More than 250 participants attended the inaugural MPower Men of Color Summit hosted by the Male Empowerment Network on Oct. 14, in the Kent Student Ballroom.
The summit provided attendees the opportunity to connect and celebrate during a schedule that consisted of educational workshops, a brunch and a formal gala and awards banquet. Summit attendees included students, faculty, staff and community members from many institutions and organizations.
Current college students networked with their peers from institutions across Ohio. They built relationships with the ultimate goal of developing a coalition of leaders who can make positive change on their campuses.
Local high school students from ’s pipeline programs attended the summit and engaged in workshops and community-building, which allowed them to learn more about the university, college student life and navigating different systems as men of color.
The following honors were awarded at the MPower summit:
- Three $1,000 Male Empowerment Excellence Scholarships to Students.
- Two Local High School Students were recognized as Outstanding High School Students.
- Outstanding Community-based organization: Esperanza Inc.
- Student Success Programs: Outstanding University Department
- Outstanding Men of Color Initiative: Miami University’s Brother 2 Brother Program
- Outstanding Student Organization: The Element Magazine & Writers Association
- Outstanding Alumnus: Deven Smith
One attendee congratulated the Male Empowerment Network on growing from an organization into a movement and now a conference: "So proud of the amazing work you are doing and incentivizing other units, even at different colleges to do the same. Truly inspired!”