|
Register to join us!
Moderator:
Michael Goodwin’s career spans over 20 years within the social services and private sector industries. His expertise in program/organizational development and collaboration has been pivotal in creating key transformational strategies within multiple nonprofits, for-profit and faith-based organizations.
While working in the counseling field, Michael was a leading force in developing a variety of programs for Cornerstone of Medical Arts Center Hospital as Director of Outpatient Services and most recently has played a major role in developing curricula and instructions for workforce development programs such the Osborne Association and Eckerd Youth Workforce Development.
Since 2013, Michael Goodwin has been an adjunct professor at Metropolitan College of New York, (MCNY) teaching in the College’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs providing course instruction in counseling, philosophy, Constructive Action (thesis) and research-based studies on organizational/societal change in Human Services and Public Administration.
As part of Mr. Goodwin’s foresight for the academic excellence of the current and alumni students, he engineered a successful relaunch of the Human Services/Education Alumni Network, where he serves as board president and was instrumental in the development of the MPA Alumni Network where he currently serves as vice president of the executive board. While serving on both networks, Michael has developed alumni mentoring initiatives, panel discussions and workshops, and manages several active and growing committees
Michael Goodwin acquired his Bachelor of Human Services at MCNY where he was awarded academic scholarships and graduated Magna Cum Laude as class valedictorian in 2012. In 2013, he completed a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) and was awarded the Facey Memorial Scholarship for Academic Distinction.
With a professional career devoted to assisting others in their personal and professional growth and development, Michael Goodwin continues to lead and guide the next generation of change agents into the future!
Panelists:
Kassiana Parris is a Queens native-born to West Indian parents. In 2017, she obtained her Master’s degree in Public Affairs and Administration from Metropolitan College of New York. She has also received her CASAC certification and recently completed a certificate in empowerment and leadership. As Director of Care Coordination at Bowery Residents’ Committee, she assists individuals with chronic health issues and concerns in navigating the healthcare system and getting the care they need and deserve. Kassiana is a trouble-shooter! She was hired By Bowery Residents Committee to implement changes in a program that was struggling to meet overall targets. Since obtaining her position as program director, she has implemented changes allowing the program to meet the target goals. These changes have escalated the program within to top 10 in her cluster of 30.
Kassiana is also a Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment Specialist aiming to educate and provide supportive services to children and their families. Since 2017, Kassiana has served as President of the MPA alumni network working alongside alumni, students and prospective students. The aim of the Network is to facilitate and mobilize partnerships between students, alumni and MCNY in strengthening our civil society, to improve standards of living, and help alumni achieve their goals.
Kassiana is a member of the MCNY advisory council identifying ways to advance the College’s social justice mission through developing and strengthening partnerships and initiatives in the communities we serve. She is also a member of the diversity and inclusion IDEA council at Bowery Residents Committee where she is working with leadership and staff shaping policies and practices around inclusion, diversity, equity and advocacy. In her words, “Find your passion. Find your joy. Embrace the journey to your destination.”
Xamayla Rose, Deputy Public Advocate of Civic & Community Empowerment: Office of the New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, is responsible for shaping the office’s programming and policies related to infrastructure for immigrant communities; electoral processes, democratic participation, community support and civic engagement including census outreach; and, inclusion and support of diverse populations.
Prior to joining The New York City Public Advocate’s Office, Xamayla had already built a stellar reputation as a community organizer, government and nonprofit professional who leads efforts in civic participation, workforce development and anti-poverty initiatives. She is a former Strategist for Human Resources Administration, Analyst for Youth Policy for the former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Managing Director of Advocacy for a non-profit she co-founded that focuses on maternal health. In 2018, she worked alongside civil rights groups to register more than 100,000 voters in Georgia and North Carolina.
Xamayla Rose is an MBA graduate of the MCNY School for Business. In each role, she continues on her mission for social justice to protect and amplify the voices of our nation’s most vulnerable residents.
Larry Scott Blackmon leads FreshDirect’s Public Affairs division, expanding current partnerships, cultivating new relationships and serving as a key company spokesman.
Larry’s work builds on FreshDirect’s existing community and charitable partnerships across a variety of issues including fighting hunger, nutrition education and career development. Larry brings nearly 20 years of public service, community development and government experience to FreshDirect. He joined FreshDirect from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation where he served as the Deputy Commissioner for Community Outreach.
Larry is a former candidate for New York City Council and has worked with a number of New York City’s elected officials, serving in the administrations of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Additionally, Blackmon has worked with former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, former City Council Speakers Christine Quinn and Gifford Miller and former City Council Member Kathryn Freed. He has also worked with many federal and state representatives, serving on the staffs of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during her 2000 Senate campaign.
Larry served as Senior Manager of Public Affairs for the New York Jets of the National Football league where he was instrumental in developing a landmark M/WBE agreement for the New York Sports and Convention Center (NYSCC). While the NYSCC was not developed, the M/WBE agreement served as a blueprint for many other development projects.
Larry earned a B.A. in Communications and Black Studies from the State University of New York College at New Paltz. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York is a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School’s Executive Leadership program at Harvard University. Larry is an alum of the Coro Leadership New York program and a member of the Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the first Black Greek Letter Organization established in the United States, and is President of the Harlem Chapter.
For the years 2016 – 2020, Larry was recognized as one of the 50 most powerful community leaders in the Bronx and has been named as of the “40 under 40” people to watch in both the Network Journal and City and State publications.
Larry serves as a substitute professor for former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and has taught the Mayor’s Public Affairs course at Columbia University. Larry also serves Metropolitan College of New York as an adjunct professor teaching Intergovernmental Relations, Non-Profit Management and Marketing, collaborative leadership and Introduction to Public Administration classes.
Over the last 20 years, John Edwards has proven to be a true servant leader with an undeniable track record of success. His infectious enthusiasm is aimed at helping others. John has devoted his expertise to the advancement of others through their educational, professional and personal goals.
John Edwards is the Executive Director of the Bronx Campus and College-Wide Career Development Initiatives at Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) where he is also an adjunct professor in the School for Public Affairs and Administration. In addition to the work he does with MCNY, John is the President of IManage Development, a learning and development consulting company that he co-founded. IManage Development core services include Diversity & Inclusion, Leadership Development and Service Delivery. Additionally, John is an active Board Member of the National Association for African Americans in Human Resources.
John has commanded large-scale complex workforce development programs and learning and development initiatives in the corporate and nonprofit sectors for many companies including JP Morgan and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He brings a unique blend of strategic and analytical thinking, a high level of efficacy, and an understanding of human capital demands.
Edwards is a graduate of Metropolitan College of New York with a Master’s in Public Administration & Public Affairs and a Bachelor’s of Science in Systems Analysis and Computer Programming from Pace University. He is the proud father of three boys; Bryce Carter, Chase Parker and Cole Preston Edwards. He was born in Panama City, Panama and is a long-time resident of Brooklyn, New York.
