Located in Ephraim in the beautiful mountain-rimmed Sanpete valley of central Utah just south of Provo, Snow College was founded in 1888 as the Sanpete Stake Academy by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1931, the church divested itself of Snow College and it became a state supported institution.

Every year over 5,000 students attend Snow College with aims to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce after earning a Bachelor of Software Engineering or Music degree, an Associate degree, or one of the many certificates offered at the college.

Snow College is ranked #1 in the nation for student success, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education with 85% of students graduating or transferring to another higher-education institution. In 2021 Snow College was awarded Best of State in the Education category for Utah.

Expect the Great 2022 virtual Conference was held on Zoom

We express gratitude to the speakers and presenters that made ETG 2022 so memorable!

REVEREND FRANCE A. DAVIS
BRANDON VEGA
DR. ALICE AKUNYILI, MD
PORTIA ANDERSON
XOCHILE AVILA
DANA BAGNALL
ANDRES BROWN
NATHANAEL (NATE) BYRD
ISAIAH COLSTON GALE
EVELYN GOMEZ
DREYAH HAGAN
JAMES JACKSON III
GREGORY NOEL
SHENITA PITTMAN
MAK ROBINSON
JUANCARLOS SANTISTEBAN
TAUVEON “T” WALTON

View the session recordings →

FRIDAY, MARCH 25TH, 2022
(For HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTs)

  • 9:00 - 9:05 - Opening Remarks (Conference Chair Fernando Montano) and Black National Anthem

  • 9:05 - 9:30: Keynote (Reverend France A. Davis, Pastor Emeritus)

  • 9:30 - 10:00: Meet & Greet with College Admissions Representatives
    Each Utah college/university will have its own breakout room. Attendees will choose two breakout rooms (15 minutes each) and will have a chance to talk to those two institution’s admissions representatives

  • 10:00 - 10:50: Breakout Session 1 (followed by 10-minute break)

    • Option 1: Sustaining Emotional Wellbeing in College (Dr. Brione Lockett)
      Details coming soon

    • Option 2: How to Stay Connected to Your Education in a Digital World (Evelyn Gomez)
      For many students, the COVID-19 pandemic marked the first time they had to attend school online. While this strategy allowed classes to continue safely, attending school virtually can feel very lonely and can make it harder to learn new skills and information. Although the pandemic will eventually come to an end, students will likely still find themselves taking one or more online classes during college. In this session, Evelyn Gomez (a current graduate student and College Adviser at Mountain View High School) will discuss their experiences with online learning. Attendees will learn focus strategies, study techniques, and time management skills they can apply specifically to virtual classes. Attendees will also discover how, even in an online environment, it is possible to build relationships with peers and teachers and stay involved with their campus and community.

    • Bonus Option for PARENTS ONLY: Raising a Family While Going to School (Shenita Pittman)
      Pursuing higher education while raising children, supporting a family, and managing many other adult responsibilities is a major decision. Many parents find themselves returning to or starting college as research continues to affirm the strong association between education and employment and earnings outcomes.This session will discuss ways to manage family engagement while keeping a study plan, how to pay for college, and how to harness the community and grit that it takes to finish what you've started. Participants will leave understanding that higher education is in reach for those who desire to make it a part of their story.

  • 11:00 - 11:50: Breakout Session 2 (followed by 10-minute break)

    • Option 1: How Technical Education Can Bring out the Great in You (Stephanie Ito and Jennifer Pookchan)
      Learn what Davis Tech and other technical colleges in Utah can do to help elevate your life. You can earn a certificate that leads to a career in a high-wage, high-demand field. Receiving a certificate from a Utah technical college can also be a stepping stone to additional education at a degree-granting college or university

    • Option 2: The Journey to Success, Power in Your Story (Portia Anderson)
      A personal statement is usually required for any college admission or scholarship application, and it is important to be intentional about presenting who you are. In this session, participants will learn the steps to successfully curate your powerful story. The story of YOU; your strength and resilience, your goals, and the future you are working to build. Participants will reflect and discuss their strengths and accomplishments, review examples of poorly written and well written personal statements, and learn the difference of writing for a college application vs. writing for a scholarship. Participants will be provided with the tools and resources to learn how to craft their personal statements and will leave with the ability to write powerful personal statements.

    • Option 3: Dialing in Your Dreams - Identifying Who You Need to Become to Achieve What You Want (James Jackson III)
      James will introduce a goal-setting strategy to help students align themselves with what they want to become and achieve. Students will walk away with not only a clarity of their goals, but clarity of who they need to become and a path to get there.

  • 12:00 - 12:50: Breakout Session 3

    • Option 1: Transitioning to College - How to Advocate for Yourself (Dreyah Hagan and Tauveon “T” Walton)
      This session will give students the opportunity to have open dialogue with two college access professionals who are first-generation college graduates themselves. The first half of the session will provide space for students to ask questions or express the thoughts and fears they might have about transitioning from high school to college. The second half of the session will revolve around the importance of getting involved in college. Students will learn how to find their place in college, both from an academic and personal standpoint. Students will learn how to connect with clubs, prioritize health and self-care, and more. Lastly, students will learn the importance of taking advantage of the resources their college offers, such as career centers that can help with career exploration, resume and cover letter development, and job placement.

    • Option 2: Understanding Your Intersectionality of Identities (Meligha Garfield, Jared Winn-Taryor, Maryan Shale, Nathanael Byrd)
      What is intersectionality? Our identities are made up of several intersections of class, race, gender, cognitive ability, sexuality, faith and much more. No two individuals are alike  and we are better as a society because of it, but we also suffer inequalities and injustice at our many intersections. Come to this panel of individuals with many different intersections as we talk about how we gain for understanding the many intersectionality of our society, the experiences of those intersections and understand how we as people are not a monolith. 

  • 12:50 - 1:00: Special guest performance (Sadiq “Taylo” Hamadi performing the song “A Dreamer”) and closing remarks (Committee Chair Fernando Montano)

SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH, 2022
(For COLLEGE STUDENTs)

  • 10:00 - 10:30 - Black National Anthem and Morning Welcome (Commissioner David R. Woolstenhulme, Snow College President Bradley J. Cook, and Reverend France A. Davis Pastor Emeritus)

  • 10:30 - 11:20: Community Session 1 - Theme of “Empower” (followed by 10-minute break)
    The face of higher education has changed as more Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals gain access to education, so it is important that we build inclusive spaces that can support their success. It is vital to be in a space where culturally relevant teaching practices are the norm, and we engage in a freedom of all knowledge. Students will learn the value and power of studying equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and be encouraged on how to apply this learning in spaces outside of the classroom.

    • Option 1: The Value and Power of Studying Equity and Diversity in Education

  • 11:30 - 12:20: Community Session 2 - Theme of “Build” (followed by 10-minute break)

    • Option 1: How to Combat COVID on College Campuses and Black Communities (Dr. Alice Akunyili, MD)
      The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many changes to our college campuses and our black communities have felt the burden. Join Dr. Alice Akunyili as she discusses the impact of COVID-19 and talks about how to navigate and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on college campuses and our community

    • Option 2: Know Yourself - Addressing BIPOC Mental Health Within the System of Higher Education (Juancarlos Santisteban, Andres Brown, and Greg Noel)
      This session is centered on the destigmatization and amplification of the mental health needs of BIPOC students within the system of higher education. Our objective is to co-create a sacred truth space; in which we can engage in a courageous conversation as to what exactly are the mental health needs of BIPOC students and how these mental health needs can be appropriately addressed from a person-centered way of being within the system of higher education.

  • 12:30 - 1:20: Keynote - Taking Control of Your Own Story (Brandon Vega) - FOLLOWED BY A 10-MINUTE BREAK
    The Keynote theme will be "Taking Control Of Your Own Story.” Stories are the most powerful force for shaping identity. Brandon Vega will touch on the importance of resiliency, perseverance, and persistence. Through the 9 Pillars of Success, students are encouraged to believe they’re great before they can go out and be great. We cannot “Expect the Great” if we do not believe that we are. Therefore, during this 50 minute session the mission will be to satisfy students hunger for success and positivity through enlightenment.

  • 1:30 - 2:20: College Retreat Session 1 - Theme of “Invest” (followed by 10-minute break)

    • Option 1: Financial Literacy Amongst College Students Fireside Chat (Siya Mali, moderated/interviewed by Meligha Garfield)
      A fireside chat with Siya Mali on the importance of financial literacy amongst college students: Financial literacy is important, especially as a college student making moves in the world and preparing for their future. As a young adult, Financial literacy should be ingrained in the very framework of being a college student and navigating student loans, credit cards , ect. Come learn from Siya Mali in a fireside chat as he talks about the importance of college students having financial literacy and what are some steps you can take now to be successful.

    • Option 2: The Power of Investing in Your Passions - Building for the Black Community (Gai Baker)
      How are you planning and building towards your future? Life is about more than securing a promising career after college, and the value of investing in your passions to build a long-term future for yourself is a critical area to gain experience. Students will interact and engage with a professional that is invested in greater knowledge, passions, and an idea that can build a brighter and better future for the Black community. Come learn how to shape your business idea or dream into your long-term future.

  • 2:30 - 3:20: College Retreat Session 2 - Theme of “Connect” (followed by 10-minute break)

    • Option 1: Black Student Union Engagement (Makalya Robinson [Snow], Jevahjire France [SLCC], Xochile Yazmin [Utah Tech], Dana Bagnell [Former Snow College BSU Counselor])
      Have you ever wondered how to get involved with the Black Student Union at your college? Or if you are involved have you wondered what more you can do as a member with your BSU? Are there benefits with being a member of the BSU during school and after graduation? Black Student Unions have representation at most, if not all, of our college campuses here in Utah. BSUs are a great way to get connected with others and make a difference in your college community. Join us in hearing from our BSU student leaders from various colleges in the state. They will join together in a panel to discuss ways they recommend being engaged and involved in your BSU and the benefits. This is a great way to get to know your leaders, hear what other college BSUs do, and ask questions. Come and learn from your BSU leaders.

    • Option 2: How to Navigate the Institutions (Jayson Matlock [SUU], Whitney Johnson [BYU], Sara Cody [U of U], Mike Brenchley [Snow], Michelle Mooney [USU-E])
      Colleges and universities possess their own institutional cultures and political climates, as do the departments and various organizations that occupy them. As a college student how do you get the best out of your education and maximize the opportunities that are presented to you and the ones that are not. There is an art to navigating Institutions, join us as we have a conversation with college professionals across the state on how you should navigate an Institution.

  • 3:30 - 4:00: College Student Showcase - Unity Step, Roll Call Competition, Student Performance, and Closing Remarks

2022 SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE:
REVEREND FRANCE A. DAVIS, PASTOR EMERITUS

The Rev. France A. Davis was born and reared in Gough, Georgia to John H. and Julia Davis. After high school, he attended Tuskegee Institute and later became an Air Force jet mechanic. He earned degrees in Afro-American Studies from Merritt College; Arts and Humanities from Laney College; Rhetoric from University of California at Berkeley; Religion and Philosophy from Westminster College; Master of Communication from the University of Utah; and Master of Ministry from Northwest Nazarene College. He came to Salt Lake City in 1972 as a teaching fellow and graduate student. He was appointed instructor in communication and ethnic studies courses, earning a distinguished teacher award. Pastor Davis retired July 1, 2014 from the University of Utah as Adjunct Associate Professor Emeritus. He was licensed in 1966 and ordained in 1971. Since 1974, Rev. Davis is the pastor of the historic Calvary Baptist Church of Salt Lake City, Utah. In April 2016, Rev. Davis reached 50 years in the ministry. He left the pastoral seasons  of his ministry on December 31, 2019. He lectures widely on cultural and religious topics. He has received numerous awards; numerous honorary Doctorate Degrees from the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, Dixie State College (now Utah Tech University), Snow College Weber, State University, Southern Utah University, and Utah Valley University. He was appointed to the Salt Lake Community College Board of Trustees in 2007, received the Westminster 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award, received the DIstinguished Teacher Award from the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Beta Epsilon Chapter, April 2011, the Pioneer of Progress Award in Education, Health, and Humanitarian Assistance, July 2011, the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Regional State Director of the Year Award, December 2011, and the 2013 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award at FBI Headquarters, Washington DC, on April 4, 2014. Rev. Davis has four scholarships established in his honor covering the period from 2002 to present: USHE Institutions, The Waterford School, Rowland Hall St. Mark’s School, Utah and Ransom Everglades School, Miami, Florida. Rev. Davis was appointed to the Utah Board of Regents 2008-2017, Fifth Vice President of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education in 2014, receive the Utah Valley University “Excellence in Ethics Award” September 24, 2014, was the commencement speaker for Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah in 2015 and Snow College 2016. Rev. Davis received the Lifetime Achievement Heroes Recognition from the American Red Cross, March 31, 2016 and the IGBC Presidential Heritage Award August 12, 2017. Rev. Davis enjoys a wife, two daughters, a son and daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

KEYNOTE:
BRANDON VEGA

Brandon Vega is a Miami, Florida native. He graduated from Florida International University, with a Master's Degree in Urban Education, with a concentration in Community Engagement. Vega is a Student Success Advisor at St. Thomas University (Miami, FL). He is the author of Ghetto Conscious: Evolution of a Rebel and the founder of The EATN Project. His mission is to help satisfy the hunger for success and positivity through enlightenment. His goal is to inspire and develop the youth by sharing the power of resiliency, perseverance and persistence. Vega's survival enlightened his commitment to serve as a positive resource to those around him, by remaining active in his community. He has worked with numerous youth group programs, helping to promote character development, high self-esteem, and positive peer relationships. Vega's spare time involves spending time with his son Messiah, reading, writing, public speaking and mentoring.

DR. ALICE AKUNYILI, MD

Dr. Alice Akunyili, MD, received her Medical Degree from the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Romania. She has worked in Medical Education as the Associate Director of Clinical Academics with Kaplan Medical and more recently at the Florida International University.

PORTIA ANDERSON

Portia Anderson is a first generation college graduate that was born and raised in Chicago. She has been involved in equity and inclusion work for more than eight years in various capacities within higher education in areas such as residence life, student life, academic advising, and diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI). At the center of her work, Portia is passionate about creating opportunities to enact justice, increase diversity, and practice equity in order to foster inclusion. She is now the Director of Administration/Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the College of Architecture + Planning at the University of Utah. Portia believes in empowering the voices of students of color so that they can contribute to sustainable institutional changes that positively impacts their communities, which supported her efforts as an advocate to co-found the Black Cultural Center at the University of Utah with many phenomenal Black folx on this campus. 

XOCHILE AVILA

My name is Xochile (pronounced: so-chill) Avila, I am currently attending Dixie State University, which is soon to be Utah Tech University. I am a sophomore who is the president of BSU for this current semester. I plan to continue to lead and become a role model for those aspiring to higher their education.


DANA BAGNALL

Dana is the founder of Making a Difference Because You Matter, creator of Live Life Abundantly Academy, & author of Soulful Wellness Journey-Live Life Abundantly: A Collection of Soul Food Recipies Plant-Based & Gluten-Free. As a woman who learned to flourish after life's challenges, I am equipped with special tools to help others heal and move from a victim mentality to a thriver mentality. Meditation, prayer, faith, and holistic health practices raised my consciousness to a physiological state that yielded miraculous outcomes. These tools have reaffirmed who I Am and allowed me to say "yes" to the calling of my life! I want others to live more fully and abundantly too! I have brought my expertise in counseling with the public and private sectors to the suite of services offered in my health and wellness academy. I have the following certifications: 

Holistic Health & Wellness Coach, International Accreditation Organization Coaching (IAOCWC) 

Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner (ABNLP) 

Hypnotherapist, American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (ABNLP)  

ANDRES BROWN

Andres Brown is a Queer & Non-Binary mescla bella (beautiful mix) of a father who immigrated from Guatemala and a mother who is an American citizen with Western European roots. First and foremost, they are a healer, as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. They and their husband currently live in Utah, where Andres is the Director of Cultural Engagement and Assistant Clinical Director at Encircle Therapy (a nonprofit that works with LGBTQ+ youth and families from religiously conservative cultures). They study queer identity development among collectivist and community-focused cultures, and also specialize in healing accute, systemic, and intergenerational trauma. With experience working in a wide range of settings (nonprofits, college counseling centers, community centers, and training clinics), Andres also focuses a large part of their work on teaching, training, education, and advocacy. They believe that we are truly whole when in connection and community, and seek to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.

NATHANAEL (NATE) BYRD

Since moving to Utah in 2014, Nathanael (Nate) Byrd had worked constantly to make Utah a better place for people of color to exist. A senior at BYU, Nate has served in three Black Student Union Presidencies, serving twice as president. He and his wife, Cassandra are the founders of Soulful Social Impact, a nonprofit for race education and connections in Utah. Nate is also a founding member of the Black Menaces TikTok page, spreading awareness about the BIPOC student experience at Predominantly White Institutions.

ISAIAH COLSTON GALE

My name Is Isaiah Colston Gale and I am the Black Student Union Secretary. I am a first generation student at Utah Valley University pursuing a BFA Acting Degree. I'm from Dallas Texas and moved to Utah shortly after I was born. I joined the BSU because I wanted to be part of a community that shared my love, my identity and my struggle.

EVELYN GOMEZ

Evelyn Gomez was born and raised in St. George, Utah. Evelyn received her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Dixie State University and is currently working on her Master's of Public Administration at Southern Utah University. She is passionate about making a difference in her community regarding access to higher education and loves her job as a College Access Advisor at Mountain View High School in Orem. As a first-generation student and daughter of a single Mexican immigrant, her path to higher education has consisted of breaking barriers, and she is excited to share tips and tricks to her online learning experience. Outside of work and remote learning, she loves decompressing with a good book, watching Law & Order, or trips to thrift stores.

DREYAH HAGAN

Dreyah Hagan is an Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment advisor at Salt Lake Community College. Dreyah is originally from Washington state and moved to Utah three years ago. Dreyah was a first-generation college student who graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family Consumer Science. Dreyah has found herself working in higher education, which she loves. Her favorite thing about what she does is helping students find their path to what they aspire to pursue in the future.

JAMES JACKSON III

James Jackson, III serves as the Supplier Diversity Program Manager at Zions Bancorporation. There, he is responsible for building relationships with capable diverse suppliers who can provide goods and services across the enterprise. Mr. Jackson has worked in various areas of the financial industry for 20 years, and found his passion in serving and building his community. In conjunction with his role at the bank, Mr. Jackson serves on several boards of directors, and is the founder of the Utah Black Chamber. 

Since its inception in 2009, the Utah Black Chamber has grown to not only serve black-owned small businesses in Utah but has become the premier organization connecting and engaging Utah’s Black community and building bridges for inclusion. From the chamber, Mr. Jackson played a critical role in starting several other programs to elevate Utah’s diverse community, including the Black Success Center, Living Color Utah and the Utah Diversity Career Fair. 

Mr. Jackson is often sought after by various communities, public agencies, and corporations for guidance related to topics of diversity & inclusion. Such inquiries prompted Mr. Jackson to start his own business focused on providing coaching and training, teaching leadership, and organizational development. He has been a speaker and trainer with several organizations throughout the state, guiding them towards building a more welcoming environment. and has written articles for Utah Business Magazine on diversity and leadership. At the end of 2020, Mr. Jackson, along with 24 business leaders around the world authored the book, “Leading Through the Pandemic: Unconventional Wisdom from Heartfelt Leaders.” At the beginning of 2022, Mr. Jackson facilitated the Utah Black Chamber’s book publication, “Black Utah: Stories from a Thriving Community.” 


Mr. Jackson was honored as Utah Business Magazine’s Forty under 40 (2020), Westminster College’s Unsung Hero (2018) and Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year (2018). As a Utah native, Mr. Jackson is committed to the social and economic growth of the Black and overall diverse community. His goal is to further promote diversity in the state of Utah with the hopes of it becoming a more attractive destination for people of color.

GREGORY NOEL

Hometown & Places Lived: Miami, FL; Haiti; Las Vegas, NV; and now Utah

Academic Training: Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, Utah State University in 2020. 

Counseling Center Responsibilities: I primarily work with individuals and couples, I engage in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) outreach with diverse and underrepresented populations.

Other facts about me: I am a first-generation Haitian-American. I am an anti-racist/social justice advocate. I enjoy spending time with my family and good friends, working out (slaying them weights), reading, comedy, and spirituality.

SHENITA PITTMAN

Shenita Pittman is a wife, mother of four, and a student at Western Governors University where she is studying Business Administration Human Resources Management. She completed her Associate’s degree (graduating with honors) while her three oldest children attended primary school. Before returning to college, she previously worked for the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA) as the Community Outreach Specialist where she enjoyed assisting parents and students in achieving their higher education goals and advancing their career paths. 

MAK ROBINSON (PRONOUNS: SHE/THEY)

Mak is the President of the Black Student Union at Snow College. 

Mak is a theatre major, and hopes to someday be directing theatre on London's West End. Her/Their favorite play is Fences and her/their favorite musical is Phantom of the Opera. She/They hope to create a better place for Black people, people of color, and women to have leadership roles in theater. 

JUANCARLOS SANTISTEBAN

Hometown & Places Lived: I was born in Guatemala. I have lived in Los Angeles, Seattle, Missouri, and now Utah

Academic Training: Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA in 2009

Counseling Center Responsibilities: I work with individuals, couples, families, I train Master's level therapists in training and I am the Training Clinical Director for our center.

Other facts about me:  I am a first-generation college graduate. I am Weber State Alumni, class of 2006.  I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a mentor, an adviser, a Social Justice Advocate.  I AM ME AND I AM HERE!

TAUVEON “T” WALTON

Tauveon is originally from California and is a first-generation university graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Law and Society from University of California Irvine. During his time at UCI, Tauveon was a Residential Advisor looking over freshman dormitories. He was also a part of the UCI Men’s Club Basketball Team for four years and held positions as the Social Chair, Vice President, and the President of the Club. Tauveon is now living in Utah and working at Salt Lake Community College as a Recruitment Admissions Advisor.