On March 18, 2023, College of San Mateo had the honor of partnering with Ivy and Pearls Foundation and the women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for the 32nd Annual Black College Awareness Fair. The event garnered participation from over 200 individuals who engaged in panels, HBCU and CSM tabling, music, scholarships, and other activities.
During the fair, participants had the unique opportunity to learn from esteemed post-secondary leaders who shared insights on strategies for supporting Black/African students and their families. Distinguished college leaders such as Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, president of College of San Mateo, Dr. Dyrell Foster, president of Las Positas College, Dr. Jamal Cooks, vice president of Academic Services at Chabot College, and Dr. Wendi Williams, provost & senior vice president at Fielding Graduate University, shared their respective institutions’ campus-wide efforts in this regard.
In addition, the fair featured a panel of accomplished entrepreneurs who shared their perspectives on success and opportunity. Furthermore, parents and students shared their personal experiences and provided valuable advice on navigating the community college system and transferring to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The CSM Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development Team, under the leadership of Executive Director Andrea Vizenor, has established a meaningful partnership with Zina Slaughter from Ivy and Pearls Foundation. Notably, the foundation’s mission is to serve communities of color, with a specific focus on women and girls, primarily in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Their tireless efforts encompass promoting health and wellness, academic excellence, economic empowerment, civic engagement, arts appreciation, and environmental and social justice. The Ivy and Pearls Foundation has garnered repeated recognition within the community for their outstanding contributions.
Thank you to the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development team at College of San Mateo for all of their efforts in making this event a wonderful success.
