03/06/2025
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
February 28, 2025 | 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Mary Stuart Rogers Building | MJC West Campus
Be inspired, be informed, be connected! For over 30 years, MJC has hosted the African American Education Conference (AAEC), a conference that aims to empower students in their journey toward higher education while honoring rich culture and history. Guests will hear from experienced and visionary keynote speaker, Dr. Eric Handy on achieving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for the success of students. Gain valuable tools and resources to help you identify and achieve your educational goals.
We warmly invite both the campus community and the public to attend the AAEC as we come together to celebrate community! This free event is open to the public. Seating is limited. RSVP by tapping the button below and submitting the online form.
Questions? Contact the Rise Up Center at 209-575-6847 or Duana Demus Leslie at 209-575-6262.
Register for the 2025 African American Education Conference
Dr. Handy is a seasoned, multifaceted transformational leader with over 13 years of experience spanning higher education, secondary education, and the nonprofit sectors. He is widely recognized for his visionary leadership, studentcentered approach, and unwavering commitment to advancing racial equity and student success. Passionate about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Dr. Handy is a prominent figure in guiding organizations to achieve meaningful DEIB goals.
Currently serving as Interim Dean of Student Equity and Engagement at Diablo Valley College, Dr. Handy has successfully integrated student service programs with instructional initiatives, significantly enhancing retention and success. Under his leadership, programs have expanded and become more equitable, addressing the diverse needs of students, and increasing access and achievement.
Dr. Handy's leadership transcends traditional roles. He is dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships, engaging in courageous conversations, and driving sustainable solutions to systemic challenges related to equity and race. His work with The COALITION, a collective of Black, Latinx, and APIDA community college educators, exemplifies his commitment to creating a multi-organizational, multi-ethnic powerbase to drive systemic change within the California Community College system.
A lifelong advocate for student success, Dr. Handy holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills College, specializing in Community Colleges. He also earned a master’s in counseling from Saint Mary’s College of California, with a focus on Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from San Francisco State University.
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
OPENING LIBATION CEREMONY
Eric Ivory | Modesto Junior College, Umoja Elder and Coordinator
WELCOME
Dr. Henry Yong | Chancellor, Yosemite Community College District Dr. Brian K. Sanders | President, Modesto Junior College
Jeremiah Williams, Modesto City Councilman District 5
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dr. Duana Demus Leslie | AAEC Event Chair and Master of Ceremonies | MJC Director of Choral and Vocal Activities
INSPIRATION
LIFT EVERY VOICE | MJC Concert Choir with audience participation
HISTORY FACTS
Marvin Jackson | MJC Professor of History
GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Eric Handy | Interim Dean of Student Equity & Engagement, Diablo Valley College
DRUM CIRCLE
Adam Pimental | Musician and former MJC Student
Q&A: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF?
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Session AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Dr. Jacquelyn Forte Associate Dean of Special Programs
LEGACY AWARD
Pamela Crittenden | 2025 Recipient
CLOSING CEREMONY
Eric Ivory