The Journey THE NEWSLETTER OF THE RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM SPRING 2021

Message from the President back, over 2,000 high achieving young all the demands life can throw your way; leaders now form a network with an expo- add pandemic, dysfunctional politics, shut- nential impact. Amazingly, our incoming tered businesses, and remote schools, and 2021 Ron Brown Scholars already sense it’s no wonder the stress is taking its toll. that they are joining a family that wants to Just remember, we are here for each other help their potential be realized and their in good times and bad, a cheering section successes amplified. as well as a support system. Scholars realize This issue of The Journey is full of good that if they need help or a friendly ear, all news: fellowships won, degrees earned, they have to do is pick up the phone to con- businesses and nonprofits founded! Two nect to a RBS friend, advisor or staff. Scholars, Angela Smedley (2000) and Mi- In spite of the challenges we are all fac- chael Thompson (2001), made partner at ing, RBSP has a lot to cheer about. A $5M their law firms. RBS physicians, scientists, gift from the Norman and Ruth Rales and public health officials are working dili- Foundation has allowed us to double the gently day-in and day-out to help us return number of scholarships we award for the to normal. And our young leaders—from next 5 years! Starting with this year’s in- public officials to community organizers— coming class, we awarded 45 Ron Brown are fighting to make sure that this “new Scholarships instead of the usual 20-25. To normal” doesn’t repeat the follies and in- honor the Rales family, whose definition of justices of the past. a meaningful life is rooted in service and Ron Brown Scholars are changing the an uncompromising belief in the promise world. But as a group, we are not immune of the future, we’ve renamed our Leaders he Ron Brown Scholar Program to the pressures, challenges and grief that Network. With pride, we salute The Ron T (RBSP) celebrates its 25th anniversary life can throw our way. To those Scholars Brown - Ruth and Norman Rales Leaders this year. As I think about where we began, who feel like you’re struggling just to keep Network – a trusted source of job and in- I am astounded by how far the Program your head above water: we are equally ternship opportunities for Scholars and has come, how vastly our constellation proud of you. These are historically diffi- Captains facilitated through networking, of Scholars stretches and how bright they cult times; as we find ourselves pulled in a recruiting, resume collections, seminars shine as leaders and thinkers effecting million directions, we also have to look to and annual conferences. positive change. Because of our undying our own mental and physical wellbeing. I commitment to mentorship and giving know full well how hard it can be to juggle (continued on page 2) Message from the President The Rales Foundation Gifts $5M to (continued from cover) The Ron Brown Scholar Program to Your continuous generosity and that of friends like Josh, Mitchell and Stephen Increase Scholarships Rales has created the dynamic community originally envisioned by Anthony Pilaro. We call upon the entire Ron Brown com- munity to lean into our network of Schol- ars, mentors and friends and to continue to lift each other.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Mallory President and CEO

Kelly Raymond Celebrates 25 years with RBSP

Above: Norman & Ruth Rales The Ron Brown Scholar Program is RBSP will continue fundraising to maintain excited to announce a $5M gift from The our own commitment to supporting 20-25 Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation. Ron Brown Scholars annually. We ask that This game-changing grant will double the you continue your support of our work to number of scholarships the Program is able benefit this expanding base of Scholars. to award over the next five years. The Rales Together, we can advance the ongoing Foundation’s underwriting of one hundred leadership development of these students— twenty-five additional scholarships increases and the more than 2,000 students enrolled our incoming cohorts to almost 50 freshmen, in our three signature programs: the Ron each of whom will receive $40,000 toward Brown Scholarship, Leaders Network, and their educational expenses. In making this the Guided Pathway Support Program. The 25th anniversary of the Ron Brown generous grant, the Foundation recognized Scholar Program also marks Kelly Ray- the life-changing impact this Program mond’s 25th year with the Program. A About Norman & Ruth Rales has had on a generation of talented but The Norman & Ruth Rales Foundation is graduate of George Mason University, Kel- underprivileged young African Americans. ly was the first hire under Mike Mallory, dedicated to supporting children and families We look forward to 2021 — our 25th facing hardship by creating opportunities for and suffered through the growing pains as year — with optimism and a renewed sense she and Mike learned how to get a small them to realize life’s potential. of purpose. The Rales Foundation gift is a The foundation strives to advance the nonprofit up and running. She has done strong foundation for our next 25 years. it all, acting as Mike’s assistant, mail sort- legacy of Norman and Ruth Rales, two The ripple effects of their generosity are individuals from modest means who built an er, business manager, chief data officer and incalculable: twice as many Scholars means mentor. Kelly’s primary area of focus is on extraordinary life together based upon the twice as many transformative leaders. values of integrity, compassion, hard work, and keeping the financials of the Program in Ron Brown Scholars have already become order. She is probably best known by RBS giving back to others. Norman Rales, raised in innovators in fields as diverse as the arts, the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in Harlem during as the most important person at the Pro- science, and public service. This next gram, as she has written every scholarship the Great Depression - where he learned generation of Ron Brown Scholars will have lessons about the value of community, striving, check administered to students. double the opportunity to promote racial Thanks Kelly! and resiliency - was honored to be the 2010 equality in America, and with your help, we recipient of the Ron Brown Scholar Program will be there to support them all the way. American Journey Award.

2 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program Leaders Network Partners Bolster LEADERS NETWORK Virtual Learning for Ron Brown PARTNERS Students The Ron Brown – Ruth and Norman leaders who share insights and advice Rales Leaders Network has always been a from their own career journeys as they community of achievers with high ideals ascended into leadership positions. We who come together for inspiration and are also offering opportunities for Partners opportunity. Never has this community to engage with Alumni (young and mid- been more important than in the past year. career) through our recently launched Our Partners have played a critical role in series, Alumni Office Hours. delivering opportunities for our students Our popular Ron Brown Leaders Summit to grow their professional skills and will be held online from June 22-26, 2021 knowledge through virtual events including and although we will miss being in-person, career education and awareness of jobs we are able to build in additional days and and internship openings. Students tuned programming to the event. We hope you in over the past few months to learn and will save the dates and follow updates at discuss topics such as Personal Branding ronbrownleaderssummit.org. with Travelers and the growth of the Clean Thank you to all our Partners and Energy Sector with Apex Energy. community of volunteers. Events like this In the coming months, we will continue would not be possible without your support. learning and connecting through webinars Your investment of time and resources into and our Professional Development Panel these types of educational programs are Series. This series is designed to inspire extremely valuable to the development of our students with stories from incredible our Ron Brown students.

Ron Brown Leaders Summit June 22 – 26, 2021 | All Events Online

Partner Latham & Watkins Student Internship Reflection

Grant Alexander, RBS 2018, a junior projects, and it didn’t feel like there was Economics major at Morehouse provides a rigid hierarchy at all. They spoke to me reflections on his internship experience as if I was their equal, not just an intern with Leaders Network partner, Latham & there to do the work that no one else Watkins LLP. wanted to do. Later, when projects would “This past summer and winter, I had the be published or presented, I would see my amazing opportunity to intern with Latham actual work and input in the final product, & Watkins LLP., one of the most and that showed that they didn’t just ask prestigious law firms in the world. I worked for my input for the sake of asking, but remotely as a Global Recruiting Intern in that my voice actually mattered. During the Orange County and New York offices the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot happened and honestly, throughout my experience on my end personally regarding my family, working, I never felt like an intern in the and they were extremely accommodating conventional sense. I was assigned various and understanding. They even sent me projects that involved working with my own firm laptop to complete assigned attorneys on interview scheduling and work and care packages that included gifts feedback loops as well as staff-side higher and goodies for the whole recruiting team. ups in HR among other departments that Overall, my experience was amazing, and dealt with data entry, outreach, and general I’d love to work with Latham & Watkins office research and responsibilities. again in the future!” Oftentimes, my supervisors would ask Grant Alexander (RBS 2018) for my opinions on various topics and

Spring 2021 3 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

Serkute Abebe Yasmeen Adeleke Sade Adeniran Chidimma Adinna Jerron-Michael Arline Holly, NC Waldorf, MD San Diego, CA Ontario, CA Beaumont, TX Political Science & Sociology Electrical Engineering and Business Administration Chemical & Physical Biology Neuroscience & Social Computer Science and Psychology Policy Analysis

Devonte Billings Nicole Campbell Jaylen Cocklin Jean Colas Fatimah Coppin Sunrise, FL Milton GA Columbia, SC Immokalee, FL Fresh Meadows, NY) Computer Science Cognitive Science Political Science/ Biochemistry Biological Sciences Government

Bank Daniel Amalia Desir Mohamed Elhassan Elishevlyne Peirce Ellis Independence, MO Massapequa, NY) Hammond, MD Eliason Bromall, PA Computer Science Neuroscience/ Symbolic Systems Aurora, CO Economics & Government Cognitive Sciences Political Science

Dinan Elsyad Abel Geleta Rediet Marlon Griggs Makayla Harris Lorton, VA Arlington, VA Ghebrehiwet Jacksonville, FL Ann Arbor, MI Neuroscience & Political Science Silver Spring, MD Chemistry & Political Undecided International Relations History & Public Policy Science

Mia Hurts Robert Igbokwe Kadija Ismail Shaltiy-El Jackson Eric Jones Houston, TX Chicago, IL Springfield, VA Houston, TX Saint Rose, LA Public Health Undecided Computer Science & Biology Biomedical Engineering Public Policy

4 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program 2021 RON BROWN SCHOLARS

Nicholas Joyner Katherine Keaton Faith Kumi Moses Matanda Mikayla Merin Jacksonville, FL Cary, NC Marietta, GA Plano, TX Philadelphia, PA Nursing American Studies or Political Science Biomedical Engineering Sociology Ethnicity, Race & Migration

Ahmed Muhammad Kennedy Odiboh Emmanuel Okyere Norah Ostin Bryant Perkins Oakland, CA Stone Mountain, GA Columbus, OH Pittsburgh, PA Ocean Springs, MS Computer Science & Molecular, Cellular and Computer Science Environmental Engineering Computer Science Engineering Developmental Biology

Ja’Karri Pierre Maximillion Lydia Shimelis Belay Kynnedy Smith Da’vion Tatum Boston, MA Shearod Aurora, CO Shaker Heights, OH Houston, TX Public Health & Public Policy Houston, TX Neuroscience, Computer Computer Science & Music Biomedical Engineering / Cognitive Science Science & Philosophy Pre-med, Pre-law

Sebastian Ward Madison Webb Kyle Willard Malaya Williams Jamaal Willis New Haven, CT Fairburn, GA Fairburn, GA Lakeland, FL Apple Valley, CA Political Science Sociology Sociology Sociology Political Science/ Government

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF RON BROWN SCHOLAR IMPACT

Spring 2021 5 Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) Spring Update

Finding the right college can be a daunting interviews, leaving positive comments to succeed on the modern campus and in process. When the pandemic forced and sharing numerous opportunities, I’m the modern workplace. The program also universities to adjust admissions policies, grateful for the resources GPS has offered empaneled its inaugural student-led GPS parents and students had more questions me. However, I am even more so grateful Leadership Council, which will coordinate about test optional policies, grading, how for the sense of purpose and direction my service projects in areas such as mental to participate in club activities, application GPS family provided me.” health and professional development and requirements, financial aid and gap years. One of the country’s few African improve engagement within the GPS As of this year, the Guided Pathway American college counseling organizations, community. The Ron Brown Scholar Support Program has offered front line the Guided Pathway Support Program works Program has partnered with venture capital college counseling services to over 4,000 to keep students updated on the constantly firm General Catalyst to develop a virtual, African American high school students evolving college admissions process and venture capital exploration externship for across the country. GPS convenes African connected to leadership opportunities. selected Guided Pathway Support Program American high school sophomores, juniors “I want to extend a HUGE thank you to students this summer 2021. and seniors to an online college access the GPS family for absolutely everything,” Senior GPS advisor and Ron Brown community for counseling and support. said Kristian Hardy, a member of the GPS Captain Candace Howze is motivated “I never thought one application would Class of 2020 and Ron Brown Captain. to work with GPS students because she positively impact my life so much, but “This is a super special community and I'm knows firsthand how beneficial, and rare, the GPS community proved me wrong,” very thankful to be here!” it is to have personalized attention in the said Jalexis Edwards, GPS Class of This year, GPS partnered with Google’s college admissions process. “Black students 2020 student. “Being a part of the GPS Applied Digital Skills Group in a face additional and unique challenges to community changed my life and my future. collaboration to ensure that GPS students opportunity,” said Candace, who initially From editing college essays, having mock develop the digital literacy skills needed worked with GPS as a volunteer. “It's incredibly rewarding to guide students through the process and ensure that they have an advocate who affirms their potential and their dreams.” African American high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply to the Guided Pathway Support Program at rbsgps.com. GPS accepts applications and serves students throughout the calendar year.

Now Accepting Applications

A student’s recent post celebrates dual scholarship awards. GPS advisors work throughout the www.rbsgps.com calendar year to connect students to scholarship and leadership development opportunities.

Metrics from the GPS Workplace from Facebook platform measure connections made between community members across time.

6 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program Scholar Profile:Congressman Mondaire Jones (RBS 2005) NY 17th District serving Westchester and Rockland Counties

“I'm fighting to ensure that every- Mondaire worked in the Obama one in my community has a stable Administration in the Department roof over their heads, food on the of Justice Office of Legal Policy. He table, quality health care, a good graduated from Harvard Law School education, and a habitable planet. I in 2013. Mondaire clerked on the hope that my greatest impact is to U.S. District Court for the Southern help others realize that such a world District of New York and spent years is not only possible -- it is within our in private practice, where he was rec- reach.” ognized by the Legal Aid Society of A product of East Ramapo pub- New York for his pro bono service. lic schools, Mondaire was raised Mondaire is a co-founder of the in Section 8 housing and on food nonprofit Rising Leaders, Inc., which stamps in the working-class Village teaches professional skills to under- of Spring Valley by a single mother served middle-school students in who worked multiple jobs to provide three American cities, and has served for their family. He saw firsthand the on the board of the New York Civil role that government must play in gradually changed his mind. His continued Liberties Union. Prior to running for ensuring that all members of our society are participation in the NAACP, his leadership Congress, Mondaire was a litigator in the able to live in dignity. in the Associated Students of Stanford Uni- Westchester County Law Department. Mondaire's understanding of what he versity (through which he served on the After his election to Congress in No- saw around him would both deepen and Undergraduate Senate and as Student Body vember 2020, Mondaire was unanimously mature through his involvement in the Vice President, and led numerous success- elected by his classmates to be the Fresh- NAACP during high school and eventually ful initiatives), his summer internship at man Representative to Leadership in the as a 19-year-old committee chairman on the the Stanford Legal Clinic and his studies, all 117th Congress, the most influential posi- organization’s National Board of Directors. convinced him that he could be most im- tion available to a freshman member. He Mondaire arrived at Stanford University pactful through political and legal advocacy. will make history as the nation's first open- planning to major in English and change A recipient of Stanford's prestigious ly gay, Black member of Congress. the world through a career as a novelist, but John Gardner Public Service Fellowship,

Google Applied Digital Skills & RBSP Partner

The Ron Brown Scholar Programhave combined the ADS curriculum and (RBSP) and Google’s Applied Digital Skills their own expertise to demystify even the (ADS) have formed a new partnership most daunting parts of the process. GPS aimed at closing the digital divide. ADS a Navigators have the chance to learn, to ask Google initiative designed to address the questions and to apply the skills they’ve structural inequalities built into the current learned to their own college journey. One of the Leaders Network’s annual clinic, have distribution of technological literacy. Put the great things about the GPS platform is proved particularly popular, and her first- simply, it aims to ensure that all people— that it engages students both synchronously come, first-served office hours have given regardless of race, gender, age or income— and asynchronously— for every student we current undergraduates an opportunity to can acquire a working understanding of have tuning in to these live webinars, four review their materials one-on-one with a the basic digital tools necessary to succeed more will watch the recordings, which are real expert. in the twenty first century. As a part of posted to the platform and available on- The Ron Brown Scholar Program’s this effort, students from all three RBSP demand. partnership with Google’s Applied Digital initiatives—Captains, Scholars and GPS Barbara Kessler, longtime friend and Skills will ensure that every student in our Navigators— have the opportunity to volunteer with RBSP is bringing her network— from the newest GPS Navigator master the nuts and bolts of digital tools extensive experience as an Academic to our senior Captains and Scholars— has they’ll need to gain acceptance to college, Services Mentor and Director of Human both the tech savvy and the cultural skills thrive once they matriculate and go on to Resources at the University of Virginia to they need to succeed. ADS lessons provide successful careers after graduation. the undergraduate members of The Ron an engaging, interactive introduction Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) Brown – Ruth and Norman Rales Leaders to the technological cornerstones of the team members, Candace Howze and Ray Network. Her series of professional modern workplace, from spreadsheets Pryor, have spearheaded the integration development webinars focuses on the and word processing to online research of this curriculum into their popular skills and documents necessary to translate and multimedia presentations. Our weekly college advising webinar series. students’ academic and pre-professional team provides the all-important human Covering the entire college application experiences into further opportunities, be connection, the individualized attention process, from searching for schools to they graduate or professional school, work and outreach that have always been the filling out the Federal Application for or service. Her resume and cover letter hallmark of the Ron Brown Scholar Student Aid (FAFSA), Candace and Ray workshops, which this year supplemented Program.

Spring 2021 7 Scholar Profile:Amanda Bass (RBS 2006) Supervisor, Capital Habeas Unit Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona

Amanda Bass has just been promoted, sions a future in which the barbaric practice yet hopes that there will soon be no need of the death penalty is obsolete, but until for her job. As Supervisor in the Capital then is focused on stepping in where lives Habeas Unit at the Office of the Federal are at stake because of racism in policing Public Defender for the District of Ari- and punishing, and challenging the larger zona, she advocates for death-sentenced framework of our legal system which allow people in their federal appeals, people for the utmost violation of human rights. whose humanity have been devoured by a Amanda has always been passionate in her corrupted criminal justice system. Primar- pursuit of social justice, but while studying ily, Amanda’s goal is to challenge wrongful Mathematics and Black Studies at Amherst convictions and sentences; demonstrating College was unsure about the direction of how an individual’s constitutional rights her career. She took a semester off in order have been compromised and whose impris- to serve as a community organizer in Geor- onment is therefore unlawful. Her work gia during the Obama 2008 campaign. involves collaborating with a team to tell Working primarily on voter registration her clients’ stories, navigating around and initiatives, Amanda was confronted by the through the procedural hurdles that com- ways that allegedly race-neutral voting laws plicate post-conviction capital punishment disenfranchise poor and working-class trials, and now as Supervisor, mentoring people of color for whom access is limited younger lawyers who are new to capital to state ID’s, boards of elections, and other habeas litigation. basic needs that would enable them to cast When Amanda, whose path into the field a ballot. This explicit discrimination against was not a straight line, is asked whether she people in marginalized communities fueled tional human rights law, combined with her could see herself in this work long-term, she Amanda’s desire to attend law school where experience as a law fellow with the Equal responds, “Well, hopefully we will not be her coursework in more specialized subjects Justice Initiative, eventually led her to the doing this for a while.” Like many, she envi- such as critical race theory and interna-

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ADVISORY BOARD

Samuel Z. Alemayehu (RBS 2004) Anthony M. Pilaro Karla Aghedo (RBS 2001) Managing Director, Africa Cambridge Industries Ltd Chairman Emeritus RBSF Board of Trustees, Founder & CEO, The Aghedo Firm Patrick Baker Chairman, CAP Foundation, CAP Advisers Limited Darryl Cobb Manager/Producer of Dublin Partner, Charter School Growth Fund Nicole K. Bates Brian Siegel Matthew D. Cutts Senior Advisor, Strategy & Planning, Pivotal Ventures Principal, Deloitte Partner, Squire Patton Boggs, LLP Douglas C. Boggs Aaron S. Williams Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen Partner, DLA Piper LLP (US) Senior Advisor—Emeritus, International Director, SDG Impact, United Nations Development Development & Government Relations, RTI Dr. L.D. Britt Programme International Brickhouse Professor and Chairman, Department of Eleanor Branch (RBS 2001) Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School EMERITUS TRUSTEES Product Strategy, ServiceNow Ambassador Diana Dougan Dorian Dargan (RBS 2007) Chairman, Cyber Century Forum Terri Dean Designer and Product Leader, Human Interface Retired Corporate Executive Meredith Eggers Design, Apple Co-Founder, Re-Source Jack Leslie Chris Foley, PhD Chairman, Weber Shandwick Jordan Goldberg Senior Consultant and Healthcare Practice Lead, Plus Entrepreneur Thaderine D. MacFarlane Delta Partners Philanthropist Jonathan Greenblatt Caleb Franklin (RBS 2001) CEO, Anti-Defamation League Marva A. Smalls Founder and Managing Partner, Matter Advisors EVP, Global Inclusion Strategy, VIACOM, Dane E. Holmes Dana Goldsmith EVP, Public Affairs and Chief of Staff, VIACOM Kids Entrepreneur CEO, Eskalera & Family Group Michelle C. Ifill Esq. Shavonne Gordon Kathy Thornton-Bias VP, Enterprise Diversity Recruiting, Capital One Executive Coach and Consultant, McIfill Consulting, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater LLC Milwaukee Anthonie Goudemond SVP and Head of HR, Siemens Healthineers Michael A. Mallory Michael Treisman President & CEO, Ron Brown Scholar Fund, General Counsel, Global Capital Markets, Lynne Hale Executive Director, Ron Brown Scholar Program Bain Capital Vice President, Publicity and Communications, Lucasfilm Ltd. Gavin McFarland Tom Werner Philanthropist Chairman, Boston Red Sox, Morgan Harper (RBS 2001) Andrew C. Pilaro Partner and Co-Founder, Carsey-Werner LLC Senior Advisor, American Economics Liberties Project Chairman, CAP Advisers Limited of Dublin

8 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program capital habeas space. Here, she says, she the issues that plague the law and punitive found the compelling intersection between procedures in the U.S., leading to wrong- RBS Good News! racial and economic justice, human rights ful convictions and deaths. Throughout Congratulations to Ron Brown and the procedural morass that is habeas in the three-part series, Amanda helps to Scholars, Angela Smedley (RBS 2000) federal courts. convey the circumstances of Jones’ case and Michael Thompson (RBS 2001) A capital defense requires scrupulous and argues for clemency. His, which who were recently named Partners at knowledge of legal restrictions that are received far more media attention than their law firms – this is a first time any often politically motivated. But in a success- most, is emblematic but not isolated. Ron Brown Scholars have made Partner. ful argument, Amanda emphasizes that the In Amanda’s new role, she enjoys greatest importance is being a master not spending more time as a mentor to less just of the system in which you are oper- experienced capital habeas lawyers, ating, but of your record– that is, knowing helping them give voice to people facing a case and a client’s story in and out, being injustice. This, just another way she has able to speak from a factual perspective, and committed to leaving the ladder down to always speak the truth, even if it makes since being named a Ron Brown Scholar people feel uncomfortable. For a successful in 2006. Looking back, Amanda thanks defense in or outside the courtroom, she the Program for how it allowed her the says that one must advocate from a posi- freedom to consider what she truly tion of strength and that means having full wanted to pursue as a vocation without mastery of your record. having to think about debt, encouraging Amanda’s wholehearted drive to interrupt that she take time off during college for the fatal disfunction of our justice system meaningful work on the ground, and for and humanize the victims of it, is apparent the community that has been instrumen- in the 2018 ABC docu-series produced by tal to her professional growth. Angela focuses her practice, at Viola Davis, “The Last Defense.” The series Now living in Phoenix, Arizona, when Winston & Strawn LLP, on complex features Julius Jones who was convicted of not in the office or court room, Amanda commercial litigation, leveraging first-degree murder and sentenced to death rejuvenates by stepping outside for a walk, insights from her federal court clerkship at 19-years old. Amanda served as the assis- or into her desert garden where Sonoran to defend financial services clients tant federal public defender in Jones’ federal trees and cacti grow. against individual and class actions appeal and saw this documentary as a way across multiple jurisdictions. Angela to draw awareness not just to his case, but to also employs her years of sports litigation experience to represent ADVISORY BOARD professional sports unions and athletes in labor arbitrations, antitrust litigation Judith Harrison Jonathan Piper (RBS 1998) and complex disputes at the trial and Senior Vice President, Staffing and Chief Scientific Officer, MIM Software appellate levels. Diversity & Inclusion, Weber Shandwick Danielle L. Purfey Michael is a business litigator with Ritza Y. Hendricks National Director Events & Meetings Strategy, Prince Lobel Tye LLP and represents Managing Partner, R.Y.Ink! LLC KPMG clients in a broad array of industries, Daphra Holder (RBS 2003) Joshua B. Rales including technology and biotechnology, Product Manager, Facebook Founder & Managing Partner, RFI Associates healthcare and insurance. He is Tracey Brown James Eileen Cassidy Rivera experienced in diverse commercial Managing Partner, The Cochran Firm Director for Government Services and Industry Kani Keita (RBS 2008) Positioning, Cerner Corporation litigation and appellate matters, Vice President, TPG Capital M. Michelle Robinson (RBS 1997) including litigating and advising clients Calvin C. LaRoche Associate Professor of American Studies, concerning complex business disputes; Co-Founder, DC Ventures & Associates, LLC UNC, Chapel Hill purchase price adjustment, indemnity Greg Lorjuste Kai Ross (RBS 2005) and other post-transaction disputes; Chief of Staff at ACRONYM & Lockwood Founder, Pas Pareil LLC start-up and early-stage companies’ legal Strategy Lab Georgina Sanger matters; business torts; and insurance SVP-Strategic Partnerships, EverFi, Inc Sharon Brickhouse Martin and reinsurance litigation matters. Founder and President, Brickhouse Martin Alvenia Scarborough Healthcare Engineering SVP, Corporate Communications and Chief Brand Ethan Monreal-Jackson (RBS 2008) Officer, The Chemours Company Technical Entrepreneur, Founder, Zenny Elsie Wilson Thompson Lesia Bates Moss Attorney President/CEO, Bates Consulting Group Jonice Gray Tucker Cynthia R. Murray Partner, Buckley LLP President, Cynthia Murray Enterprises, LLC Michael Williams Jeffrey Nelson (RBS 2006) Chief Medical Information Officer, University of Founder and CEO, Cinchapi and Virginia Health System Co-Founder, Blavity Tyrone “Woody” Woodyard Kaya Orkand Vice President, Communications, Sikorsky, Manager, Orion Technology Solutions, LLC a Lockheed Martin Company

Spring 2021 9 The Importance of Mentoring In an article published by The Journal of pleted any research projects? Did he have ther thought, I also realized that a more Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated, Dr. any mentors in orthopaedics? comprehensive type of mentorship could Stephen Gunther, long-term friend, donor As Joel finished his first year in medical potentially provide greater knowledge and and mentor of RBSP, and Joel Bervell, Ron school, he inquired about research oppor- wisdom to a young scholar. Brown Captain write about the importance tunities. I invited him to collaborate on I offered Joel an “orthopaedic immer- of mentoring, providing perspective on the my research on inset glenoid fixation. He sion” summer internship. Joel lived with our value of the relationship as a mentor and participated in manuscript writing and revi- family, accompanied me to work, partici- mentee. sions and created multiple 3-dimensional pated in my research, and learned the daily The article was dedicated to Dr. Gun- animations to demonstrate the advantages life of an orthopaedic surgeon. He became a ther’s father, Dr. Stephen F. Gunther, an of the inset glenoid surgical method. It was member of our family, joining us on outings orthopaedic leader and mentor, who died my hope that our collaboration would assist and activities. He also became a mentor to from COVID-19 infection on December Joel in learning about the research process, our 14-year-old twin boys. While Joel may 26, 2020. orthopaedics, and this particular area of credit this experience as being inspirational COPYRIGHT 2021 BY THE JOURNAL OF shoulder surgery. He made substantial for his career, I would argue that our lives BONE AND JOINT SURGERY, INCORPO- contributions to his first published article, were enriched even more as our perspective RATED “Inset Glenoid Technology: A Paradigm broadened and our empathy expanded. Shift in Shoulder Replacement Surgery,” which was published in the Journal of On Being Mentored: THE ORTHOPAEDIC Orthopaedic Experience & Innovation in Joel Bervell’s Perspective July 2020. FORUM When the COVID-19 pandemic elim- When Dr. Gunther generously offered What’s Important: Diversity inated Joel’s summer internship at New to fly me to Charlottesville, Virginia, for a Mentoring and Advocacy in York University, I wanted to play a stron- 5-week mini-orthopaedic surgery experi- Orthopaedics ger role in Joel’s orthopaedic mentorship. ence, I was thrilled. It was one of the kindest I felt fortunate to meet a great candidate gestures anyone has ever offered to me, Stephen B. Gunther, MD, and for our profession. Joel is smart, energetic, and it turned out to be one of my greatest Joel A. Bervell, MS passionate, and humble. He has advanced summer experiences. leadership experience, and he cares deeply Over the span of 5 weeks, I learned about Orthopaedic surgery is the least diverse about other people. various aspects of orthopaedic surgery, such surgical specialty in medicine1. One recent as reading radiographs, performing ortho- report showed that, from 2005 to 2014, paedic examinations, and tying surgical racial and ethnic minority applicants knots, while also having the opportunity to enrolled in orthopaedic residencies at a observe surgery. The experience offered a notably lower rate than White applicants2. bridge from school to the real clinical envi- A number of avenues exist for encourag- ronment. ing greater diversity in our profession. We Beyond the hospital, I learned about the present a unique example of diversity men- intangibles of a career in medicine. Since I toring and advocacy from 2 perspectives: lived with the Gunther family for 5 weeks, the mentor and the mentee. I became part of their family. Dr. Gunther’s 14-year-old sons have become my adopted Becoming a Mentor younger brothers. His wife, Dana, taught me about business and cooking. I learned I met Joel Bervell at a Ron Brown Scholar how surgeons balance the demands of work Program gala event in March 2019, when stress and call coverage with their outside my wife introduced me to this wonderful interests and family obligations. These organization for young African American insights are not taught in medical school. scholars. An affable, accomplished, and The more time I spent living with Dr. Gun- enthusiastic Yale graduate, Joel now attends ther, the more I realized that my desire to Washington State University Medical be an orthopaedic surgeon was attainable. School. His parents were born in Ghana Throughout my life, I have been fortunate and Ivory Coast. As Joel expressed a keen to be involved with incredible mentor- interest in orthopaedic surgery, we chatted We orthopaedic surgeons, as lead- ing and leadership opportunities. In high about orthopaedic career options. I tried to ers, academicians, and researchers, have school, I was selected as a Jackie Robinson impart as much helpful knowledge as possi- tremendously helpful knowledge for men- Scholar and was a Ron Brown Scholar Pro- ble. However, I wondered about Joel’s career toring. As an example, I was very fortunate gram Captain. In college, I was the director opportunities. I was touched by meeting this to learn orthopaedics from my father and of the Jones-Zimmermann Academic Men- young man, and I contemplated whether I grandfather, who were both prominent toring Program. Now, as a medical student, could help him on his career path. Did he orthopaedic surgeons. I previously served I am student body president, an Nth Dimen- have a clear picture of what an orthopae- as a faculty member at the University of sions Scholar, and chapter president of the dic career entails? Did he understand the California (UC) San Francisco and as Student National Medical Association (an complexities of navigating the orthopaedic a researcher at UC Berkeley. Why not residency selection process? Had he com- share that academic experience? On fur- (continued on page 11)

10 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program (Mentoring, continued from page 10) RBSP Adds New Staff organization dedicated to diversifying the field of medicine). Valerie Gregory, College Transition Program Coordinator Each of these opportunities has allowed me to reevaluate the term “mentor.” While created in the office of admission to mentors are great, advocates and sponsors assist families from underrepresented are even better. “Advocates” are those who and underserved groups with the college know you through firsthand experience admission process. She was in this and can highly recommend you to others. position for twenty-two years during “Sponsors” invest their personal capital which time she conducted workshops in your future career, often at their own and webinars on minority recruitment expense. They have the ability to place you best practices, presented at regional, on the next rung of your ladder through statewide and national conferences on connections and opportunities. Unfortu- topics such as college admission, essay nately, you cannot generally ask someone writing, financing a college education, to sponsor you. writing effective recommendations and Looking back on my summer orthopae- diversity initiatives. During her time dic experience, I realize that Dr. Gunther at the University she received several was a mentor, an advocate, and a sponsor. awards and recognitions for her work He helped me climb to the next rung of with diversity and inclusion, community my journey in medicine. Individuals who service, college admission, and her act as sponsors, especially in the field of Valerie is a retired Associate Dean support and mentoring to specific medicine, are few and far between. How- of Admission and the Director of the populations. ever, these physicians can play a pivotal Outreach Office at The University of Valerie joined the RBSP team in role in efforts to diversify the field of Virginia. She received a BS in Early February as the College Transition orthopaedics. While orthopaedic pipeline Childhood Education from Hampton Program Coordinator. Working with programs like Nth Dimensions, the Ruth (Institute) University and M.Ed in Rales Scholars at Success Academy Jackson Orthopaedic Society, and the J. Administration and Supervision from Charter School in New York as she, gives Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society have the University of Virginia. After being guidance with their scholarship selection been successful in helping the transition a teacher and principal for many years process and college transition through to a more diverse workforce, orthopae- she came to the University of Virginia mentorship. It is not only important to dic departments and orthopaedic leaders as an Assistant Dean of Multicultural get scholars admitted to college but also like Dr. Gunther can also change lives by Recruitment where later she became an making sure they graduate successfully, mentoring and sponsoring the next gen- Associate Dean of Admission and the ready to give back to society which is eration of underrepresented students in Director of Outreach. This team was what Valerie hopes to share through the medicine. It was an experience that I will Ron Brown Scholar Program. never forget.

NOTE: The authors dedicate this article to S.B.G.'s father, Dr. Stephen F. Gunther, an Raymond Pryor (RBS 2015), orthopaedic leader and mentor, who died from COVID-19 infection on December 26, 2020. GPS College Advisor Stephen B. Gunther, MD1 Joel A. Bervell, MS2 Ray joined the RBSP team this past 1 Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, Charlottesville, VA December, primarily working as a 2 Washington State University Medical School, Spokane, College Advisor through the Guided WA Email address for S.B. Gunther: [email protected] Pathway Support Program (GPS). He is ORCID iD for S.B. Gunther: 0000-0001-7642-8730 a 2015 Ron Brown Scholar as well as the ORCID iD for J.A. Bervell: 0000-0002-5828-2640 first recipient of the Ron Brown - Thomas References: Hale Boggs, Jr. Endowed Scholarship. 1. Okike K, Utuk ME, White AA. Racial and Ray graduated from Duke University in ethnic diversity in orthopaedic surgery resi- 2019 with a B.A. in Public Policy. dency programs. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011 Sep 21;93(18):e107. His passion for education, particularly 2. Poon S, Nellans K, Rothman A, Crabb RAL, for boys and young men of color, rooted Wendolowski SF, Kiridly D, Gecelter R, Gorroo- in his own experience and his work with churn P, Chahine NO. Underrepresented minority applicants are competitive for orthopaedic sur- students in college, drove him to pursue gery residency programs, but enter residency his career as an educator. Prior to GPS, at lower rates. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019 he worked for college access programs Nov1;27(21):e957-68 similar to GPS that he was a member of Disclosure: The authors indicated that no external in Mississippi and North Carolina and in high school. Therefore, he is excited funding was received for any aspect of this work. The was also a middle school math teacher in for the opportunity to give back to the Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are Tennessee. provided with the online version of the article (http:// Program that made college possible for links.lww.com/JBJS/G282). J Bone Joint Surg Am. Ray is a proud alumnus who would him and his family, as well as leave the 2021;00:(1-2) d http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.20.01748 have never known about the Ron Brown ladder down for GPS students navigating Copyright 2021 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Sur- Scholar Program had it not been for a gery, Incorporated. Unauthorized reproduction of this similar challenges and circumstances article is prohibited. college access and advising program that he did.

Spring 2021 11 Profile of a Time-Honored Volunteer Dr. Phyllis Leffler, reader and volunteer Minority Recruitment. Phyllis says that she local readers of semi-finalist applications. with the Program since its inception 25 developed deep respect for Mike’s ability (The program receives more than 4,000 years ago, believes that the Ron Brown to warmly embrace anyone with a shared applications annually; 75-85 of those Scholar Program is building the future of mission and to work diligently in the effort applications achieve semi-finalist status and our country one Scholar at a time. to admit minority students who would be approximately 24 volunteers read and offer A native of New York, Phyllis moved to able to successfully earn their degrees at their evaluations of these applications). Charlottesville in 1986 with her husband, UVA. Phyllis signed on immediately because she Mel Leffler. She had previously lived in When Mike left UVA to become the loved working with Mike and respected his Columbus, Ohio (where she received her Executive Director of the newly created aspirations for the Program and because she Ph.D.) and then Nashville, Tennessee where Ron Brown Scholar Program in 1996, he (continued on page 16) she taught at The University of Tennessee reached out to people he knew to become (UTN), and later at Tennessee State University (TSU). While at TSU, she taught mostly first-generation Black students and saw first-hand the struggles they endured to get their degrees. She engaged with Black colleagues who had earned their Ph.Ds at first-rate universities but were unable to get jobs elsewhere. In short, she saw the ways that race discrimination played out and limited educational opportunity. Coming to The University of Virginia presented new opportunities for Phyllis. After a year in the Department of History, she joined the UVA College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office. Dean Alex Sedgwick (a devoted Ron Brown Scholar Program volunteer reader until his death) asked her to help design the Transition program – an advising service providing additional advising and mentoring support to at-risk students. Through that endeavor, she came to know and work with Mike Mallory, Assistant Dean for Minority Mel and Phyllis Leffler (shown left) celebrate RBSP during the American Journey Admissions and the first Director for Awards annual dinner in 2011.

Coming Full Circle — How Life Has Evolved for Desiree Montgomery (RBS 2008) younger sisters, a trash bag full of clothes, with the same comfort we have been given and an SAT prep book. Now, when Desiree during our own. She says her life’s purpose is walks out onto the Florida campus, she to share the redemptive story of Christ and can see the old house she used to live in, the good news of God, but her compassion but through new eyes as one of the leaders and dedication to service shone brightly of the organization. New to the world of even before finding her faith. Throughout fundraising, her primary responsibility is her teenage and college years Desiree to share the stories of the organization to tutored students both in school and at the the community and invite them to support children’s home; served on a board that and participate in its mission—serving advises the Florida Legislature on foster vulnerable children and struggling families. care issues; and was renowned among Desiree, who became a Christian while classmates, teachers, and counselors for her living there in her childhood, is deeply generosity. She graduated as salutatorian invested in this pursuit. Her own discovery from Kathleen High School, earning both of freedom, love and purpose was life- the Ron Brown Scholarship and Bill Gates For Desiree Montgomery (RBS ’08), changing. Along the way, she uplifted Millennium Scholarship. Donna Cross, her “working from home” has taken on a others and now draws from her past to help revered college advisor and one of her main special meaning. This past February, she change the lives of the children served by champions, knew that Desiree’s compassion accepted a position as Director of Major One More Child. for others and exceptional achievements Gifts for One More Child, the nonprofit When describing one of the driving made her a promising candidate for both formerly known as Florida Baptist forces that led her back to the organization, opportunities. We soon saw that same Children’s Homes. But when Desiree first Desiree mentions a Bible verse about generosity firsthand when Desiree started arrived it was as a teenager with her two comforting others through their troubles (continued on page 16)

12 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program Scholar Profile: Tyrell Russell (RBS 2012) Owner & Founder, Tykoo Eats Co., Ltd.

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is one committee and the Program affiliates was After graduating from Southern Meth- in a million. There is no other suitable in- enough to fuel me for a lifetime. That is the odist University and subsequently relocat- troduction or qualifier for describing this level of empowerment that I took with me ing to China, I began to embody the RBSP program. to college. creed, The Value of One, The Power of All. My journey with RBSP began in 2011 My university experience was polished The strength, vision and leadership that when my mother explained to me that it by RBSP. The Program aided me in so I had gleaned from my peers would un- was the scholarship to which I had to ap- many firsts, both financially and in know- derscore the impact that I had on people ply. Application season in a brand-new coun- for scholarships was well try. And so, I became a underway, and for the teacher. As a teacher in life of me, I couldn’t un- China, I began coaching derstand what made this a younger generation of scholarship, “The One.” students who I believed So, I applied to the Ron could one day shape the Brown Scholar Program world. It was imparted (RBSP) with a level of upon them, every day, blindness. I only knew that what they learned what I needed and that was shaping them to be Ron Brown, the man, global citizens that made sounded a lot like who society more harmoni- I wanted to embody. ous, more compassion- Above anything, my ap- ate and more humane. plication was honest. I They were being taught wrote and spoke thor- by a Ron Brown Scholar. oughly about who I was, Through several years what I wanted to see in of experiences and mile- the world and my re- stones, the spirit of RBSP sponsibility for bringing was a mainstay. Today, that image forth. I had years later and start- no idea of the scale of ing my company, The the Ron Brown scholarship or the talented ing that I was a part of a tight communi- Kookie Box, the idea of dedicating a cookie pool of applicants but RBSP showed me. ty of change-makers. In 2013, I had to go flavor to the Ron Brown Scholar Program The rest of my experience was breathtak- to Zambia alongside President George W. feels so right, so natural and necessary. The ing. RBSP completely transformed my no- Bush and his Pink Ribbon/Red Ribbon Ini- cookie dedicated to RBSP is the “Red Velvet tion of what a scholarship program could tiative because that was in the spirit of Ron Cookie”. Not only do I want to give back be. It was deeper than money. It was about Brown. I had to engage myself in summer to the program that poured so much into being amongst people who looked like me research opportunities because Ron Brown me, but I feel that as many eyes as possible and dared to live and serve to their fullest emboldened me to do so. It was that spirit should be on RBSP. That by doing some- potential. That’s revolutionary. I remem- that I carried alongside me in accomplish- thing as seemingly small as buying a cook- ber the 2012 Selection Weekend as vivid- ing things that will forever be etched into ie, people were contributing to the future of ly as I remember my first day of elemen- my memory and the university’s history. a program that continues to mold the next tary school. The level of inspiration that I RBSP gave me that. generation of world changers. received from the Scholars, scholarship

Remembering Our Dear Friend Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. (August 15, 1935 – March 1, 2021)

Vernon Jordan (far right) meets with Scholars at the RBS Alumni Association meeting, March 2011

Spring 2021 13 Fundraising Call Ron Brown Fundraising by Year: 2016–2000 To Action $4,000,000 When the challenges of COVID-19 $3,500,000 and the continued events highlighting $3,000,000 the change for racial equity, the Ron Brown community generously $2,500,000 stepped up with their support to the Program. That generosity helped us $2,000,000 meet the unprecedented challenges of $1,500,000 2020, providing our students with the necessary resources to continue to grow $1,000,000 and thrive during these challenging $500,000 times. 2020 saw the Program reaching a couple of fundraising milestones (see $0 charts below): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 • The generous gift of $5M from Fundraising $1,436,578 $3,396,826 $1,981,142 $1,564,691 $3,142,194 The Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation provided a major vote of confidence in the mission of the Program and the resources to RBSP Endowment Value: 2016–2000 double the number of scholarships the Program is able to award over $25,000,000 the next five years; twice as many Scholars means twice as many $20,000,000 transformative leaders! • In 2016, our Board of Trustees announced we would be entering $15,000,000 an endowment campaign to raise $20 million by the end of 2020. On $10,000,000 December 30th, 2020, we reached our campaign goal! $5,000,000 • Ron Brown Scholars have always remained committed to giving back to the Program in many ways, $0 whether financially or otherwise, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 and no-one appreciates the Endowment importance of this Program more Value $14,746,560 $17,185,383 $17,304,419 $18,777,715 $20,129,715 than its beneficiaries, which is why with the challenges of 2020, they donated over $147,000.00 to the Program. Donations from Ron Brown Scholars: 2016–2000 We know our work is far from done as 2021 continues to present $160,000 challenging times for our Scholars, Captains and Navigators. If you would $140,000 like to support the Program, below is a $120,000 list of options for your consideration. Your generosity will go directly towards $100,000 providing scholarships and leadership development opportunities for over $80,000 2,000 students, and will continue to $60,000 make an extraordinary impact on the lives of these talented young people. A $40,000 gift envelope has been enclosed should $20,000 you wish to make a donation, or you can donate online at www.ronbrown. $0 org - we appreciate every gift, no 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 matter the size. Total RBS Donations $56,292 $92,639 $72,374 $87,659 $147,882

14 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program New Partners WAYS TO SUPPORT The Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) depends upon support from corporate part- ners and scholarship sponsors. They play a critical role in support of our vision to build Emergency Funds/Donations a transformational network of diverse lead- ers who drive change in the workplace and and Monthly Gifts our communities. We are excited to wel- Visit ronbrown.org/section/contribute/start-giving-today or send come Plume Design, General Catalyst and a check made payable to Ron Brown Scholar Fund and mail to 485 Brown Advisory to our network of partners Hillsdale Drive, Suite 206, Charlottesville, VA, 22901 supporting Scholars, Captains and Naviga- tors across all three initiatives of RBSP. Matching Gifts We thank all our corporate partners, foundations and scholarship sponsors for Matching gifts are offered by many companies to encourage their support and opportunities provided to philanthropy giving amongst their employees. Please check with your our Ron Brown Scholars, Captains and Nav- company to learn if they participate in a matching gift program. igators and ensuring that our country always has a deep and diverse pool of leaders. Share Information with Friends We encourage you to share information about the Ron Brown Scholar Program and the Scholars with friends/family/colleagues who may be Our most recent partnership with Brown interested in learning more or making a donation. Or let us know if Advisory provides direct funding towards you would like us to reach out to anyone directly. Ron Brown Scholarships for the classes of 2021 and 2022. Brown Advisory is a Host a Virtual Fundraiser private, independent investment and stra- tegic advisory firm committed to making a Please consider hosting a virtual fundraiser or set up a fundraiser on material and positive difference for clients social media to support the Ron Brown Scholar Program. by delivering a combination of first-class investment performance, strategic advice AmazonSmile and the highest level of service. We are an official organization recognized to participate in the Amazon Smile Charity Giving Program. Please designate the Ron Brown Scholar Fund as your favorite charity so that a portion of the purchases you make through Amazon (.05%) will be donated to the Program. There is A partnership with Plume Design will no additional cost to you to do this. provide Ron Brown Scholars and Captains in The Ron Brown – Ruth and Norman Scholarship Agreements Rales Leaders Network with opportuni- ties for internships and mentoring support Fully fund a $40,000 scholarship to support a Ron Brown Scholar. within the tech space. Plume Design is a Option to pay $10,000 per year for 4 years. Please contact Michael cloud-based software and smart services Mallory [email protected] or Anita Karadia akaradia@ company providing products for optimiz- ronbrown.org. ing the wireless performance of consumers’ smart devices in the home and protection Partnership Agreements against cyber threats. Leaders Network Partnership Consider joining the Leaders Network partners to help achieve your company’s diversity and inclusion goals. Please contact Holly Duke For our Guided Pathway Support Pro- [email protected] gram students, RBSP partnered with venture capital firm General Catalyst to GPS Educational Partnerships develop a virtual, venture capital explo- By partnering with GPS, you would enjoy access to the entire GPS ration externship for selected students community, comprised of 1,000+ high school juniors, seniors, and their this summer. General Catalyst invests in parents, and advance your recruitment efforts. For more information powerful, positive change that endures — contact Kiya Jones [email protected] or Randy Tripp, Jr. rtripp@ for entrepreneurs, investors, people and ronbrown.org society. They support founders with a long- term view who challenge the status quo, partnering with them from seed to growth stage and beyond to build companies that withstand the test of time.

Spring 2021 15 (Montgomery, continued from page 12) making monthly donations to RBS as a college student, a commitment which she has continued to this day! While attending Southeastern University, she came back to Florida Baptist Children’s Home weekly to hold college prep workshops for high schoolers who might not otherwise have access to advising. She helped them understand the ins and outs of the college application process, and if they did well on their report cards, Desiree took it upon herself to devote entire days to taking these students on college tours so that they’d be able to visualize themselves in those places and have something more tangible to work towards. “Kids need Dr. Phyllis Leffler shown here with Michael A. Mallory, President & CEO of the Ron mentors,” she explains, “people helping Brown Scholar Program Awards annual dinner in 2011. them to see past their circumstances and asking them about their dreams, helping (Leffler, continued from page 12) interviewed three young Black leaders from them realize their dreams, and giving them thought this offered a small way to support RBSP; those interviews became part of the tools or taking them to those places so students of color. She voices a common RBS Read to Lead program that brought they can work towards it.” Just as Donna sentiment of RBSP “Reader” volunteers these materials to middle and high school Cross once helped her, Desiree has become when she states, “Reading applications of students. Upon retirement from UVA in a tireless champion for some of South semi-finalists was inspirational and eye- 2015, Phyllis was pleased to get involved in Florida’s neediest children. opening. Seeing the remarkable journeys writing, The Value of One: The Power of All Desiree clung to her education, to which of high school students who accomplished -- a 20th anniversary book about the Ron she accredits unlocking her future after so much against daunting odds kept me Brown Scholar Program. As an historian, foster care. But many kids in the system are coming back year after year to continue to she deeply appreciated this review of the not prepared with the training necessary to read applications. I consider it a privilege evolution of the RBSP over its first 20 years. make them successful adults. For example, to have served in this way. I think I missed Recently, Phyllis and her husband Mel when Desiree turned 18, she had to use only one year in the 25-year Program when donated a generous and much-appreciated her own savings to pay for driving lessons, Mel and I were in Oxford, England for the gift to the Ron Brown Scholar Program. something parents (or schools) might year and therefore could not get the files!” They explain: "In this time of national normally to provide. Her license enabled Phyllis believes that Mike’s unique ideas urgency, we grapple with the growth of her to work another job – on top of the and enthusiastic leadership coupled with white supremacy and the hateful extremism tutoring she was doing – while studying at Vanessa’s calm creativity and thoughtful that targets so many minority populations. Southeastern University. initiatives have been a winning combination It is more important than ever to support One of Desiree’s life goals is to change that continues to make everyone involved the kind of leadership from within minority the narrative around foster care. For feel valued and part of the “family.” She is communities equipped to challenge that many, guardianship is rife with negative thankful for the numerous ways she has been destructive mindset and lead us to a connotations: kids who end up in care able to partner with RBSP. For example, brighter future for all. Within the Jewish because of something they’ve done and while a faculty member at UVA, Phyllis community, we teach the ethical concepts whose pasts will dictate their futures. worked closely with the late Julian Bond on of justice, righteousness and Tikkun Olam Desiree knows that if these low expectations an oral history project called “Explorations – or repair of the world (often through the settle into their minds, children will only in Black Leadership.” They interviewed pursuit of social justice). My husband Mel rise so high. That’s why Desiree wants to over 50 leaders, placed those interviews on and I are pleased to make a philanthropic gift change the perception of why kids are in a website [blackleadership.virginia.edu], that supports this transformational program foster care, what they are capable of, and and Phyllis wrote a book entitled Black so committed to those values. It has been why she has always worked so tirelessly to Leaders on Leadership: Conversations with a privilege to watch the Program grow and help ensure their long-term success. Julian Bond. As part of the process, they to participate in small ways in its evolution." When describing what it has been like returning to a place where she once lived and experienced significant growth herself, she references a quote by T.S. Eliot. “We shall not cease from exploration / And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.” Ron Brown Scholar Program 485 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 206 Charlottesville, Virginia 22901 Phone 434-964-1588 Fax 434-964-1589 www.ronbrown.org

16 THE JOURNEY | The Newsletter of the Ron Brown Scholar Program