Men of Color Conference

7th Annual Men of Color Conference

Friday, May 9, 2025
8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
SMC Main Campus
1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

Conference Theme - Elevating Diverse Masculinities

Join us to elevate diverse masculinities and build bridges across communities to promote understanding, equity, and transformative change.

You'll find a day filled with empowering discussions, networking opportunities, and inspiring speakers. This in-person event is designed to unite men of color from all walks of life to share experiences, learn from each other, and take action toward positive change. Let's elevate men of color in higher education.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and be a part of a supportive community dedicated to making a difference. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of growth and empowerment!

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Monte E. Pérez

We are honored to have Dr. Monte E. Pérez as our 2025 Men of Color Conference Keynote Speaker. Dr. Pérez currently serves as the Interim President of East Los Angeles College, continuing his decades-long commitment to equity and excellence in education. A proud graduate of Garfield High School in East LA, Dr. Pérez has held numerous leadership roles throughout California’s higher education system, including presidencies at Los Angeles Mission College, Moreno Valley College, and Fullerton College. His career began at Stanford University and expanded to include work with the U.S. Department of Education, the National Hispanic University, and multiple California community colleges. As a founding member of the Council for Opportunity in Education, he has championed programs that support low-income, first-generation students nationwide. Even after retiring in 2021, Dr. Pérez remains a national thought leader, consultant, and advocate for educational opportunity, serving on influential boards such as the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation.

Conference Agenda

TIME	ACTIVITY	LOCATION
8 - 8:45 a.m.	Check-In/Refreshments/Networking	John Adams Auditorium Courtyard
9 - 10:15 a.m.	Welcome Addresses + Opening Keynote	John Adams Auditorium
10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.	Student Workshops + Professional Workshops	Various Locations (See below)
12:30 - 2:15 p.m	Student Headshots - SMC Photography Department	Core Performance Center Courtyard
1 - 2 p.m.	Networking Lunch + Resource Fair	Core Performance Center Courtyard
2:15 - 3 p.m.	Closing Ceremony + Scholarship Announcements	Core Performance Center Courtyard

Explore our full list of workshops and descriptions below.

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Student Workshops

Each workshop will be offered twice: once from 10:30–11:30 a.m. and again from 11:45 a.m. –12:45 p.m.

WORKSHOP	DESCRIPTION	Presenters	LOCATION
Playbook for the Culture: Using Cultural Wealth to Explore Diverse Masculinities	There will be a Critical Race Theory (CRT) component to this presentation as we seek to demonstrate that many of our notions of what it means to be a “man,” and having to “prove” our manhood, stems from a tradition of colonization and oppression.	David Crawford & Jose A. Maldonado	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 103
The Cost of Your Smile	The Cost of Your Smile" is a powerful workshop that explores the mental health challenges faced by men of color, emphasizing the emotional toll of societal expectations and toxic masculinity.	Dr. AK Sterling	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 151
Breaking The Chains Of Machismo	This man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, he stands on something. He’s not pandering. He’s a man who can recognize his mistakes and not be afraid to share the mistakes and can dig deep down into fear-based ideologies or experiences to be able to express them without feeling like he’s less of a man.	Victor Caceres & Ethan Carter	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 105
Redefining Masculinity After Incarceration while Navigating Higher Education	This interactive session focuses on how formerly incarcerated students, particularly men of color, can redefine masculinity as a step toward equality. The workshop challenges traditional views and highlights the importance of vulnerability and personal growth in empowering students academically and professionally. Participants will learn practical strategies to overcome stigma, rebuild confidence, and navigate alienating systems while considering cultural diversity. Through dialogue, we will also explore student interactions on campuses and ways to foster inclusive, supportive environments.	Javy Ahedo, Kevin Gonzalez, Carlos Lopez	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 205
Build A Circle, Not A Cage - Creating Your Support System to Get You Through This Grind	If you look at the people in your circle and don’t get inspired, then you don’t have a circle, you have a cage.” In this journey of life we have to be intentional with the people around us from our family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Take this workshop to help you reflect about who’s in your circle and how to take care of each other to grow, build, and elevate.	Leland Simpliciano	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 204
Addressing Masculinity and Mental Health in Young Men	Masculinity & Identity Formation in College: Latino men’s early gender socialization around masculinity (e.g., machismo) shapes their college experience and identity development in complex ways.	Oscar Duran, Alejandro Arellano, and Jorge Rios	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 150
From Stress to Strength: Finding Support & Embracing Your Inherited Abundance	This workshop is about flipping the script. We’re going to talk about how to keep stress from running your life—through real social support, outlets for frustration, and strategies that let you stay in control. This isn’t about "softening up" or "losing your edge"—it’s about sharpening your mind, protecting your energy, and making sure stress doesn’t take you out of the game.	Yvette C. Latunde	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 203
Barber Shop Talk	Huerta et al. states. “Over half of men of color 62% college students began their higher education pathway directly at community college” (Pg. 3). The purpose of this workshop is to provide a space for men of color to express their experiences and empower themselves from learning from one another. This environment is intended to dismantle systemic barriers and educate students on how to navigate higher education being a man of color.	Eric Armendariz, Ayman Mendoza	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 206
Know your rights (Carecen)	Join us for an informational workshop with CARECEN, where you'll learn practical steps to take care of yourself and your family in uncertain times. This session will provide valuable tools and knowledge to help you stay prepared and informed when facing unexpected challenges. --borrowed from: https://dorseyhs.lausd.org/apps/news/article/2019132		Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 104
The Student Career Accelerator Workshop	Students attending this workshop will gain insights into career development and professional success. The session focuses on practical guidance and strategies for leveraging educational experiences to achieve career goals. It emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, networking, and utilizing available resources such as LinkedIn. Attendees are encouraged to take initiative in shaping their professional futures and to seek out support and mentorship opportunities.	Raymond Mendenilla	Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 157
Mental Health and Conquering Math			Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) 263

Professional Workshops

Workshop Sessions #1: 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

WORKSHOP	FOCUS	PRESENTERS	LOCATION
How To Climb The Community College Ladder	Presidents & Vice-Presidents	Panel: Dr. Luis Dorado, President, Los Angeles Harbor College Mike Tuitasi, Vice-President, Student Affairs, Santa Monica College Dr. Lawrence Bradford, Vice-President, Academic Affairs, Los Angeles Southwest College Moderator: Dr. Greg Toya, Dean of Academic Affairs, Santa Ana College	Science (SCI) 145
How To Climb The Community College Ladder	Adjunct Counseling & Counseling Graduate Students	Panel: Armanti Weeks, PT Counselor, Santa Monica College and West Los Angeles College Diego Rodriguez, PT Counselor, Cerritos and El Camino College Nick Bravo, FT Counselor, Glendale Community College Moderator: Hector Favela, PT Counselor, Long Beach City College and Santa Monica College	Science (SCI) 151
How To Climb The Community College Ladder	Teaching, Counseling, and Student Affairs	Panel: Ivan Silva, FT Counselor, Los Angeles Harbor College Scott Kushigemachi, Dean of Humanities, El Camino College Dr. Antonio Banks, Director of Black and Male of Color Success, Compton College Moderator: Greg Brookins, FT Professor, Business, Santa Monica College	Science (SCI) 157
Barbershop Talks	Student Affairs Professionals	Moderator(s): Reggie Ellis, Director, Athletics, Santa Monica College Dr. Rohan Desai, Department Chair, General Counseling, Counselor/Coordinator, Men of Color Action Network, Pasadena City College	Science (SCI) 159

Workshop Sessions #2: 11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.

WORKSHOP	FOCUS	PRESENTERS	LOCATION
How To Climb The Community College Ladder	Vice-Presidents & Deans	Panel: Jose Hernandez, Associate Dean, Outreach, Onboarding & Student Engagement, Santa Monica College Thomas Bui, Associate Dean of Student Life, Santa Monica College Dr. Cesar Jimenez, Vice-President of Student Services, Bakersfield College Moderator: Dr. Greg Toya, Dean of Academic Affairs, Santa Ana College	Science (SCI) 145
Best Strategies to Support MOC Students and Colleagues at the Community College	Adjunct Counseling & Counseling Graduate Students	Panel: Armanti Weeks, PT Counselor, Santa Monica College and West Los Angeles College Diego Rodriguez, PT Counselor, Cerritos and El Camino College Nick Bravo, FT Counselor, Glendale Community College Moderator: Hector Favela, PT Counselor, Long Beach City College and Santa Monica College	Science (SCI) 155
Best Strategies to Support MOC Students and Colleagues at the Community College	Teaching, Counseling, and Student Affairs	Panel: Ivan Silva, FT Counselor, Los Angeles Harbor College Scott Kushigemachi, Dean of Humanities, El Camino College Dr. Antonio Banks, Director of Black and Male of Color Success, Compton College Moderator: Greg Brookins, FT Professor, Business, Santa Monica College	Science (SCI) 140
Barbershop Talks	Student Affairs Professionals	Moderators: Reggie Ellis, Director, Athletics, Santa Monica College Dr. Rohan Desai, Department Chair, General Counseling, Counselor/Coordinator, Men of Color Action Network, Pasadena City College Dr. Luis Dorado, President, Los Angeles Harbor College Mike Tuitasi, Vice-President, Student Affairs, Santa Monica College Dr. Lawrence Bradford, Vice-President, Academic Affairs, Los Angeles Southwest College	Science (SCI) 159

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where can I park?

Driving:

Free parking is available at the top of Parking Structure 3. Access to Parking Structure 3 is on Pico Blvd and 17th Street.

Bus Drop-Off:

Buses can drop off in Parking Lot 1 behind the Student Services Building.
Busses can park at the Bundy Campus parking lot located at 3171 S Bundy Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

Where do you Check-in?

Who can attend the conference?

Is group registration available?

What should I wear to the conference?

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Will accommodations be available?

Men of Color Conference 2025

Men of Color Conference 2019

Students listening to Keynote Speaker.

Men of Color Conference 2019

Students and Faculty at the 2019 Conference.

Men of Color Conference 2019

The bus ride to the Men of Color Conference.

The Men of Color Leadership Conference organizers are a group of men of color (faculty/staff/administrators) from Santa Monica College, El Camino College, Long Beach City College, LA Harbor College, Compton College and many other community colleges. The goal of the event is to ignite a collaborative spirit between students who are men of color from various college campuses and leaders who have access to social capital that have the ability to support them. Through the conference, students are exposed to various types of resources to support their academic, personal, and professional success.

In 2018 Santa Monica College hosted the first men of color conference for community college students and staff that was free of charge to all attendees. This is an important note because a lack of financial resources can be a deterrent for students of color seeking professional development opportunities. The keynotes, presenters, and organizers were all volunteers. The following years the conference was hosted by El Camino College (2019) and Compton College (2020).

Men of Color Conference

7th Annual Men of Color Conference

Conference Theme - Elevating Diverse Masculinities

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Monte E. Pérez

Conference Agenda

SMC Map and Transit Routes

SMC Campus Map

Full Workshop Listings

Student Workshops

Each workshop will be offered twice: once from 10:30–11:30 a.m. and again from 11:45 a.m. –12:45 p.m.

Professional Workshops

Workshop Sessions #1: 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

Workshop Sessions #2: 11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.

Event Details

Where can I park?

Where do you Check-in?

Who can attend the conference?

Is group registration available?

What should I wear to the conference?

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Will accommodations be available?

History of the Men of Color Conference

Men of Color Conference 2025

Men of Color Conference 2019

Men of Color Conference 2019

Men of Color Conference 2019