Closing the Gap Welcomes 2024 Cohort Participants, Mentors
Emory University’s Charlene Hendricks was inspired enough by her experience at ACUI’s 2024 Annual Conference in Denver earlier this year that sought another career development opportunity by joining the 2024 cohort of Closing the Gap participants. For Jazzmyn Ivery-Robinson, it was the positive impression she got from her supervisor, Rochester Institute of Technology Associate Director of Student Engagement Di’Monique George, who was part of the 2022 Closing the Gap cohort. Now in its fifth year, Closing the Gap programming began this month and will run through December.
Ivery-Robinson is one of three professionals from Rochester—Alexandria Collins and Domonique Sak are the others—who join 12 other participants to represent the largest Closing the Gap contingent since the program began in 2020.
“After attending ACUI in Denver, I wanted to be more involved,” said Hendricks, an event coordinator at Emory. “I hope to learn how to advance my career and the student experience simultaneously, and I look forward to building a community of people who do the same work and look like me.”
One of those who Hendricks will be community with is Andre Adams, co-leader of ACUI’s Multi-ethnic Professionals and Allies Community of Practice (COMP) and director of the A.D. Bruce Religion Center at the University of Houston with over two decades of student affairs experience. He is also a returning Closing the Gap mentor.
“I was a supporter last year, and I really appreciate the opportunity to mentor a young professional of color who is looking for mentorship. It’s not just an opportunity for the mentee, it’s also an opportunity for me to give back,” he said. “I have learned a lot from my own experiences, but also from others who have helped me along the way. It feels right to share what I know with others.”
Closing the Gap is a cohort-based mentorship initiative tailored for mid-level BIPOC professionals striving to excel in their careers. The program addresses the “gaps” that impact professionals of color, offering a safe space for participants to share and plan their career goals. The six-month program provides access to valuable knowledge, guidance, peer support, and a network of experienced professionals.
The complete 2024 cohort includes:
- Alexandria Collins, Assistant Director of Student Development, Multicultural Center, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Denesha Henderson, Associate Director of Event & Tech Services, Sam Houston State University
- Charlene Hendricks, Event Coordinator, Emory University
- Ty Hollowell, Director for Orientation, Transition, & Family Programs, Coastal Carolina University
- Dr. Jazzmyn Ivery-Robinson, Assistant Director, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Kristina James, Senior Scheduling & Event Specialist, College of William and Mary
- Dante Jones, Associate Director, Student Programming and Involvement, University of Notre Dame
- Latoya Laryea, Management Accountant, University of the Arts London
- Lashay Long-Boyd, Assistant Dean of Admission, Catholic University
- Dr. Jorden Melton Jr., Academic Success Coach, University of Louisiana–Lafayette
- Joshua Moore, Director, Intercultural and Inclusion Student Services/Interim Director, Lib Jackson Student Union, Coastal Carolina University
- Jack Nesmith, Coordinator of Student Activities, Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Aries Powell, Associate Director of the Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy, West Chester University
- Domonique Sak, Assistant Director of Clubs and Organizations, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Jevon Smith, BSC Operations Manager, California State Polytechnic University–Pomona
Supporting the 2024 cohort participants are 10 senior-level professionals who have committed to being a part of this transformative experience. Mentors and mentees have been intentionally paired to cater to the individual needs of each participant, providing tailored insights and resources to help them achieve their career aspirations
This year’s mentors are:
- André Adams, Director, A.D. Bruce Religion Center – University of Houston
- Michael Coleman, Dean of Student Support – Wake Technical Community College
- Yemi Gbajobi, Chief Executive of Arts Students’ Union – University of the Arts London
- Hayden Greene, Associate Dean of Students, Marymount Manhattan College
- Dr. Jan Javinar, Director of Student Engagement – University of Hawaii-West Oahu
- Yakima Melton, Director, Student Unions and Centers – Arizona State University
- Massiel Munoz, Assistant Director – University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley
- April Joy Nietes-Rudnick, Senior Director of Event Services, San Francisco State University
- Bridget Portier, Associate Director, Student Centers – University of Houston
- Dr. Phillip Smith, Assistant Dean of Students – Rutgers University
Closing the Gap continues to make a significant impact by fostering an environment of support contributing to a more equitable and inclusive field. The program was initiated in 2020 as an education and mentorship program focused on Black, Indigenous, and other professionals of color looking to advance into senior leadership roles. Participants and supporters engage in virtual gatherings, one-on-one meetings, and offline connections.
