Be INSPIRED

Darien Wright ’92, a Binghamton University alumnus, is now the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at the National Geographic Society, stepping into these leadership roles in March 2024. Wright, whose office in Washington, D.C. reflects the organization’s global mission with maps and imagery, embraces National Geographic’s dedication to science, exploration, education, and storytelling. In his role, he oversees finances, operations, investments, technology initiatives, and experiences such as Base Camp, helping advance the Society’s goals and support its Explorer programs. With National Geographic’s long legacy of funding thousands of global research projects and engaging millions of students annually, Wright finds purpose in aligning his career with mission-driven work.

Wright credits his accounting education at Binghamton, especially the technical and strategic skills he developed, for preparing him for leadership. He also reflects on early experiences — including internships and fraternity leadership — that shaped his professional mindset. After earning an MBA from The Wharton School, he built a diverse career in finance and strategy with companies like Marriott International, gaining international business insight. Wright’s journey to National Geographic underscores his commitment to mission-oriented work that leverages both financial expertise and global perspective.

Learn more about Binghamton University alumnus Darien Wright

A.D. Carson is an Associate Professor of Hip-Hop and a Shannon Center Fellow for Advanced Studies at the University of Virginia. He is from Decatur, Illinois. His work as a performance artist, educator, writer, and commentator deals with issues of race, place, history, literature, hip-hop, rhetorics & performance. He has written essays and music for Rolling Stone, Washington Post, SPIN, Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg, NPR’s Code Switch, Bleacher Report, Scalawag, and a number of other outlets.

John B. King Jr. is the 15th Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the United States. As Chancellor, King and the SUNY Board of Trustees have established four pillars to guide SUNY’s progress: student success; research and scholarship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and economic development and upward mobility.

Under Chancellor King’s leadership, SUNY has seen its largest operating aid increase in five decades, including double-digit percentage increases for every state-operated campus, the first two back-to-back operating aid increases for community colleges in decades, and dedicated recurring annual funding for expanding mental health services, services for students with disabilities, paid internships, and research, as well as addressing food insecurity.

Under Chancellor King, SUNY has experienced three years of enrollment gains in every sector for the first time in 15 years. As part of the Chancellor’s commitment to student success, SUNY launched ASAP and ACE – the nation’s leading, evidence-based retention and completion initiatives – which is at 34 campuses and is in the process of scaling them to reach 10,000 students within the next two years. Chancellor King has also championed a System-wide Civics and Service Agenda, which includes the launch of the Empire State Service Corps to provide paid community service opportunities to hundreds of SUNY students each year.

Learn more about Chancellor John B. King Jr. at SUNY.EDU

Darwin Martinez is a business development professional with over 15 years of experience across insurance, finance, and strategic relationship management. He currently serves as a Sales Executive with Imperial PFS, where he partners with agencies to structure financing solutions and drive growth across diverse markets.

A graduate of Binghamton University, Darwin earned degrees in Management, Marketing, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and later completed his MBA through the School of Management. He remains actively engaged with the university community as a member of the Alumni of Color Network (AOCN) Board and as a mentor to undergraduate students in the School of Management.

Darwin brings a dual focus to his work, combining deep expertise in life insurance strategy with a broader commitment to financial literacy and long-term wealth building. He is a co-founder of Morgan & Holmes, an investment collective centered on governance, education, and disciplined group economics.

Through his professional and volunteer efforts, Darwin is committed to creating access, fostering meaningful relationships, and building systems that drive sustainable growth.

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A Million Dollars Worth of Game

The Power of Us: Individual and Collective Healing for BIPOC Men

Marc-Leonce Volcy is the Assistant Director of the Multicultural Resource Center at Binghamton University, where he creates programs that support student growth, identity, and long-term success.

He holds an MBA and has a background in higher education, athletics, and the music industry, bringing real-life experience into the way he works with students.

Marc is committed to helping individuals think more intentionally about their choices, build strong foundations, and prepare for the realities of life beyond college.

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From Gifted to Grounded: Building Sustainable Futures for Men of Color

Jeff Owusu is a higher education professional with over six years of experience supporting diverse student populations, including first-generation college students, underrepresented students, and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) participants.

A former EOP student from the Bronx, New York, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz and his Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration from Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) in Spring 2019.

He currently serves as Assistant Director of Advising Services at Howard University, where his work focuses on academic advising and advancing student success initiatives centered on equity and access. He will begin pursuing his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University in Fall 2026.

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From Surviving to Thriving: Identity, Purpose and Legacy for Men of Color in Higher Education

My name is Raymond Lewis-Samuel, and I am originally from Annapolis, Maryland. Throughout my journey, I’ve been driven by a deep commitment to service, community building, and creating meaningful spaces where students can thrive. I currently serve as the Assistant Director for Housing Operations at Lincoln University, where I focus on strengthening the student experience through inclusive engagement and holistic development.

Prior to this role, I was a Resident Director at Syracuse University, where I earned my Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School along with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict and Collaboration. Before Syracuse, I attended Wesley College, where I later worked as a Residential Coordinator and became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., whose principles continue to guide my professional and personal life.

After Wesley, I worked as an IPV/DV Abuse Intervention Counselor, an experience that further shaped my approach to advocacy and student support. I was also selected as a Men4Choice Fellow, reflecting my commitment to education, equity, and prevention work. I also have the privilege of serving as a Co-Chair for ACUHO-I’s Black Professional Network, reflecting my commitment to mentorship, service, and fostering strong connections within the higher education community.

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Anansi to Ashanti: Conquering Imposter Phenomenon Through African Wisdom

Bryson Castro uses modern slang terms such as “Yapology” to build a framework around one idea: most people don’t actually know how to have a real conversation.

Having grown up in a military household and living overseas, he developed an early understanding of how people think and connect. Because of this, He’s been recognized by Congress and the New York State Senate, is a state-qualifying track athlete, and serves as Chief of Staff for his college’s student government.

Through his work, Bryson teaches people how to properly network and move past surface-level talk to create conversations that actually mean something.

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Yapping 101

K’Ronn W. Cranford is a digital strategist, product leader, and entrepreneur who bridges enterprise innovation and community investment. A proud HBCU graduate with a B.S. in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from Morgan State University and an MBA from Binghamton University School of Management, he has led digital transformation across global organizations, including L’Oréal Paris, Marriott International, and Johns Hopkins University, delivering 30-90% gains in user experience and performance.

As Founder of Cranford Eclectic, a multi-service digital advisory, K’Ronn helps organizations build scalable platforms and craft digital experiences that drive measurable growth. He specializes in turning complex ideas into clear strategy and helping leaders build brands people trust and invest in.

He is also a founding member of Morgan & Holmes LLC, a collective investment group built on the belief that disciplined, community-driven wealth building creates generational impact. Through their long-term vision, Morgan & Holmes is building a diversified portfolio and proving that Black men who think collectively can create lasting economic power.

At the Men of Color Summit, K’Ronn brings both the boardroom and the community to the same table.

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The Power of Collective Discipline: Building Legacy Through Collaboration

Founded on January 10, 1969, the Iota Theta Lambda Chapter (Southern Tier Alphas) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated stands on the legacy of the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, founded December 4, 1906 at Cornell University. Rooted in Alpha Phi Alpha’s enduring principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity, the chapter has remained committed to service, leadership, and community impact. Since awarding its first scholarship in 1975, the Southern Tier Alphas has consistently supported college-bound students while advancing initiatives in mentorship, civic engagement, and social advocacy. The chapter also played a key role in establishing the Pi Beta Chapter at Binghamton University, extending Alpha’s reach and impact in higher education. Guided by Alpha Phi Alpha’s mission of being “First of All, Servants of All,” the Southern Tier Alphas continue to serve as a pillar of leadership and service throughout Broome County and beyond.

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Leadership 101: Insights from Leaders about Leadership to Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders

Babatunde Ayanfodun is a dedicated higher education leader committed to advancing student success, equity, and community engagement. He currently serves as the Chief Diversity Officer and Director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY Corning Community College, where he leads initiatives that support historically underserved students and foster an inclusive campus environment.

At CCC’s KPD Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Babatunde oversees programming that highlights cultural awareness, social justice, and belonging. His work includes planning impactful events, curating social media content that amplifies student voices, and advising student organizations such as the Veterans Association, Entrepreneurship Club, My Brother’s Keeper, and the Pride Club. He is also known for his active, hands-on leadership—often driving students to enrichment experiences at the Corning Museum of Glass, Rockwell Museum, and nearby cities.

In addition to his role at CCC, Babatunde serves as a part-time coordinator for the Elmira City School District’s My Brother’s Keeper Mentor Program, helping young men of color develop leadership skills and access academic and personal support.

Babatunde holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University and brings a deep personal commitment to education, service, and cultural empowerment. Born in Nigeria and raised in Brooklyn and proudly rooted in his Nigerian heritage, he approaches every opportunity with empathy, purpose, and a heart for uplifting others.

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Defining Your Reputation: Character, Choices, and the Story You Live

Tyrell Rivers is a freshman at Corning Community College, where he is majoring in Humanities and Social Sciences with aspirations of pursuing a career in law.

Raised in a two-bedroom home with twelve people, Tyrell’s early experiences shaped his understanding of resilience, adversity, and the importance of being heard. Navigating environments where his voice often felt overlooked, he developed a deep commitment to advocacy and justice.

Driven by these experiences, Tyrell is passionate about becoming a voice for those who feel unheard. His goal is to use the law as a platform to uplift, represent, and empower individuals and communities who have been marginalized.

Through his journey, Tyrell embodies determination, purpose, and a powerful vision for change.

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Defining Your Reputation: Character, Choices and the Story you Live

Troy Jones, originally from Los Angeles, California, shares a powerful story of transformation and resilience. Growing up surrounded by poverty and violence, he became involved in gang activity, which led to his incarceration as a federal inmate.

During that time, Troy made the decision to change his life. Through reflection and growth, he chose a new path rooted in education and purpose.

Now pursuing an associate degree in Human Services, Troy is committed to working with at-risk youth. He aims to be the voice and mentor he never had—helping young people avoid the path he once took and realize their full potential.

Troy’s mission is simple: to create change and save lives by showing that your past does not define your future.

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Defining Your Reputation: Character, Choices and the Story you Live

Matt Kisloski is the Financial Wellness Manager at Visions Federal Credit Union. His focus is on developing and providing financial education programs to the community. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University in Environmental Policy and a Master of Public Administration. Born and raised in Owego NY, Matt is also the President and Fundraising Chair for the Board of Directors at Waterman Conservation Education Center.

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Financial Literacy

Dr. Jarvis Marlow-McCowin is the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Education Manager at Corning Incorporated’s Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity, where he leads efforts to advance educator diversity, equity-driven education policy, and student voice. With over a decade of experience across K-12, higher education, and corporate settings, he is a nationally recognized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) subject-matter expert and a recipient of the 2024 Diamond Award from The Not Alone Foundation for his work in advancing social change.

Jarvis’ research focuses on educational access for rural students and men of color, with 14 publications in journals such as the Journal of College Student Development and The Rural Educator. He has advised over 30 organizations on equity-centered strategies and is the founder of Empowerment Insights Partners, a consulting firm designed to support individuals and organizations in their transformation and organizational change journeys.

Jarvis holds a Ph.D. in Community Research and Action from Binghamton University, where he received the inaugural Fellowship for Racial Justice in honor of Dominic Davy. He also earned a master’s degree in educational policy and leadership studies from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in history from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Outside of work, he serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and enjoys coaching middle school football and giving drum lessons in his community.

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Leadership 101: Insights from Leaders about Leadership to Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders