Speakers

Dr. Anthony currently serves as the Vice President of Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Prairie State College. He also provides leadership development and diversity consulting for institutions of higher education, corporate, and non-profit organizations. Dr. Anthony earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville, where he also worked for 10 years in various functional areas. While at the University of Louisville, he also led the state association for student affairs professionals, and has been involved nationally within the student affairs profession since then.

His extensive SGA experience as a Student Senator, Student Body Treasurer, Student Senate President/Executive Vice President, and finally Student Body President and University Trustee at North Carolina State University led him to seek a career in higher education. Dr. Anthony has taught at both two and four year schools, led hundreds of workshops to thousands of students and practitioners on a range of topics, including African American student success, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, assertive communication, team development, program management, and creating and managing change within the environment. Dr. Anthony currently lives in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL.

Attorney Rasheed-Ali Cromwell has been involved extensively in leadership throughout his academic and professional career. Mr. Cromwell graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, and was honored with the University’s Excellence in Leadership Award for his progressive efforts and extensive work in Student Government. He had the distinct honor to serve as Student Government President and Vice-Basileus of the Mu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Cromwell continued his leadership efforts in law school serving as Class President, Associate Editor of the Law Review, and was honored, by his peers, as Thurgood Marshall 3L Student of the Year for his scholastic and leadership contributions to the University. He later graduated, with honors, with a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University. After graduation, Mr. Cromwell served as a federal law clerk in U.S. Federal District Court in the Southern District of Texas (Houston Division) and worked as an associate at a prominent intellectual property law firm in Washington, D.C. He later founded The Harbor Institute, a company based out of Washington D.C that empowers minority students to excel which he currently serves as CEO.

In addition to his leadership efforts, Mr. Cromwell has also thoroughly studied National Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities for the past ten years. He is currently completing his book Endangered Species: The Plight of African-American Fraternities and Sororities. His extensive legal training and academic expertise about Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities makes him well versed in legal issues regarding hazing in Greek fraternities and sororities and one of Harbor’s most sought after speakers, consultants, and trainers. Currently, he is a graduate member of the Kappa Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

Russell grew up in a small steel town outside of Pittsburgh, PA. The son of 3 generations of steel workers, Russell is a first-generation college student who completed a BA in Communication, a Masters in College Student Development, and is currently working on his dissertation on leadership assessment practices in pursuit of his doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Since 1988, Russell has served as a student leader or student affairs professional at two state universities, several private, religious-affiliated colleges; a private, business college; and a couple community colleges. Professional experience includes athletics, residence life, Greek life, programming, orientation, leadership development, first year experience, and student government. Russell has presented for NACA, APCA, and ASGA conferences on leadership and diversity as well as on many college campuses.

Russell enjoys a wonderful life with his husband, Cory; their foster son, Preston; their rescued dog, Carter; and lots of compassionate-vegan friends in Princeton, NJ.

Michael A. Cadore Sr. is a community leader with more than three decades of experience in education, public safety, civic and community engagement and mentoring. He currently serves as the Associate Provost for Eastern Florida State College and adjunct instructor. Mr. Cadore continues to serve as a sworn Police officer (part-time) for the Rockledge Police Department.

Mr. Cadore holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corrections & Administration of Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. He is currently a Doctoral of Education student at Capella University.

As founder and President of Magnus Solutions Incorporated, his company provides consulting, mentoring, life skills coaching, community service opportunities, Leadership and business workshops as well as inspirational messages.

Prior to becoming a law enforcement officer, Mr. Cadore earned National recognition at Eastern Kentucky University as a record-setting kick returner. After college, was drafted into the National Football League by the New Orleans Saints. He finished his professional football career in Montreal Canada. In 2014, he was inducted into 2014 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Cadore keeps faith and family first. He has been faithfully and happily married to his high school sweetheart Cornelia Cadore for 28 years and they have three children. Mr. Cadore embraces and strives daily to live by the motto: “If you don’t serve your community now, don’t expect your community to serve you later.”

Dr. Vicky, the Strengths Doc, is a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Leadership Consultant. For over 29 years, she served in various positions as a professional Student Affairs administrator and chief student affairs officer. She has experience working in all aspects of student affairs including student governments, new student orientation, student activities, leadership development and residential life. She also served as an adjunct faculty member teaching undergraduate courses in college success and women’s studies.

She received her B.S. in Psychology from Longwood University and her M.Ed. degree in Counseling and Development, Higher Education from George Mason University. She received her Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University. Her dissertation was titled “The Experiences of Cuban American Women Attending a Hispanic Serving Institution and the Influences on Identity Development.”

Sam Gordon, former Student Body President of the University of Southern California, currently serves as the Brand Manager at Tandem Capital, a seed fund that invests in early level start-ups. Previously, Sam’s experience includes co-founding Brydge LLC, serving as the Regional Field Director for the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Campaign, and time in New York working in corporate communication and public relations.

Sam continues to study the art and adventure of leadership with an emphasis on the role that good communication plays in effective leadership. More than anything else, his experience in Student Government prepared him to take on challenges in the political and corporate worlds. He aims to encourage current SG members to look critically at their leadership style, improve their communication methods and above all else, Go Big. You can reach Sam at gordon.sam@gmail.com.

Dessie resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, she’s the executive director of Dessie Hall (DH) Consulting, LLC and founder and director of Inspire Girls USA. In addition, she currently oversees student life at Atlanta Technical College and she is the primary advisor for the Student Government Association (SGA), National Technical Honor Society, and SkillsUSA. Dessie served on the state committee for SkillsUSA and the Georgia Fall Leadership Conference for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) for five consecutive years.

Dessie enjoys working in higher education and she is passionate about seeing her students succeed. She has over 15 years of experience in student affairs and over 13 years of experience as an SGA advisor. Dessie also served as a Title IX Coordinator early in her career for six consecutive years.

As an independent consultant, Dessie trains, inspires and teaches students and advisors how to work as a team, resolve issues on campus, retain members, plan and host quality programs, create a culture of caring, and reward members. Dessie knows first hand issues facing student governments on small and large campuses. This allows Dessie to effectively consult students and advisors on creating a plan of action.

Under Dessie’s leadership, she’s taught students the importance of giving back to their community by volunteering for special causes. Her students have received recognition and awards for their service. In addition, Dessie has received numerous awards to include the following:

2015 – Advisor of the Year
2015 – John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award
2018 – Spirit of Excellence Award
2019 – Advisor of the Year
2019 – Outstanding Advisor

In 2017, Dessie was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak, and Hydrocephalus. Since then, she has survived two brain surgeries. Today, she advocates for people with the same condition. With her support group, she motivates and provide support to patients and their families.

Chris is a native of Paterson, New Jersey. A former two-term SGA President at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Chris holds a BA in Political Science from Ramapo. In May of 2006, Chris received his Masters of Arts Degree in Public Policy and International Affairs from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. Currently, Chris is a Doctoral Student and Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University and Westchester Count College.

His first involvement in Student Government came when Chris served two terms as an President in college at Ramapo College of New Jersey. As President, he realized that it was the capacity of his team that helped to make the SGA on campus such a powerful force.

Chris’ interest in team and capacity building comes from his experience in SGA and his work as a local elected official in his home town of Paterson, NJ. Currently, Chris is serving in his second term as a member of the Board of Education in his home town. These experiences has taught Chris how important it is to have a great team that values each other’s experiences.

Professionally, Chris serves as Executive Director & CEO of the Ceceilyn Miller Institute for Leadership and Diversity in America. (CMI) is one of America’s most innovative leadership and diversity training non-profit organizations. Dedicated to the cause of social justice and leadership development, CMI programs empower participants to function more effectively as people and communities.

Chris is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born and raised in Shavertown, PA. He attended Millersville University of Pennsylvania, receiving a B.S. degree in communications. In 1986, he accepted an assistantship in the student activities office at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where he subsequently received a Master’s degree in counseling/college student personnel services.

His first involvement in Student Government came when Chris served two terms as an off-campus senator in college, which was most-surprising since someone had nominated him without his knowledge! As a graduate student, he worked closely with an incorporated Student Association who allocated funds to all student groups in addition to operating the university bookstore.

His initial interest in parliamentary procedure was borne from necessity when he was asked to present on the topic for a newly created Student Government at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA. Since that time, Chris has become even more interested in parliamentary procedure and is working toward certification through the American Institute of Parliamentarians. He has been involved in drafting bylaws, budgetary processes, and other governing documents throughout his professional career.

Professionally, Chris has served as the assistant dean of students/director of student activities at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, ss the director of student activities and the student center at Salve Regina University (Newport, RI), dean of student affairs at York Technical Institute, and now is director of student leadership at Muhlenberg College.

He has been involved in the National Association for Student Activities, as well as the Association of College Unions International. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

Andrew Ortiz holds three degrees from Arizona State University (ASU), including a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1992), a Juris Doctorate of Law (1998) and a Masters in Public Administration (1999). Andrew was active in student government at Arizona State University, where he served as a Senator from the College of Law in 95-96, as Graduate Student Affairs Vice President in 96-97, and as Student Body President of the nation’s 4th largest university in 97-98.

While at Arizona State University, Andrew Ortiz enjoyed great success as a leader and as a scholar. Ortiz served as the Vice President of Operations with the ASU Hispanic Business Students Association, Vice President for Community Affairs with the ASU Chapter of the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (M.E.Ch.A.) and as President of the ASU Young Democrats. For his work on social justice issues, Ortiz received the 1995 Community Service Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, and was bestowed with an Image Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Ortiz has also received the distinguished Northern Arizona University President’s Citation of Achievement. Ortiz was a member of the Student Admissions Relations Team (START) and the ASU Student Foundation, which are two prestigious student honoraries at Arizona State University.

Andrew Ortiz was also one of two original founders of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Arizona State University, which has been honored for its outstanding philanthropic services. Ortiz was one of the founding members of the Arizona State University Leadership Honorary, Students Towards Educational Progress (STEP), and also founded a youth mentorship program at ASU for Tempe Elementary School kids called the VISION (Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhoods) Program. In 1997, Andrew was selected as Man of the Year by the American Biographical Institute, and was selected as one of the top twelve graduate student leaders in America by the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students. Ortiz was also inducted into Alpha Epsilon Lambda, a national Graduate Student Honor Society.

Andrew Ortiz was a National Fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and is a member of the Congressional Award Foundation Board of Directors in Washington, DC. Andrew is also the President & CEO of Ortiz Leadership Systems, LLC, a public speaking, leadership training and management consulting firm based in Tempe, Arizona.

In 2004, Andrew was inducted into the Arizona State University College of Public Programs Hall of Fame. In 2005, Andrew was selected to receive the Arizona State University Young Alumni Achievement Award, was the “Volunteer of the Year” with the Valley of the Sun United Way, and was one of Association Trends Magazine’s “Young and Aspiring Association Professionals.” In 2008, Ortiz was selected as a recipient of the U.S. Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award.

Butch was SGA vice president and editor-in-chief of the college newspaper (serving at the same time) at Lake City Community College, then served as SG press secretary and editor of The Campus Leader at the University of Florida.

Named in 1992 as one of the nation’s top 100 entrepreneurs under age 30 by the Association for Collegiate Entrepreneurs, Butch has been publishing student-oriented magazines, books, and web sites for nearly 30 years. He studied journalism at the University of Florida, but left school in 1984 to work full-time on his first magazine, Florida Leader.

He later launched four other publications, including the national magazine Student Leader. He travels frequently to speak and present leadership seminars and has written three books on student-leadership issues, including So You Want to Be President…How to Get Elected on Your Campus, Poster Secrets: How & Where to Hang Flyers on Your Campus, and Inspiration for Student Leaders.

Butch is married to Kathy, and they have a daughter, Leah, son Will, twins Adam and Andrew, and son Luke. Butch enjoys being a Trekker, loves Firefly, working outdoors, serving his God and church, wrestling with the young-‘uns, and cheering for the Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Rays.

Ernest Robinson began his journey in leadership early in life. After graduating from high school (age 17) he subsequently began his career in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Robinson’s participation includes Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom at the age of 20. After being honorably discharged from the military, Ernest continued his journey in leadership pursuing higher education by completing his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University™ with honors. During his terminal time as an undergraduate Ernest was considered a triple threat as an athlete, leader and scholar. Mr. Robinson served as the Inaugural President of the Model United Nations, Basileus for Zeta Chapter of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, 2nd Vice District Representative for the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Vice-President of the Pre-Law Society, Student Athletic Advisory Committee Member, Student Judicial Affairs Board Member and Student Representative for Quality Enhancement Team during accreditation period for The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Ernest received Athletic Honors in the CIAA and named Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities 2008-2009 and 2009-2010.

Upon graduating from VUU, Ernest began working for The Department of Social Services. He transisitioned to work for a political action committee from 2011-2013 which included community outreach and engagement across six states such as; Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. Mr. Robinson’s efforts lead to nearly 1,000,000 new voters across those states.

Ernest has worked/volunteered with many organizations such as the Grassroots Campaign-Vote Vets, Children’s Defense Fund, USGLC, NO Labels, Presidential Inaugural Committee, The Congressional Black Caucus and others. When opportunities are available to participate in committee activities both local and national with Father Hood Initiatives, Youth Leadership Development, Voter Registration Education and Mobilization, he does.

Professionally Ernest has worked in the United States Marine Corps, Department of Social Services, The Department of Justice – Office of the Federal Detention Trustee and The Department of Labor. He has worked in for-profit business cultivating relationships and generating sales with remarkable success. His passion for advocating for the community led him to support the mission of the historical nonprofit YMCA. He subsequently has served with a large cadre as a National Professional Skills Trainers for the Young Men’s Christian Association. Currently Ernest is a Legislative Associate (Government Relations) for the largest Veteran Service Organization in the world.

Sarah is an independent consultant located in Macomb, IL. Prior to Sarah becoming a consultant she worked in a variety of positions within student affairs at Longwood University, the University of Maryland-College Park, the University of Dayton, and Western Illinois University. Throughout all of that time, she held responsibilities including advising the Student Government, advising Fraternity and Sorority Life, student organization student discipline/conduct issues, student leadership development programming, new student orientation, and student organization risk management and training. Sarah continues to work with student organizations, and those who work with them, through advising, speaking, and consulting.

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Sarah received her Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University (TCU), Fort Worth, TX. She received her Master of Science degree from Miami University, Oxford, OH. Finally, Sarah received her Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Maryland, College Park, in Counseling and Personnel Services.

Sarah is involved in ACPA—College Student Educators International, NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and the Harbor Institute. She is a 2014 recipient of the Annuit Coeptis Award from ACPA. In addition to her professional work in Student Affairs, Sarah is a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity and Mortar Board Honor Society.

Suzette’s life has been guided by her intense passion for helping others realize their potential–to know their truth. She focuses on research-based content and practical application that will actually give students what they need to be strong leaders on and off campus. She believes in the power of servant leadership and student government’s ability affect change on campus.

With more than 15 years of experience advising and supporting student governments, she focuses on being goal-oriented, navigating through the conflict and engaging partners, allies and champions to ensure all students on campus are well-served by the student government. From auditing processes to addressing where SG’s fall short as an organization, Suzette infuses passion into every area of her work. Suzette isn’t a speaker that will sugarcoat heavy issues, instead she takes a direct, truthful approach.

Suzette resides in Parker, CO with her husband and their fur-son, Spot the dog. She is a doctoral candidate in the Education Administration and Foundations at Illinois State University, studying the factors that contribute to the development of culture in student groups. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in English and Communication from Mercer University, and a Masters of Education in College Student Personnel Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Prior transitioning to this new role, Suzette worked for ten years at Illinois State University in Normal, IL, as the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. In 2013, Suzette won the Association for Student Conduct Administration’s Student Conduct Professional of the Year Award. She served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) and is an avid volunteer with the Association for Fraternity/Sorority Advisors.