Men of Color Leadership Summit

Overview: Black male-identified students at historically white institutions often face the dual challenge of excelling academically while navigating environments that may not reflect their identities. In this session, DaWon Baker shares strategies for moving beyond survival mode into a place of belonging, leadership, and influence. Through personal insights and guided discussion, participants will explore how to build supportive communities, influence institutional culture, and sustain themselves in spaces that can feel isolating.

Key Takeaways:

• Map the Power Landscape – Learn the structures that shape decision-making on campus.
• Build Your Belonging Circle – Surround yourself with affirming, supportive relationships.
• Shift from Reactive to Proactive – Anticipate and shape the campus climate rather than only responding to challenges.
• Influence from Any Position – Use your current role or platform to create change.
• Prioritize Self-Care – Integrate wellness and balance into your leadership approach.

Overview: “Rooted in Community, Rising in Leadership” speaks to both identity and trajectory. “Rooted in Community” acknowledges that men of color often draw strength, values, and resilience from their cultural, familial, and lived experiences. It centers community not as a barrier, but as a foundation for success—aligning with research like the Culturally Engaging Campus Environments (CECE) model, which highlights the importance of cultural familiarity and community connection in student persistence.

“Rising in Leadership” emphasizes growth, agency, and forward movement. It reframes leadership as something that is cultivated through experience, responsibility, and purpose—not just position. Together, the title reinforces that leadership is not separate from identity or community—it emerges from it. It also aligns with your summit theme of Future Forward by positioning students as both grounded and evolving leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• Articulate the role of community in shaping their identity and leadership approach, recognizing cultural background and lived experience as assets in their leadership development.
• Identify strategies for meaningful community engagement, including how to build relationships, contribute to collective goals, and navigate diverse perspectives within and beyond their communities.
• Develop a personal leadership framework that integrates community values, social responsibility, and long-term impact (legacy thinking).
• Recognize opportunities to lead within academic, professional, and community spaces, and create actionable steps to engage in leadership roles that promote equity and positive change.