Keynote Speakers
Lakim Desir ‘ 15 (Watson)
Lakim Desir, born and raised in New York City has spent 7 years as an engineer within
the Aerospace and Industry at Lockheed Martin supporting radar programs (land based,
sea based and in-flight) for US Navy, Air Force, Army and MDA customers. Further,
Lakim has worked Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for Spanish Navy and Canadian Navy customers
while managing multi-million dollar international supplier contracts in Spain and
India. Currently, Lakim is a product engineering consultant for leading major Aerospace
and Defense enterprises.
Lakim has committed to civic engagement and leveraging his engineering acumen and
resources to develop young black and brown students in under-resourced communities.
Lakim has developed mentoring programs to educate youth and inform them that engineering
is a viable career option. As a direct response to COVID19 and in four days, Lakim
leveraged his engineering network to raise and deliver $30,000 worth of learning technology
(laptops and tablets) to under-resourced families in Camden, NJ.
Lakim’s global impact in engineering, both professionally and civically, ultimately
led to Lakim’s notable honor of 2022 Black Engineer of the Year Outstanding Achievement
Award.
In addition to his community engagement through engineering Lakim travels across the
nation conducting men’s health advocacy - leveraging weight training, mental and emotional
health, meditation, recovery and nutrition to inform men how to develop sustainable
lifestyle practices.
Julius Johnson, DNP, RN, FNP-BC ‘05 (Decker)
Dr. Julius Johnson was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY in the Brownsville and Crown
Heights neighborhoods. He attended Clara Barton High School for health professionals
while starring in football for the Brooklyn Skyhawks. He received his bachelors of
science, with a major in nursing from Binghamton University in 2005 and received his
masters of science with a major in family nurse practitioner from Binghamton University
in 2009, and his Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Miami in 2016.
He currently specializes in home based primary care, transitional care, and transformational
community intervention projects. He has spent the past 13 years serving underserved
communities and reducing hospital rates for at risk populations. He is a founding
member of the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association and currently serves
as the president.
He is also the founding president of the Omega Nu chapter of Sigma Theta Tau international
honor society at Long Island University Brooklyn. He serves as an associate professor,
chair of faculty affairs, and the director of the family nurse practitioner at Long
Island University – Brooklyn’s school of nursing.
In 2018, he was recognized as one of the National Black Nurses Association’s 40 under
40 rising stars. In 2021 he was awarded the Trailblazer in nursing award by the National
Black Nurses Association. In his spare time he serves as the defensive coordinator
of the Brooklyn Skyhawks who are the current back to back 12 & under defending champions
of the New York City youth football league. In 2022, Dr. Johnson was inducted as a
fellow into the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Josué “JQ” Quiñones ‘10, ‘12 (CCPA)
Josué “JQ” Quiñones is an international Motivational Rapper, Educator, & Life Coach.
Professionally trained as a Social Worker and Opportunity Program Counselor, he combines
his skills for music and proven track record for student success, to create a one-of-a-kind
experience that combines Hip Hop and success principles. He empowers students, student
leaders, and listeners to step into their purpose, take control of their stories,
heal, and live a quality lifestyle built for success.
As founder of the “Success Is A Lifestyle Program” and an advocate for mental health,
audiences hear his music and leave his fun and interactive presentations knowing that
“Self Care is the Best Care.” JQ teaches them how to live his trademark phrase, “Success
Is A Lifestyle!”
Facilitators
Leonel Diaz
Dr. Diaz's student experiences spearheaded his career into higher education with a
focus on student affairs, where he has taken roles in advisement, academic support,
learning disability services, leadership development, retention, research, and much
more. Diaz has worked with several student populations across the country and enjoys
learning about diversity through the lens of students. These vast experiences provide
him with a holistic understanding of students. Currently, he serves as an Associate
Director of the Multicultural Center and Center for Community Engagement at the State
University of New York (SUNY) Delhi where he focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion,
and community partnerships.
Jonathan Harris
Over the last decade as an award-winning higher education professional (currently
serving as Lincoln University’s inaugural residential academic success coach), Jonathan
Harris has developed several minority men’s initiatives, created food pantries, and
mentored several emerging leaders to enhance student success. These efforts and initiatives
have earned over $1,000,000 for Lincoln University. Additionally Jonathan is an award-winning
published author, non-profit founder, and the current Mr. Maryland U.S. United titleholder.
Kyra Hickey
Kyra Hickey (she/her) currently serves as the civic engagement coordinator at Binghamton
University's Center for Civic Engagement (CCE). She works to enrich student awareness,
leadership and reflection related to democratic participation and community partnerships.
Kyra's dedication to mutuality and dialogue informs her approach to community building,
student development and social change. She welcomes visitors to the CCE during its
drop-in hours and collaborates with the student staff to nurture meaningful connections
in and outside of the office through a variety of programming and events. Kyra earned
her bachelor's degree in dance with specializations in women's and gender studies,
psychology and Italian at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In her free
time, she enjoys writing, playing board games, traveling and practicing yoga.
John Johnson
John Johnson, originally from Brooklyn, NY, is the CEO & Founder of John Johnson Speaks
LLC. John is a dynamic communications specialist and coach with a passion for empowering
individuals and organizations who feel unseen, unheard, and/or misunderstood to activate
their purpose through effective communication, servant leadership, and self advocacy.
With over 10 years of experience in the field, John has helped countless individuals
and organizations around the world develop effective communication strategies that
drive success and positive impact in their personal and professional lives. John is
also an artist at heart, with a natural love for creative expression. Having written
several spoken word pieces, John also enjoys attending open mics and other live musical
and cultural performances in his free time.
Derek Jorden
Jorden is a dedicated educator and mentor with over a decade of experience. He has
a proven track record of success in developing and implementing programs that enhance
learning and promote student success. Jorden has worked in various roles in education,
including Program Coordinator and Resident Director, and has also served as a mentor
for many individuals around the country through various programs. He has received
numerous awards, including the SUNY Buffalo State College Mildred Campbell Student
Leadership Award, the Western New York's 30 under 30 Award, and the N.I.A. Mentor
Program's Mentor of the Year Award and more. Jorden's skills include leadership, program
development, staff training and supervision, conflict resolution, and diversity, equity,
and inclusion. He is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and is a
valuable asset to any organization or community.
Andrew L Morrision
Andrew L Morrision is a Greater Binghamton community member who has committed his
time to invest in the lives of youth by sharing personal development growth strategies,
which may serve to enhance their ability to shape their future goals.
With over 30 years of corporate America experience between IBM and Lockheed Martin,
Andrew brings an extensive background in administration and/or managing Business controls,
workload planning, corporate style training and education programs. More recently,
Andrew has taken on community roles to assist in the development of the young men
in the area. Andrew is a course developer and leader facilitator with 24/7 Dads Program
at Family Enrichment Network which engages with dads to encourage them to fully invest
in activities and experiences which promote growth in all aspects of a child’s life.
He also created the Boys II Men program conducted at Jennie F. Snapp Middle school
and the Children’s Home. Currently, Andrew has taken his experience as a Placement
& Career Service Developer for the Young Adult Reentry Partnership at PathStone Corp.
Registration
REGISTER NOW
Parking and check-in information
Parking will be available at the Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC) which houses the Smart Energy Building. Shuttles from the main campus will run from
The Union to ITC starting at 8 a.m.