What:MCAN is hosting its 11th annual conference this year with the theme DoublingDown on Sixty by 30. Educators, administrators, community leaders, policymakers, and other college access professionals from across the state will gather to discuss how to expand the scope of Michigan’s college attainment and completion efforts to build a better future for all.

When:Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 9 am-7 pm 

Where:Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd.

Mt Pleasant, MI 48858

Details:Those attending the event will get to participate in learning sessions that address issues like how to talk about college with someone who’s never been to college and employer engagement in support of Sixty by 30. Additionally, attendees will hear from four keynote speakers.

• David Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of College Board, grew up in a family of educators. He went to public school in New York City before enrolling at Yale University. At Yale, he taught reading to high school students from low-income families and started Branch, an innovative community service program for inner-city students in New Haven, Conn. David became president of the College Board in the fall of 2012. He was named to the 2013 Time 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Additionally, David has been recognized as one of Time magazine’s 11 Education Activists for 2011 and was one of the NewSchools Venture Fund Change Agents of the Year for 2012. 

• Janet Godwin, Chief Executive Officer of ACT, has been with the non-profit since 1990. She spent her first years in test development and research before moving on to roles in information technology and operations. She has an MA in English from the University of Iowa and a BA in English from the University of Oklahoma. She is the past board president of the Iowa City Community School District Foundation and currently serves on the Community Foundation of Johnson County.

• June Parks, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, consultant, speaker and youth empowerment expert with over 20 years of experience. Parks works to heighten youth well-being and shows other professionals how to do the same while never losing sight of their own personal and professional wellness. She has been featured in webinars, podcasts, and panels for groups including The Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, The University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Additionally, Parks is the creator of the Identify the Why workshop, which enhances adolescents’ social and emotional learning. Dr. Parks earned her doctorate from Northwestern University and has taught master’s and doctoral-level students at The University of Chicago and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

• Martel Okonji is the director of residential life & student success of  Los Angeles Room & Board, where he oversees four newly developed housing sites and wraparound services. He also serves as mental health commissioner for Los Angeles County and as board president for Seed House Project. Okonji has over 15 years of experience working with communities, nonprofit leaders, administrators, and legislators in the fields of education, juvenile justice, public health and homelessness. Drawing on his personal experiences navigating homelessness, coupled with a scholar-practitioner approach, Okonji focuses his efforts on equity and justice, working to liberate and heal communities. His experience includes working with a wide variety of agencies and institutions to develop programs, direct organizational development projects, implement resource centers, and engage communities toward progressive change.

ABOUT MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK (MCAN)
As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN works to improve the futures of Michigan’s students and communities by making college accessible to all. MCAN’s work centers on one main goal: To increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030. MCAN engages partners statewide who are committed to systems-level change and the reduction of barriers to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.