ORLANDO, Fla. – In honor of Black History Month, Florida Technical College will be spotlighting and celebrating individuals within the FTC community that make an impact every day. Please scroll through below for entries of our employee and student spotlights.
Ilnise Mathieu – Medical Assisting Program Coordinator – Pembroke Pines Campus (Feb. 26, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have been working as a medical assisting instructor at SKTI, Florida Career College, and Florida Technical College for more than 10 years. The combined experience as a subject matter expert, instructor, and program coordinator has allowed me to teach multiple courses including Phlebotomy, Cardio Respiratory, Clinical, and Laboratory Procedures. As a subject matter expert, I have been actively engaged in medical assisting program-related activities designed to enhance the quality of the program.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: An inclusive diverse learning environment creates opportunities for dynamic interactions at the organizational level. Diversity is a great asset that if valued by the organization will enhance the quality of the human relations. Appreciating diversity in the workplace promotes the conditions for meaningful dialogue and collaboration with our colleagues as we all work together to achieve common goals. Understanding that multiculturalism exerts a positive influence in attaining unity and support corroborates the organization’s mindset of building a community of learners based on trust and respect.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A: My career as a health care professional is one of the greatest accomplishments. Although I did not have the support of family, and I faced many obstacles to complete my degree, making the decision to become a medical assistant has opened doors for my family and has continued to be promising.
- I was able to become an entrepreneur by creating my own Medical Billing and Medical Management company.
- I have over 10 years of experience in health care management and administration
- I am now able to make a difference in the career that I have a love and passion by becoming a Medical Assisting instructor and Program Coordinator.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Black History Month is a time to honor those who fought for me to have the opportunity at an education and to ensure that the legacy lives on in my children. To also be reminded of what struggles and adversity that they had to face in their time.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: Yes. The role model that is currently in my life is Dr. Eli Dumeny. Dr. Dumeny is a board certified physician with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Laser hair removal packages are available as well as removal of spider veins and skin tags. He has been serving the community since 1995 and has done charity work in our native country Haiti.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A1: Do not let anyone discourage you from making the decision to being and wanting better for yourself and your family.
A2: You will outgrow many people around you and that’s ok.
A3: Do not feel guilty for your growth and success
A4: Do not walk away because you fell! Get up, acknowledge your strengths and opportunities, and try harder.
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Dyron Garvin – HVAC & Electrical Instructor – Pembroke Pines Campus (Feb. 24, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have been working in education for four years.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity in the workplace is extremely important! I believe an organization cannot be prosperous without diversity. The most successful companies are extremely diverse.
Q: What achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A: Seeing my students develop into technicians and Serving in the Military
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: It allows the world to understand the trials, tribulations, and contributions African Americans and their counterparts went through to put us in position to succeed.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: My Father, Albert Garvin
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: Chase Perfection!!!!
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Lucian Batson – Barbering Student – Kissimmee Campus (Feb. 23, 2022)
Originally from the city that never sleeps, Lucian Batson is a student studying in the barbering program at Florida Technical College’s Kissimmee campus. At the moment, Batson’s main short-term goal is to attain his degree, but long-term he’s hoping to own a barbershop. Lucian loves the barbering career path and is fascinated by the many working parts it takes to operate a successful business. He also has many hobbies and believes that with good grades and hard work, all things are possible.
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Dewen A. Grant – Security Guard – Kissimmee Campus (Feb. 22, 2022)
Dewen A. Grant serves as a security guard at Florida Technical College’s Kissimmee Campus, and he was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He graduated from Ardenne High School, in Jamaica. Dewen has accomplished some amazing goals, including becoming a U.S. citizen. In addition, Mr. Grant had traveled to many countries, including England and France. Inspired by his international experience, Dewen enjoys helping people and learning from other cultures. Other than traveling, some of his hobbies include going to the beach, movies, and visiting the theaters. He also enjoys playing both indoor and outdoor volleyball and going on adventurous excursions. Dewen is an expert in effective communication and he enjoys singing and acting. He has several goals for his future, including paying off his debts and retiring comfortably. His favorite quote is the following: “It is what it is, and it is going to be what it is going to be, so let’s get it on.”
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Nosakhere Kamau – Director of Admissions – Lakeland Campus (Feb. 19, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: 10 years officially.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: A human being can’t exist without ideas. Since the workplace is a microcosm of society, creating a culture of success weighs heavy on the acceptance of ideas. Good diversity policy fuels the engine & model of growth within a company & achieves the most important objective of why businesses are created, for human well-being.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A1. Being a servant and providing opportunities to others.
A2. Being traveled & exposed to varied ways of life
A3. Discovering a spiritual path.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: It means there’s much more work to be done, & depth of outlook to be acquired in comprehending why & how history exists.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: My parents.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: Life is a random walk. A career is a mask that one wears while on the walk/journey of survival. It must be conducted wisely. A career helps you acquire and keep up the ambiance of life…but should not be mistaken as life. As far as leadership….In order to lead it is incumbent upon you to have vision to see what others cannot see. Also, a leader must constantly work on themselves to positively impact other lives. And in the words of a great scholar: “Being a leader does not mean dominating the situation. It means empowering people to do what they would not have imagined possible”.
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Ny’Quon Brown – Barbering Student – Kissimmee Campus (Feb. 18, 2022)
Ny’Quon Brown is a student at Florida Technical College, Kissimmee Camus where he is finishing his Barbering degree. Mr. Brown is from the attractive city of Cocoa, Florida. Since he was very young, he wanted to be a professional barber. When he is not busy, he enjoys cutting hair and practicing his barbering skills with his friends. Ny’Quan is very committed to his career. One of his professional goals is to open his business and to own his own building after years of experience.
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Alvin C Daniell – Electrical Program Instructor – Pembroke Pines (Feb. 17, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have worked in education for 58 years.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity in the workplace is very relevant. I have had my own company for 32 years and encouraged diversity in race, color and religious persuasion.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A: The first was being able to travel to St. Louis, Missouri during the early seventies and acquire my Master’s degree at a time when Black Power was very present.
The second was being able to lecture at University level in 1985 at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
The third is to achieve my ultimate goal of being able to be a Professor at both Miami Dade College and Florida Technical College and to be able to give back to students the education and experience I have gained in Engineering throughout my career.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Black History month gives me the opportunity to reflect on the contributions of black engineers many of whom were never recognized. In teaching the history of Engineering I ensure these achievements are highlighted to my students.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: Yes. Apart from the outstanding ones like Martin Luther King and Mohammed Ali, I am influenced by Benjamin Banneker for his role in building the city of Washington and Katherine Johnson for her role in NASA.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: The sky is not the limit for those who want to make a difference in this world.
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Daryn Simms – Barbering Instructor – Kissimmee Campus (Feb. 16, 2022)
Daryn Simms is a Barbering instructor at Florida Technical College, Kissimmee Campus. His hometown is Wichita, Kansas. He studied at Full Sail College. Professor Simms is committed to support and guide his students to accomplish their careers. During his free time, Prof. Simms enjoys music, videos and graphic designs. His favorite quote is the following: “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”
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Ian Jackson – Eligible Career Pathways Program Coordinator – South Miami (Feb. 15, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have been employed in an educational capacity (educator, temporary instructor, speech & debate coach, personal tutor, science and nature camp counselor) since 2000.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: A diversified workforce is necessary in any scenario. Uniting each individual under a common idea is necessary. Many of the key aspects employed by the United States incorporated key contributions from minorities.
Some Examples:
- 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment
- Tuskegee Airmen
- Navajo Code Talkers
- Nisei Soldiers
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A: The achievements of a flexible mind, diversified perspectives, and the initiative to expand them.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Although it is utilized to commemorate the achievements of a marginalized demographic, it does so at the expense of including the significance of these individuals within their respected time periods within standardized curriculums. For example, a standard curriculum will cover a historical event, excluding key minority figures and their exploits, only to collect these people out of their time periods that they were originally omitted, in order to celebrate their achievements during “Black History Month,’ and they are never mentioned again until the following year. Including these people within a standard curriculum enriches the learning process.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: Yes, and they are not celebrities. Although, celebrities have a level of significance within society. The most influential role models are parents, and other people whom I have observed over the span of many years. It is an accumulation of experiences on a person-to-person basis, but, this goes for any personal contact that I have with various ethnicities.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: I have a list of book for them to read on their life’s journey.
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley
- Rich Dad, Poor, Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu
- Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates
- 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
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Akerah Carter – Financial Aid Coordinator (Feb. 14, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have worked in education for almost eight and a half years.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: I think diversity in the workplace is important because representation leads to a world of possibilities. Not only in relating to others but, understanding how we are different. I think we need to appreciate both the things we have in common and learn about cultural differences.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Black History is important to me, as it takes time to recognize the accomplishments of our people. Every hardship my ancestors may have faced, they overcame those obstacles and survived for me to be where I am today.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: I would say my grandmother was the most influential African American to me. She grew up in the ’30s and ’40s in rural Mississippi. We spent so much time together when I was little, and I learned a lot of life lessons by listening to her stories.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: Starting your career can be scary, especially if you are taking a leap of faith or relocating. The most important thing to remember is that without risks and taking chances, you’ll never know what your potential could be. Becoming a great leader means understanding the people you represent. We are a team, and we rise and fall together. Leaders make sure their team has what they need to succeed, and more importantly, care about their development.
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Tyrenna Gonsalves – Executive Admissions Representative – Central Florida East (Feb. 12, 2022)
My name is Tyrenna Gonsalves; I was born at the Navy Base in Sanford, Florida, and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My favorite place is the beach. I moved to Florida in 1986 and started employment with Seminole County Public Schools for almost 20 years. I have been employed with Florida Technical College since April 30, 2007, in Admissions. I became the Associate Director of Admissions on December 1, 2010, and I am currently the Executive Admissions Representative for online programs for Deland and Orlando Campuses. I have had over 900 Graduates in my duration with FTC. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1981. I believe in what education can do for your life and the opportunities which are presented to you. I am very proud of the work I do every day. This is my passion and I am driven to meet my goals and exceed them by guiding, supporting, and encouraging others to pursue their education for a brighter future for themselves and their family. I am looking forward to sharing with other new Admissions Representatives just how you too can be not just great but exceptional!
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Denise Sumner – Institutional Program Director of Medical Billing and Coding (Feb. 11, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have worked in education for over 10 years for non-profit and profit schools in the Central Florida area and outside the states.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity plays an important role in how we interact and communicate with our students and/or staff
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A1: Birth of my daughter, Anjali
A2: My business: Sweet D’s Delights
A3: My career path
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Because I am of different cultures, each one is special to me. However, for Black History, it means that what my ancestors did, made it easier for me to succeed today.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life
A: I don’t really have many influential African American role models in my life. My everyday role model is my mom, Marsha. She has always fought for what was right and wrong. For instance, in the 1980s we lived in Montgomery Alabama, and my brother and I were not allowed on the playground. My mother fought for our rights and we were eventually allowed to play on the playground.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A1: Never take no.
A2: Always go after what you want.
A3: You have to work hard, but in the end, it is all worth it.
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April Gibson – Deland – Career Services Coordinator (Feb. 10, 2022)
April Gibson has been working with Florida Technical College for 12 years, and currently serves the Deland campus as the Career Services Coordinator. In her role, she has the opportunity to build strong relationships with employers in our surrounding communities, allowing students and graduates the opportunity to excel within their careers.
NUC University and Florida Technical College’s mission is to develop educated and enterprising individuals capable of successfully inserting themselves into the labor market, and her heart is a definite reflection of that. April’s alignment with the organization’s mission keeps me striving to do more for our students.
April Gibson is also an active Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), holding a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Entrepreneurship Management and Marketing both obtained from Florida Technical College, NUC.
She is a wife to a loving husband, a mother to 3 beautiful young adults, and “Gigi” to one granddaughter. In her free time, April enjoys spending time with family, God, singing, motorcycle riding, and mentoring youth within the community.
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Patrice Catalano – South Miami – Senior Admissions Representative (Feb. 9, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have worked in education for almost three years.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity in the workplace is essential because it helps us realize similarities in our values.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A: The three accomplishments that mean the most to me so far are my education, working in an environment where I know I make a difference, and walking through the halls or in classrooms at Florida Technical College and being greeted by so many who know me as Mrs. Patrice or Mrs. Catalano.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Black History Month reminds me that the word minority no longer has the same meaning. The masses conform. Minorities are a small group of individuals who refuse to refuse to give up their identities.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: The most influential African American role model in my life was without question, my grandmother. She refused to give up. She taught me the value of money and the importance of education.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: If you procrastinate or you have a habit of not finishing what you start then you cannot ask those around you if they think you can or will do it. You can only show them this time will be different.
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Anthony Donaldson – Barbering Instructor – Kissimmee Campus (Feb. 8, 2022)
Anthony Donaldson is a Barbering instructor at Florida Technical College, Kissimmee Campus. Anthony was born in the picturesque city of Clearwater, Florida. His area of expertise is cutting hair, and believes that the best technique to achieve his goals is being the best he can. When is not busy working, he enjoys basketball and football games. In addition, Anthony loves to play video games. His favorite quote is the following: “Be yourself.”
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Sherika Dacres – Adjunct Faculty General Education (Feb. 7, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: 16 years (K-12 and Higher Education)
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity is essential in the workplace. It allows for exposure to diverse cultures, different groups of people and builds acceptance and tolerance of others. When we work with other individuals from different backgrounds and cultures we gain a better understanding of the individuals we work with and can learn from. Working with and within a diverse work environment teaches us about our strengths and how these individual and unique strengths can be pooled together to better a team and build cohesiveness.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A1: Building a strong family dynamic
A2: Becoming an Author “Death by Burnout: Education’s Dirty Little Secret.” – Available on Amazon
A3: Achieving my Doctoral Degree & Ongoing Career Advancement
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Black History Month means the ongoing remembrance, recognition, and thanks given African Americans/Black individuals who have made great contributions to the advancement of equality and rights of the African diaspora.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: Yes, My mother, Dorothy Murray, is the main influential person and role model in my life. Her hard work as an educator, her dedication as a mother and provider, and her ability to speak wisdom and strength to encourage others to succeed are influential qualities that have made me the woman, mother, friend, professional, colleague, and citizen that I am today.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: First, you must believe that you “Can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” Hard work, determination, dedication, having a growth mindset, and surrounding yourself with individuals who can be your blanket of support and vice versa will be beneficial.
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Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have been in the education field for 18 years starting at a Community College in Roxbury MA before stints at several Central FL schools. This is my second stint at FTC starting originally in 2005.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity in the workplace is one of the keys to an organization’s success. Diversity brings with it cultural awareness, a workforce that represents the customer base, and a multitude of ideas that could be beneficial to the decision-making process.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
- Founding The Montserrat Aspirers, a non-profit organization that caters to the needs of the Montserrat Diaspora in the Boston MA area.
- Starting the Bank of Montserrat, a Caribbean financial institution that satisfies the financial needs of Montserratians on the island.
- Graduating from Capella University with a Ph.D. in Business Administration specializing in Finance at the age of 70.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Black History Month allows me to reflect on the hardships that many black citizens endured so that there could be an incremental change towards the more perfect union that our Founding Fathers spoke of. It also allows me to observe the achievements made by many and recognize the many possibilities for advancement in this United States.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: First, President Barack Obama exemplifies the adage that all things are possible. If you can dream it, you can be it.
Second, Dr. Shirley Jackson, Ph.D. in Physics from MIT. Her experiments in telecommunications paved the way for fiber optics, the touch-tone phone, and the portable fax. Dr. Jackson is also an educator, President of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: Anyone looking to start their career should first lay the educational foundation. Education is the key to a successful career. We are told that most leaders are born, but if you are not a born leader you can learn the traits of a good leader. Education helps to transform you into the person you aspire to be.
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Makeala Brittain – Regional Student Support Services (Orlando / DeLand) (Feb. 4, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: 17 years; seven in secondary education and ten in higher education
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity is highly imperative; people need to see a true representation of the world when they enter their workplace, and the world is diverse with contributions from all cultures.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
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- Being one of the youngest black female high school social studies department chairs in the county in which I worked (at age 25)
- Getting certified and started my life coaching practice four years ago
- The strong family and friend relationships that I’ve maintained over the years
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Although certainly not the only time to be celebrated, it is a special time to recognize the countless contributions Black Americans have made to this country and others. It signifies, empowerment, pride, and strength to me.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: Yes, countless, but I’ll name a few: certainly my parents with whom I’m very close, my paternal grandfather when he was alive, my college English professor and mentor, and the late great Maya Angelou.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: My advice is to determine what motivates you in a career. Then surround yourself with people who have your best interest and will provide feedback because they want to see you elevate to that next level, and be true to yourself.
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Donna Myers – Career Services Coordinator (Pembroke Pines Campus) (Feb. 3, 2022)
Donna Elizabeth Myers started on April 30, 2018, at the Pembroke Pines Campus of Florida Technical College under the umbrella of NUC University.
Born in Jamaica, Myers champions the Jamaican philosophy of making the most of every opportunity, but see who you can help along the way. She moved to Florida in 1997 and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Everest University Phoenix.
Currently serving as the Career Services Coordinator, Donna says her ultimate goal is, “To ensure that our graduates and students are equipped and ready professionally and also prepared to position themselves for opportunities to become successful in the labor market.”
Considering herself a perfectionist, Donna Myers’ carries impressive goals. Her personal goal is to be a published author, while her academic goal is to complete her master’s degree in Digital Marketing & Management, and her professional goal is to continue serving others through outreach, encouragement of innovation, and assisting with professional development. She strives to do her best in everything she does, which was amplified by a nomination for the 2021 Best of the Best Award.
Donna’s hobbies include gardening, writing short stories, and traveling. Finally, she is inspired every day by her two children, who are her daily encouragement to step outside of her comfort zone and contribute to the greater good for their future generation.
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Jason Robbs – Regional Director of Career Services (Central Florida West) (Feb. 2, 2022)
Jason Robbs has been a part of the FTC family since 2019. Since joining FTC, Robbs has seen perpetual year-over-year success, aiding more than 80% of FTC Lakeland’s graduates in securing employment in their field of study. In 2020, at the height of a global pandemic, Jason helped set a record, placing 92.3% of graduates from FTC Lakeland in their field of study. With over 11 years in the education field, Jason has shown his heart for service and developing quality potential in students. Prior to his career in education, Robbs was a collegiate national champion athlete and eventually went on to coach multiple collegiate national champions and All-Americans. As Regional Director of Career Services, he strives to continue his winning tradition in the Central Florida West Region.
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have worked in adult education for over 20 years.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: Diversity in the workplace is so important to understand the perspective of our students and staff. Without exposure and understanding of the diversity of our students and staff, a high level of progress and cohesion would be difficult to attain.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A: 1. Becoming a father to my son is my greatest accomplishment. In a world where present black fathers are seemingly an endangered species, I proudly boast that my son and I go against the grain of a cultural status quo. His foundation is strong in the example I’m setting for him.
2. I was the first black teacher in the history of the high school that I graduated from. This is a huge accomplishment because that school is known for lacking cultural diversity; specifically in the African American department.
3. After being a mediocre track & field athlete in high school, I ended up going to college where I won multiple national championships, and still hold school records at multiple colleges. I wasn’t the first choice in the recruiting process but ended up being the top performer out of a selection of high-quality athletes. #Don’tCountMeOut
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: This is a time to recognize the commonly unrecognized accomplishments of a historically oppressed American population. From the beginning of our nation, Blacks have been accomplishing great feats. We have invented everyday items, such as the stoplight, the computer chip, the gas mask, the lawnmower, the inhaler; and we even performed the first brain surgery. These accomplishments have continued throughout time, all the way down to me and my accomplishments. African Americans have, and will continue to defy the odds that oppose our potential for greatness.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: Other than my dad, who taught me what it means to be a good father, I would say my grandmother and grandfather. Both of my grandparents did a lot in their lifetime to enhance the advancement of blacks in their communities. My grandmother, a mother of 10 children, helped to integrate the previously segregated local swimming pool in her community in Chanute, KS. She was also the NAACP lead in SE Kansas; spotlighting local issues in the local newspaper and radio station. At one point in my grandfather’s life, he pastored 3 churches at the same time in 3 different communities across the state of Kansas. As a student at the University of Kansas, he participated in sit-ins at the segregated campus diner and marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the historic March on Washington and Dr. Kings noted, “I Have A Dream” speech with his own ears.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: Don’t be afraid of adversity. Pressure will only make a willing heart stronger. Set a goal, keep your eyes on it, and keep pushing towards it; you won’t lose if you do this.
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Leiby Boom – Vice President of Academic Affairs (Feb. 1, 2022)
Q: How long have you worked in education?
A: I have worked in adult education for over 20 years.
Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?
A: As a sociology major in college and growing up in New York City, I learned first-hand about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Ensuring that there is a diverse environment in the workplace brings together an array of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences allowing staff to be engaged and innovative which are two characteristics that build a healthy and competitive environment.
Q: What three achievements/accomplishments in your life mean the most to you?
A: My blended family is my greatest achievement, I am a mom of six (The Boom Bunch), and seeing my adult children grow up and live happy and productive lives is the legacy I leave behind. My second greatest accomplishment has to be being one of the first in my family to complete my master’s degree and now pursuing my doctorate. Education is the most important gift you can give yourself. And lastly, becoming the Dean of Academic Affairs at Florida Technical College in 2011 led me to a path in higher education that I never thought possible. My team and I have been able to help thousands of diverse students obtain their education and enter their career paths, many of who are first-generation college graduates. I am proud that as the VP of Academic Affairs, I can continue to lead others in helping our community achieve their educational and vocational dreams.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Black History Month is a celebration of the African Diaspora, specifically African-American History. I am Afro-Latina, my parents moved to America in the ’60s from the Dominican Republic a country with deep roots in the African Culture. Growing up in NYC and Yonkers, NY I identified with the Black community almost as much as I did with my Hispanic culture, I learned early if you give respect you get respect. Black History Month, allowed me to learn more about the African American experience, and later in college through the Latin American department courses, I was able to educate myself about the differences and similarities of both. I had the indulgence to both struggle with, and later truly embrace this intersectional identity, and today, I stand proud as a Black Latina.
Q: Are there any influential African American role models in your life?
A: YES, I have many very well-known and even people that I have worked with or met over the years that have truly been influential in my life. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., however, has had a long-lasting influence in my life. His “I Have a Dream” speech, pivoted my mindset at the age of 12 when I memorized his speech winning first place in the county speech competition. From that moment on, I fell in love with words; poetry, and even more so the history, the present, and the future of our Black and Latino community. I can say this is the reason I am in higher education.
Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
A: The most important advice I can give, other than giving yourself the gift of education, is to do what you love to do and the moment you find it, share it with others. Our mission in life is to share our gifts with others, it will be your service and legacy.
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About Florida Technical College (FTC)
Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, Florida Technical College is an academic unit of NUC University (NUC), which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267- 284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). FTC offers diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus. The Baking and Pastry and Culinary Arts Diploma programs at the Kissimmee campus are programmatically accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation’s Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). ACFEF Accrediting Commission is located at 180 Center Place Way St. Augustine, Florida 32095. Tel: (800) 624-9458. Fax: (904) 825-4758, E-mail: acf@acfchefs.net.
