership ConferenceJanuary 13 - 16, 2017 • Miami, FL

Friday, January 13, 2017

Registration/Check-In 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Lobby-Miami Marriott Dadeland

Networking Reception 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Pool Deck

Saturday, January 14, 2017 Professional Development

Registration/Check-In 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM Pre-Function Salon A

Breakfast Buffet 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM Salon B

Welcome & Overview 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM Salon A

Session I: Climbing the Higher Ed. Corporate Ladder Reynolda Brown, Presenter 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Salon A

Session II: Alumni Engagement for Recruitment Angela M. Diggs, Presenter 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Salon A

Lunch Buffet 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Salon B

Session III: Social Media Madness Aimee Huffstetler, Presenter 1:30 PM - 2:15 Salon A

Session IV: Removing FAFSA Barriers Tandy Caraway, Presenter 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM Salon A

Round Table Discussion 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM Salon A 1

Sunday, January 15, 2017 Personal Development

Breakfast Buffet 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Salon B

Session I: Networking and Financial Fitness Sulaiman Rahman, Presenter 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Salon A

Session II: Attitude and Goal Setting Katrina Ferguson, Presenter 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Salon A

Session III: Leadership and Team Building Bobby Diggs, Presenter 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Salon A

Lunch Buffet 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Salon B

Dinner Banquet 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Salon B

Monday, January 16, 2017

Service Project: Uncovering History at Lincoln Memorial Park 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM 3001 NW 46th Street Miami, FL 33142

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCEInfinite Scholars Young Professionals Network

1st Annual Leadership ConferenceJanuary 13 - 16, 2017 • Miami, FL

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SERVICE PROJECT OVERVIEWservice

“Uncovering History at Lincoln Memorial Park”

ISYPN is proud to partner with HandsOn Miami to help restore Lincoln Memorial Park which is considered to be one of the most important African American cemeteries in Florida. Located in the historic Brownsville community, it was founded by the notable Dr. Kelsey L. Pharr in 1937. Care of the cemetery was most recently taken over by Ellen Johnson who has recently passed away. There is no space remaining for new plots which makes it financially unsustainable. As Ellen Johnson got older, Lincoln Memorial Cemetery fell into disrepair.

The vision for the future is to restore Lincoln Memorial Park and transform it into a place which can help to highlight the outstanding contributions of the notable Miamians who have been laid to rest there.

Volunteers will collect trash and debris, remove weeds, and trim back overgrown brush that has covered many of the plots and prevents the natural beauty and significant history of the site to be recognized.

NEED TO KNOW:

• You will be volunteering in a cemetery with above-ground coffins. This may be off-putting to some, and we want to be sure you are aware of this prior to your arrival.

• Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves to ensure their hands are protected from the brush and debris we will be clearing. HandsOn Miami may not be able to provide gloves for all volunteers.

• Please bring a refillable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated.

• Closed-toe shoes are required for participation in this project. Those wearing flip-flops or sandals will not be able to participate fully.

• Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants (jeans or lightweight pants) to cover your legs to prevent irritation from the brush and weeds we will be clearing.

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Mr. Reynolda Brown serves as the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management at Florida Memorial University. He provides administrative oversight for the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices.

Before joining Florida Memorial University, Mr. Brown served as the Executive Director for Enrollment Management at Harris-Stowe State University and the Director of Admissions at Bethune-Cookman University. Prior to those positions he also served as the Assistant Director of Admission for both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. At Michigan State University he served as the voice and face of the largest university in the state for the entire metropolitan Detroit area, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, he served as the lead person for Student of Color and International Student Recruitment.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Brown has always had a special interest in assisting young people and in particular first generation college students, with their dreams and aspirations of obtaining a post-secondary education.

Immersed in the field of Higher Education for the past 20 years, Mr. Brown has presented at both regional and national professional conferences.

Mr. Brown conducts monthly workshops and presentations in the area of “First Generation” students attending college. He also performs numerous sophomore and junior night presentations to both students and parents on how to prepare for the college going process. Mr. Brown is a member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO); the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC); and the College Board. He also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Reynolda BrownAssistant Vice President for

Enrollment ManagementFlorida Memorial University

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Angela M. DiggsAssociate Director of AdmissionsVirginia State University

Angela Diggs serves as the Associate Director of Admissions for Virginia State University. She is responsible for the design and production of all admissions marketing materials. Additionally, she maintains a recruitment territory and provides guidance and oversight to both Admissions and Alumni Recruitment Teams.

Prior to her current position, Angela served as a Senior Admissions Counselor and Recruiter for Virginia State University, her alma mater, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business in 2004. In the private sector, Angela was the youngest Branch Manager in the region for Enterprise-Rent-A-Car. She has also partnered with her husband in entrepreneurial and leadership ventures for over 15 years.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland and raised between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and New Brunswick, New Jersey and later, Topeka, Kansas, Angela developed a keen ability to adapt and thrive in new and often uncomfortable environments and situations. This instilled in Angela a passion for people which she continues to cultivate in her personal and professional life. She has appeared in Ebony magazine and was featured alongside her husband in Live More magazine.

Angela has produced training manuals for new admissions counselors and alumni recruiters, conducting training sessions for both cohorts. She is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC); the Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (VACRAO); has served as 2nd Vice President for the National Association for College Deans Registrars and Admissions Officers (NACDRAO) and currently serves as President of the Infinite Scholars Young Professionals Network (ISYPN). Angela is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated initiated at Virginia State University’s Phi Chapter.

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Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment

Western Kentucky University

Aimee Huffstetler currently serves as the Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment for Western Kentucky University. A native New Englander, Aimee earned her Bachelor’s degree and worked toward her MALS degree from Hollins University, an all-women’s college in Roanoke, Virginia.

After working in both the Office of Financial Assistance and the Office of Admissions at Hollins, she accepted a new challenge as an Admission Counselor at Kentucky State University in Frankfort in 2013. During her time at Kentucky State, she became involved with the Infinite Scholars Program through the free college fair program that they offered.

In the Summer of 2014, she was offered the position that she currently holds within the Office of Admission at Western Kentucky University. Throughout her time in higher education, she was encouraged to continue learning and began the Master’s of Higher Education Administration at the University of Louisville in the Spring of 2016. She will complete that program in August of 2017.

Aimee is excited to be a part of the Infinite Scholars Young Professionals Network and looks forward to sharing her experience with other Higher Education professionals.

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presenterTandy CarawayFounderCollegeMode

The founder of CollegeMode, Tandy Caraway, has been helping students excel academically and reach their educational goals, for over 19 years, by using student-focused strategies. She began her educational career by coordinating an after-school program at her high school alma mater. Since that time she has tutored, instructed and counseled hundreds of students, leaving them with a renewed sense of self-confidence and motivation.

Tandy has experienced high rates of success with all types of students, although at-risk students are seemingly her specialty. Her peers describe her as an enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated professional who demonstrates a sincere interest in her students as individuals. This passion and tenacity has earned her national and local accolades from organizations such as the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, Future Business Leaders of America, Miami Dade Public Schools, United Teachers of Dade and the Florida Senate.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Math Education at the Union Institute & University followed by a Master’s degree in Educational Technology at Nova Southeastern University.

As an avid believer in giving back to the community, Mrs. Caraway has helped launch multiple youth development organizations and coordinated youth educational programs for her church. She has also developed service learning programs for students to continue giving back to the community while learning workforce readiness and life skills.

She often tells her students, “You have to make some decisions about who you want to be,” as she pushes them toward seeing themselves as the catalyst for change internally and within the world that surrounds them. This particular quote echoes her philosophy about education and life in general. Tandy launched CollegeMode, in hopes of being part of the solution that causes a generation of youth to exceed the expectations set before them while overcoming the challenges of today and tomorrow.

When she is not busy motivating and inspiring others, Tandy relishes spending time with family and friends, reading mysteries and splashing around in pools and water parks.

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Philadelphia, PA

Sulaiman W. Rahman has been a full-time social entrepreneur and investor for over 16 years.

Sulaiman is the Founder & CEO of UPPN, a social enterprise started in 1999 (formerly UrbanPhilly.com) with a mission to engage, empower, and connect the next generation of diverse civic and business leadership. UPPN currently consists of over 16,000 subscribers regionally, primarily professionals between the ages of 25-45. In 2015, UPPN was recognized as Philadelphia Business Journal’s #1 Business Networking Association.

Sulaiman is an international business leader who launched a global marketing and distribution business in the consumer goods industry. Launched in 2010, under his leadership, his team recruited and trained thousands of independent distributors in 40 US states, and 9 countries. In just 5 years, his organization produced over $20 million in gross sales revenue. He is now a lead business development trainer and speaker in the direct sales/relationship marketing industry, speaking on topics such as leadership, networking and entrepreneurship to audiences as large as 15,000 attendees.

Sulaiman currently serves on the Executive Board Member for Community College of Philadelphia Foundation. He also serves as a board member for TeenSharp and YearUp Greater Philadelphia Chapter. His civic engagement includes serving as the Chairman for Black Voters Matter (#BlackVotersMatter) and Co-Chaired the Volunteer Committee for the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC). In the past, Sulaiman has served as Chairman of the Board for the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA,DE,NJ (2010-2012), and served as a Board Member for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), Young Involved Philadelphia (YIP), and Philadelphia Film Society. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, initiated at University of Pennsylvania’s Mu Chapter.

Sulaiman has been honored with numerous awards recognizing him as an authority in business, community, social entrepreneurship and as an innovation thought leader. Awards include: Philadelphia Tribune’s Most Influential African American Leaders (2009, 2011, 2015, 2016), President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award at the White House (2016). Philadelphia NAACP Business Award (2015), BME’s Community Leadership Award & Grant (2015). Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 under 40” and VisitPhilly 360 Creative Ambassadors (2010). Urban League of Philadelphia “Urban Young Leader” Award and by Leadership Philadelphia as one of Philadelphia’s “101 Next Generation Connectors” (2009). Philadelphia Tribune’s “10 People under 40 to Watch” (2008).

Sulaiman studied Engineering and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania - School of Engineering and Applied Science.

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presenterKatrina FergusonMitchellville, MD

Katrina Ferguson delivers a passionate, enthusiastic and entertaining message to both teach and encourage you to celebrate your individuality and breakthrough to become your ‘greater self.’ Her inspiring message is based upon lessons learned in her own breakthrough journeys. Ms. Ferguson is committed to helping others across the world apply these principles in their individual lives and relationships. In her unique, uncompromising style, she brings life changing principles and leadership skills to inspire and motivate thousands across age, gender and industry lines.

Featured in national publications, including Essence magazine and USA Today, Ms. Ferguson has been the subject of numerous articles and interviews and her story is currently being used all over the country to train and motivate sales forces of both public and private organizations. She routinely shares the stage with company presidents and executives as she conducts trainings and presentations around the country and has spoken for several faith based organizations including the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas and Evangel Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Ms. Ferguson speaks from her experience and success in the traditional corporate fields of real estate, financial services and law, as well as her success as an entrepreneur having owned and operated several successful businesses, including a publishing company (publisher of the Amazon Best Selling books, Footnotes: a 31-Day Leadership Guide for Women and The Queens’ Legacy), retail establishments and a personal fitness studio. Her acute understanding and ability to inspire people has enabled her to excel in the network marketing industry. Her keen awareness that conflicting demands, resource constraints and shifting priorities are challenges that must be overcome for success in today’s global marketplace has placed her in constant demand as a presenter, motivator, and trainer of trainers by sales organizations across the nation. Ms. Ferguson regularly conducts conference calls and training events for publicly traded and privately held corporations, entrepreneurs and faith-based organizations.

Ms. Ferguson encourages everyone to be passionate and uncompromising in ‘giving back’ to the community and celebrating their ability do so. She has served as Chaplain for the WNBA Washington Mystics team, as a member of the Board of Directors for the Women In Business Network of America, Destiny Leadership University and of Voice of Destiny Ministries. She is also the Founder and President of A Sister’s Love, a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to provide practical information, tangible and intangible tools to assist women and children in achieving while propelling them into greatness. She has raised thousands of dollars for faith-based organizations and has invested thousands of hours performing community service.

Utilizing customized presentations, a powerful stage presence, insightful delivery and fresh insight, Ms. Ferguson entertains, trains and inspires audiences to new levels of enthusiasm and achievement.

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rBobby DiggsPetersburg, VA

Bobby Diggs has been building businesses leading teams of people for over 16 years. Hailing from a military family, Bobby was born in Texas, lived in several states across the country, eventually settling in Virginia. His inert leadership abilities began to surface early in sports, continued in collegiate clubs and organizations, ultimately developing masterfully in business.

Bobby’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged as a college student when he realized his business professor never owned a business and his finance professor was not financially independent. In a business he launched in 2001, he was recognized as one of the youngest people in company history to earn a six-figure income. He has since built numerous businesses, lead teams of over 10,000 people, amassing millions of dollars in gross sales revenue.

Bobby, along with a friend, started a non-profit youth mentoring program called Above the Edge. The program offers summer and after school sports for kids aged 9 to 17, many of whom don’t have father figures in their lives. Its curriculum focuses on teaching kids leadership and success principals and invites industry leaders from all professions to share their experiences.

Bobby, along with his wife has been featured in Live More magazine. He continues to mentor those seeking to improve their financial affairs.

Bobby received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Virginia State University in 2002, graduating with honors. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated at Virginia State University’s Alpha Phi Chapter.

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NOTESInfinite Scholars Young Professionals Network

1st Annual Leadership ConferenceJanuary 13 - 16, 2017 • Miami, FL

NOTESInfinite Scholars Young Professionals Network

1st Annual Leadership ConferenceJanuary 13 - 16, 2017 • Miami, FL

map

HOTEL MAPMarriott Miami Dadeland

THANK YOUThe Infinite Scholars Young Professionals Network would like to thank

the following individuals and partners for their invaluable assistance and dedication, without which this event could not be possible.

Thomas “T” Ousley Aimee Huffstetler Infinite Scholars Program Western Kentucky University

John Meadows Angela M. DiggsInfinite Scholars Program Virginia State University

Steve Viola Jameelah MeansInfinite Scholars Program West Virginia State University

Tandy Caraway Antonio McFarlandCollegeMode Claflin University

Reynolda Brown Derek WilsonFlorida Memorial University Shaw University

Bobby Diggs Kenielle Morris

Katrina Ferguson Sulaiman W. Rahman

ypninfinite scholars

young professionals network