AfterGate

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with retired Central Intelligence Agency Deputy Director of the National Clandestine Service, Justin Jackson, ‘78. In that capacity, Mr. Jackson oversaw the CIA’s clandestine operations worldwide and managed a multibillion-dollar budget. He speaks three foreign languages and served overseas for 15 years. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Jackson was the most senior African American to serve in the CIA. Committed to diversity and inclusion, he served on a panel of external advisors, led by Madeleine Albright, to identify and to remove barriers for women in leadership at CIA. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University with majors in political science, international relations, and Spanish, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with the Owner of the Law Office of Donovan Anderson, Donovan Anderson.’86. A native of Jamaica, after spending nearly ten years within the DC school system, Donovan opened a successful law firm in 2000, where he advocates on behalf of parents to seek appropriate educational services for disabled students in the District of Columbia. He also represents Howard University School of Mathematics and Science PCS as their attorney on special education related matters. After Colgate, he earned a J.D. from Georgetown Law School. While at Colgate he co- founded the West Indian Students Association and earned his BA in Political Science.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Movement Consultant, Kiddada Asmara Grey, ’97. With significant expertise in advocacy, legislative engagement, and program leadership, she has extensive experience in helping target populations understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. She is a staunch proponent of safe, supportive environments where diversity is celebrated. She has served as a political consultant and strategist, PHD Student in International Conflict Management and spent over 10 years in the IT industry. While at Colgate received her Bachelor of Arts Philosophy and Religious Studies/Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Cornell University’s Director of Northeast Corridor Engagement, Veronica McFall, ‘89. Prior to this position Veronica served as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations for Affinity and Identity Programs at Colgate University. After graduating from Colgate University, she earned two master degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, Bilingual / Bicultural Education and also Curriculum and Instruction. She is also a children's book author, and in 2020, she published her first children's book, A Visit to The Bahamas from A to Z. Veronica is a graduate of Colgate University and Teachers College, Columbia University. She resides in New Jersey with her husband, and they have three adult children. For more information about Veronica, please visit www.veronicamcfall.com. While at Colgate received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and was a student leader on campus involved in several organizations- University Chorus, West Indian Students Association (WISA), Madrid Study Group, Admissions Office Tour Guide, Senior Admissions Interviewer, Resident Advisor

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with New York State Unified Court System’s Court Attorney Referee, Lorraine Martinez Ross, ‘93. Selected to the position in October 2012, she began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the Bronx County District Attorney office. She served in that capacity until 2001, at which time she became a principal law clerk for the New York State Unified Court System. After graduating from Colgate University, she earned her master's degree from American University and a J.D. (2002) from The Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. While at Colgate she was a student leader on campus involved in several organizations, and received her Bachelor of Arts Sociology and Anthropology and Spanish Literature.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health’s Director of Medical Staff, Jeanine Davidson-Walker, ’86. A native of New York City, she has expertise in an academic research center and community-oriented health systems. During the pandemic, she and her husband opened a virtual baking business, Crust Studios. After graduating from Colgate University, she earned her Masters of Science from Villanova University. While at Colgate, he received her BA in Sociology with a minor in Education.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Washington Jesuit Academy’s Director of Admissions and 7th Grade Dean, Henoch Derbew, ‘07. An educator with a background in history and international/domestic policy, he has had the opportunity to live and travel extensively throughout the US and abroad. After graduating from Colgate University, he earned a Master of from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts from Loyola Marymount University, and a Master of Arts from Loyola Chicago University. While at Colgate, he received her BA in History, Classics.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with retired educator, Herminia (Minnie) Roman, ‘86. Minnie served as an educator for spent 31 years. After graduating from Colgate, she taught in the South Bronx for ten years. In 1996, she received a masters in supervision and administration and went on to become an Assistant Principal, principal and instructional specialist. During her tenure as a principal, she had the privilege of meeting one of the most important alumni of her school, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. During her time at Colgate, she was involved in various leadership roles and received her BA in Sociology and Anthropology.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with The National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators’ Founder and Program Director, Keith Brooks, ’01. Prior to his current position, Keith served school communities for sixteen years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He was the principal of Achievement First Brownsville Middle School for seven years, and under Keith's leadership, AF Brownsville Middle School boasted some of the highest academic gains in the city. After Colgate, he received a master’s degree in educational leadership at Nova Southeastern University. While at Colgate, he was on the football team and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Religion.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with St. John’s University’s Dean of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of theology and religious studies, Teresa Delgado, ’88. After graduating from Colgate University, she graduated earned her doctorate from Union Theological Seminary. Her book, A Puerto Rican Decolonial Theology: Prophesy Freedom, was published in September 2017. A Senior Fellow of the Ford Foundation, she has served on the board of the Hispanic Theological Initiative. She has served as President of the Board of (Westchester People’s Action Coalition, a leading force of social justice activism in Westchester County, and currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Colgate University and The Ursuline School. While at Colgate, she was a HR and received a BA in Religion.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Self -Employed Property Manager, Jelani De Leon, ’83. In her role, she also oversees rentals, maintenance, repairs, renovations, listings. After graduating from Colgate University, she returned to campus to serve as the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Studies from 1993 to 1997. While serving in that capacity, she founded SORT, a weekly gathering of young women committed to empowering and engaging female students. While at Colgate, she received her BA in Sociology and Anthropology.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Erie County District Attorney’s Assistant District Attorney, Norvella Pendergrass, ’11. A Buffalo native, she graduated from Holy Angels Academy before Colgate. Before beginning her tenure at the Erie County District Attorney office, she was a junior partner at Pendergrass Law. After graduating from Colgate University, she earned her Juris Doctorate degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2014.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Lead Medicare Advantage Account Manager and Healthcare Compliance Subject Matter Expert, Erick Bowen, ’84. With over 30 plus years Public Health experience, he has also served as a Public Health Advisor with the New York City Department of Health Bureau of Tuberculosis Control. In 1995 he received his JD from New York Law School. While at Colgate he co-founded the Harlem Renaissance Center, was an officer in BSU and We Funk, and DJ on WRCU, He also worked with the Admissions office to recruit students of color. He is a proud husband, and father of four adult children, with one of them being a cancer survivor. While at Colgate, he received his BA in Political Science.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with 180 Life Church’s Executive Assistant & Administrator, Jaleith Gary, ’09. In her role, she also oversees the church's mission and outreach work and worship team management. Prior to joining the 180 Life Church staff in 2021, she was a development director at Urban Alliance in Connecticut where she built the fundraising and donor relations platform. She also serves as the board chair for a local nonprofit, helps to run an apologetics group, mentors young women, and records original music. While at Colgate, she received her a BA in Music.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Berean Christian Church’s Pastor of Discipleship and Assimilation, Dr. Rodney Mason, Jr, ’06. In his role, Rodney develops programming and ministry engagement. He also designs and conducts training for new leaders, teachers, small group and discipleship group facilitators. He is passionate about assisting marginalized populations in achieving socio-economic equality through increasing access to resources and education. After graduating from Colgate University, he earned his Master of Divinity from Emory University and his Doctor of Ministry from Duke Divinity School. He also serves on Colgate’s Alumni Council and has co-led the Alumni of Color Organization. While at Colgate, he was the President of the African American Student Alliance and he received his BA in Religion.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Blueprint NYC's Head Of Internal Communications, Shevorne Martin.’08. Highly motivated, Shev is constantly developing in the production, communications and education sectors. After Colgate, she worked for over 5 years in higher education and the non-profit sector prior to beginning her career in the production industry. She has served on Colgate’s Alumni Council and led the Alumni of Color Organization since 2013, While at Colgate, she was a four-year basketball player, active in student activities, and received her BA in Sociology and Anthropology.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with Senior Multilateral Advisor, Uchechi (Chi Chi) Roxo, ’00. In her role, Uchechi supports US, UK, Germany and other bilateral government coordination and collaborative development programming in Malawi. She is passionate about community development, education, and equity. She has spent more than 17 years in the domestic and international HIV/AIDS response; duty stations include Washington, DC, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi strengthening health systems. She is an avid writer, runner and traveler with a strong interest in community service, mentoring and entrepreneurship, recently receiving the 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award from the State Department for volunteerism. While at Colgate, she received her BA in Political Science.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with at Milber Makris Plousadis & Seiden’s Partner and Director of the Employment Practice Group, Elizabeth Gordon.’93. Elizabeth, aka Liz, serves as an Executive Committee Member at the firm and her practice is focused on Labor and Employment Law on behalf of management. She has successfully defended clients before state and federal courts, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, Department of Labor and state agencies. After Colgate, Liz earned a J.D. from The George Washington University School of Law. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and has lectured on its behalf, as well as for Metropolitan Women’s Bar Association sponsored programs. She earned her BA, with honors in Philosophy & Religion and was a winner of the Hartshorne Award for Excellence.

Alvin and German conduct a great conversation with the National Labor Relations Board Judge, Christine E. Dibble, ’85. Appointed in July of 2012, Christine previously served as a Social Security judge and as an administrative judge with the EEOC. She also worked as an attorney with the Service Employees International Union and as an equal employment opportunity specialist with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. After Colgate, she received her J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School. While at Colgate, she received her BA in Religion.