The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Intimate Conversations with Greatness: A Minority Mentorship Symposium
03.09.2009 | Texas Relays
March 9, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas -- The collective goal of Texas Athletics is to create champions in sport, but most importantly champions in life. And with that mission in mind, UT Women's Track and Field coach Bev Kearney dreamed up "Intimate Conversations with Greatness: A Minority Mentorship Symposium."
The purpose of the symposium is to create a forum to teach, mentor and inspire minority students and student-athletes. The symposium features high-profile individuals from the entertainment, sports and music industries who can provide insight on making a successful transition into the corporate world.
"It started as a simple plan to create greater visibility for the aspirations of the student-athletes," Kearney said. "It's a challenge for women in corporate America. It's a challenge for minorities. So, imagine being both. I was really passionate about them understanding that what they're facing, and what they're going through, is normal."
With the symposium entering its third year, Kearney said she wanted to open the event up to not only student-athletes, but the minority student population and the general student body, as well, because the event is an opportunity to mentor our next generation of great leaders.
"I realized that it's good for all, regardless of race or gender, to be exposed to such amazingly successful individuals," Kearney said. "There are many avenues -- that's why we bring in such a diverse group. It's really an open forum that's about success."
This is an educational, mentoring and networking event held in conjunction with the 82nd Annual Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays and the Urban Music Festival.
WHAT: Intimate Conversations with Greatness: A Minority Mentorship Symposium
WHEN: Sunday, April 5, 2009; 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Four Seasons Hotel
WHO: Divine Divas and Gents of Distinction
CONFIRMED GUESTS
Eve: Grammy Award winner for Best Rap/Song Collaboration (with Gwen Stefani); First female rapper to have an album enter the charts at No. 1
LeToya Luckett: Two-time Grammy Award winner singer/actress and former member of Destiny's Child
Toccara Jones: Featured on America's Next Top Model and Celebrity Fit Club
Vivian Chew: Founder and Principal of TimeZone International, a marketing and promotions firm with a mission to market urban culture globally
Karen Taylor Bass: CEO/President of Taylor Made Media, which crafted and implemented customized media plans for Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder, Musiq and Hidden Beach Records
Rhonda O'Neal: Celebrity hairstylist, who has styled for movies such as "He's Just Not that Into You," "Charlie Wilson's War" and "Hancock," as well as the Academy Awards
Keesh Winkler Smith: Celebrity make-up artist, who has worked with Monique, Monica, Chili (TLC), among others
Tamiko Hope: Founder and CEO of Word Ink; clients include Grammy-winning producer DJ Toomp, rapper Cee-Lo, Lil' Jon, Andre 3000, The Ying Yang Twins and Big Boi
Octavia: Professional musician and actress
Egypt: A correspondent for "The Maury Show," an entertainment reporter for BET's "The Black Carpet" and a national radio personality
Joetta Clark Diggs: Four-time Olympian and daughter of Joe Clark from the movie Lean On Me; has worked for Footlocker, Powerfood and Nike and now serves as Commissioner of Sports in New Jersey for the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority
Kelli Lawson: Head of Dell's Global Brand Innovation & Multicultural Marketing
Kiana Dancie: Comedian and writer
Amber Noble: Former director of marketing for Def Jam Records, and has worked with Jay Z, LL Cool J, Juelz Santana, Patti LaBelle and Lionel Richie
Paula Goins: Nationally-recognized event planner, media expert and publisher; Co-Founder of "Style & Substance" magazine
Dorcey Kuti: CEO of "Gazelle PR"
Deavra Daughtry: President and CEO of Excellent Care Management, one of the nation's largest personal in-home care agencies; founded the Texas Women's Empowerment Foundation
Mike Kyser: President of Atlantic Records
Ken Bentley: Vice President of community affairs and educational programs for Nestle
Malcolm Jamal Warner: Emmy Award and Image Award nominated actor who starred in "The Cosby Show," "Malcolm & Eddie," and "Listen Up;" hosted the literacy-promoting children's show "CBS Story Break"
Ray Chew: Renowned musician, composer and producer who has performed with such greats as Barry Manilow, Sting, Mary J Blige, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Rihanna and many others
Steve McKeever: CEO and founder of Hidden Beach Recordings and introduced the world to the concept of Unwrapped, the unique blend of Hip Hop and Jazz; launched the careers of Jill Scott and Kindred the Family Soul
Jason Griffin: Celebrity fashion stylist and fashion editor of RIME magazine; worked as a stylist for Vanessa and Angela Simmons, Omarion, Don Cheadle, Tyrese, Tisha Campbell, Marcus Houston and others
Gary Anthony Sturgis: Starred in "Diary of A Mad Black Woman," "Pride," "Daddy's Little Girls," and voiced network promos for ABC, CBS, PBS, UPN and various movie trailers
Dan Napier: Vice President of MGM Grand Hotel; in charge of national marketing for the hotel and casino while overseeing a staff of 250 and an exclusive clientele of more than 800
Harry Davis: Founder of independent film company "99 Ways Entertainment" and his directorial debut, "MVP," was screened at the exclusive Sundance Film Festival
Glyn Milburn: Former NFL Pro Bowler and Vice President of A52 Holdings; manages and coaches Arena Football
