Speakers

 

Deltha Q. Colvin is the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Special Programs at Wichita State University (WSU). She was a graduate of the first TRIO Upward Bound fifty-one years ago. In essence she is living the TRIO experience starting as a first-generation student to now being Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. She has dedicated her time and effort to provide opportunities to students. Colvin has been involved with TRIO Programs for 45 years. She overseas 10 TRIO Programs and 2 Gear UP Programs. She has been president of the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP) and the MO-KAN-NE Chapter of MAEOPP, serving on the national, regional and chapter TRIO board of directors. As a member of the US Department of Education’s national TRIO ThinkQuest (TTQ) Advisory Committee and University of Washington Training, she has assisted in the implementation of web page design competition for TRIO participants and promoting the importance of model curriculums. Her programs have been a part of the Microsoft TRIO Partnership since 1994, receiving software to assist TRIO students in their educational pursuits. She is a national advocate, trainer, and consultant in the development of proposals, program management and operations, and TRIO program reviews. She served as the eighth and first female president and the secretary of the Mid- America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP), serving on the board of directors of the National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations (NCEOA). MAEOPP is the largest of the ten TRIO regional associations, representing ten states in the Midwest and has over 800 members.

Curtis Pitts was voted one of the “Top 10 Up and Coming African American Leaders in the United States" by Coretta Scott King of the King Center. For his Nonviolent Social Change, motivational speaker Curtis Pitts is an award-winning community activist, keynote speaker, and philanthropist.

Curtis earned his bachelor’s degree in General Studies with minors in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Fort Hays State University and has studied at the prestigious Scholars Institute at the King Center for Nonviolent Social Changes in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the International Institute to Improve Race Relations in addition to working as an independent lobbyist. Curtis has spoken at over 900 national, regional, and state conferences and has received numerous awards. He has four decades of activism and training on improving race relations.

Jenna Smith joined TRIO Disability Support Services (DSS) in 2004 and remained in the program through graduation. She graduated from Wichita State in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in health services management and community development.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Jenna went on to obtain two master’s degrees. She earned degrees in public health from The University of Kansas in 2012 and aging studies from Wichita State in 2014.

Jenna plans to return to school in the near future to work on a doctorate. Jenna has put her education to good work as an advocate for adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She worked for five years as the family care coordinator for the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and now as a helpline care consultant for the Alzheimer’s Association headquarters providing support for caregivers and family members.

She is active in the Wichita community as a member of the Public Health Coalition and various other groups that advocate for the needs of elderly adults. Jenna continues to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association local chapter in coordinating events and planning and presenting for the yearly Kansas Education Conference on Dementia.

Rhonda Thomas-Hicks teaches down to earth yet powerful game changing advocacy strategies. Rhonda can easily be found inspiring, encouraging and mentoring parents and students daily. Rhonda is a proud Wichita South High Titan high school alum. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Wichita State University and she has a Masters in Management Information Systems from Friends University. Rhonda proudly serves as a TRIO Upward Bound Wichita Prep Director for 23 years at Wichita State University.

Jaya Escobar-Bhattacharjee attended Wichita State University (WSU) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Jaya’s professional employment has been in service organizations advocating for youth and families, currently serving as Associate Director at WSU’s Upward Bound Wichita Prep. Jaya has always been involved in her community through volunteer efforts, educational endeavors, event planning, and advocating for others.  Jaya has been a member of and held several leadership positions with professional and community organizations. Mrs. Escobar-Bhattacharjee has had the privilege of serving on the Boards of Directors/Advisory Boards/ or Board of Trustees. Additionally, Jaya has also served the City of Wichita through several boards including District VI Advisory. 

Dr. Jason Bosch has over 15 years of experience supporting student and adult learning and development in education, business, nonprofit, governmental, and community organization settings. He currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Success in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University. In this role, he provides leadership and strategic direction for the Engineering Student Success Center. Additionally, Jason is an associate with the Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute’s Center for Organizational Development, where he supports strategic planning, leadership training, and other organizational development initiatives. He is the founder and owner of Elevate Agency, LLC, a company that helps individuals and organizations build their capacity to lead through leadership coaching and training, team development, and strategic planning. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in sociology, master’s degree in higher education leadership, and doctoral degree in educational leadership. He holds certifications in leadership coaching and advanced leadership development from the Kansas Leadership Center.

Gabriel Fonseca serves as the Assistant Director of Student Involvement and SGA Advisor at Wichita State University. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications from Coker University. Master's degree in Student Development and Leadership In Higher Education from Angelo State University and is currently pursuing his Doctorate at Wichita State University. Fonseca has worked in multiple areas in Student Affairs from Student Activities, to Student Conduct, Residence Life, Family Programs before his current role. Fonseca believes that all people have leadership ability, it just takes practice to enhance your skills and develop your leadership style.