Completing college is more of a struggle for African American and Latino men than for any other racial or ethnic group. The troubled status of these groups in higher education continues to plague the growth and success of our communities; socially and economically. The education and wealth gaps are not getting smaller.

What can be done to improve the academic success of Black and Latino male students?

MCNY Webinar Event

Collegiate Men of Color:
Changing the Narrative in Higher Education

June 24, 2021 @6pm

RSVP to attend!

Moderator: Michael Goodwin is a proud alumnus of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) where he graduated Manga Cum Laude & Valedictorian, earning his Bachelor of Professional Studies Human Services in 2012 and Master of Public Administration in 2013. During his academic journey, he was awarded multiple academic scholarships in both degree programs and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership  -Higher Education Administration

Michael has been an adjunct professor for over 8 years providing thesis instruction (Constructive Action) in the MCNY School for Public Affairs and Administration and in various philosophies and research-based studies in the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education. With a passion for continuing education and professional development, he is also employed as the Coordinator for Alumni Relations and serves on the alumni networks as President of the Human Services and Education and Vice President of the MPA Alumni. While serving on both networks, Michael has developed alumni mentoring initiatives, panel discussions and workshops, and manages several active and growing committees.

Michael’s professional career spans over 25 years within the social services and private sector industries. His expertise in working with diverse populations, workforce, and organizational development has been pivotal in creating key transformational strategies within multiple nonprofits, for-profits, and faith-based organizations.

Michael is married to his lovely wife and has three amazing children, and is an avid NY Giants Fan #GMEN4LIFE.

We can start with a panel of role models who share a purpose and are working toward closing the gap!

Gregory Lewis is currently an Assistant Librarian at Metropolitan College of New York. Gregory has been helping students with research for the past 10 years and sees it as one of the most important jobs he has held. “This position has given me the opportunity to give back and pass on the gift of education to the next generation of students,” says Gregory Lewis, who is also a graduate of the MCNY School for Business MBA in Media Management program.

Born in Harlem, raised in Brooklyn and Queens, he has always viewed himself as a fortunate New Yorker. In his previous career, Gregory was a business professional in media, insurance and finance, holding positions at the Daily News, NY Times, PC and Time Magazines, The New York Board of Fire underwriters and several financial firms.

A passion for reading drives Gregory and it was this drive that revealed his purpose. He was the first of his generation in the family to get his college degree after several attempts at four schools, marriage, and the birth of two amazing daughters. “I have arrived,” says Gregory Lewis, “Today, with a bachelor’s and master’s in business, I help students achieve their goals to better their lives and the lives of their families.”

Joshua Anthony Perez is a Puerto Rican and Dominican Bronx native with over 10 years of higher education recruitment experience. He is the Associate Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Outreach Borough of Manhattan Community College. Mr. Perez has a Bachelor’s in Management from Manhattanville College and a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Mercy College. He has spent a large portion of his career recruiting college students in the Bronx, playing vital roles on the recruitment and administration end. Joshua Perez worked at Metropolitan College of New York for 6 years serving as the Assistant and Associate Director of Admissions. Mr. Perez also served as Director of the MCNY Bronx campus Director for two years helping spearhead its opening in 2016.

“It is a rewarding experience when you are able to work in the heart of the community that helped raise you,” said Perez about his experience as MCNY Bronx Director. While serving in his administrative roles, Mr. Perez also made an impact in the classroom serving as an adjunct professor to the Business program for 3 years. At times, he found himself teaching the very same students he recruited. His experience working in the private and public sectors of higher education has given Joshua a wealth of experience on how to support future students. Serving as an admissions recruiter early in his career, he was able to connect with students on the frontline of the admissions process. This connection has allowed him to understand the needs of students not only as scholars but as potential change agents in society. As Mr. Perez serves in his current administrative roles these experiences have continued to help him in connecting students to a successful educational path.

Samuel Smith was born and raised in Harlem, NY during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. After years of incarceration, he has found purpose in providing services for members of different populations that are considered underserved and/or vulnerable.

Even under his unfortunate circumstances, he managed to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science through Hudson Link/Mercy College during incarceration and went on to obtain his Masters in Public Administration from MCNY after his release.

Samuel Smith is currently a Case Manager Supervisor at Black Veterans for Social Justice, a non-profit organization providing services to all underserved and/or vulnerable populations throughout NYC.

Christian Williams is in his third year as a faculty member at Columbia University, serving as an Associate in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Masters Degree program. In the role of Brooklyn Regional Representative to Governor, Andrew Cuomo-he is the top appointed New York State official in Brooklyn, working with elected officials and community stakeholders and managing interdepartmental and interagency initiatives. Prior to this role, he worked as the Director of Community Relations for the New York City Department of Social Services, creating new job training & partnerships with Google, NASDAQ, Chelsea Market/Jamestown LP, Bloomingdales and City Point Brooklyn for individuals living in shelters.

Christian graduated from Columbia University’s Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Masters Degree program in 2015, where he wrote his capstone on de-escalating tensions between police and community in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. Hailing from Brooklyn, Christian believes that one’s mindset is the key to successfully breaking down barriers and facilitating sustainable progress.