FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 30, 2012)
A North Texan known as a game changer is the keynote speaker for the Seventh Annual Ariel Hunter-Chriss African American Professionals Conference next month.
Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell will discuss “Change the Game . . .Lead and Innovate” Friday, Nov. 9, at Tarrant County College South Campus, 5301 Campus Drive.
Sorrell, a graduate of Duke Law School, was named the Historical Black College and University President of the Year in 2012, a year after Paul Quinn had been honored as the HBCU of the year.
“We are excited that President Sorrell has agreed to share his insight with our emerging and seasoned professionals,” said Alisa Jones, director of Continuing Education Services at South Campus. “He is a walking, talking example of what we want to inspire conference participants to become.
“What he has been able to accomplish in the southern sector of Dallas in a short time is truly amazing. He is not afraid to breathe new life into stagnant situations. Just look what he did for the Dallas community when he transformed (Paul Quinn College’s) football field into the ‘We Over Me Farm’ in a partnership with PepsiCo,” Jones said.
A new addition to the conference is an opening session speaker. Popular conference facilitator Fay Fleming, president of the Business Performance Co., will get things under way with “Playing to Win: Growing your Business, Accelerating your Career!”
“Ms. Fleming’s sessions have been overflowing since she became a presenter seven years ago,” Jones said. “We decided it was time to expose a broader audience to her expertise by having her jump-start the day.”
Breakout topics this year continue to focus on the total person – Your Career, Your Finances, Your Business and Your Life. Examples of topics in each of those areas are “Lead to Succeed,” “What Happens to Me After He’s Gone,” “Entrepreneurship: The Gentle Art of Side-Hustling,” and “Healthy Living: Unwind and Rewind.”
A jazz networking reception, featuring saxophonist Rodney Bowen, will be held from 4-5 p.m.
The conference is named for founder Ariel Hunter-Chriss, who was CES director at South Campus until her death in 2009. “It was only fitting that the conference be renamed to honor her and her passion for programs geared toward educating youth,” Jones said. A scholarship fund also has been established for children to attend TCC’s annual summer enrichment program, College for Kids.
Past AAPC keynote speakers have included TCC Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley; Fort Worth attorney and former State Rep. Glenn Lewis, chairman of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents; and Roland Parrish, president, CEO and owner of Parrish McDonald’s Restaurants, Ltd.
Sponsors and partners include American Airlines, Fort Worth Business Assistance Center, Jim Austin Online, Minority Leaders and Citizens Council, North Texas Lead, TCC Small Business Development Center, Scott Murray and KXAS TV-5 “Five Talk Street” staff, The University of Texas at Arlington, Unity One Credit Union, and Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County.
Registration is $99 for professionals and $49 for students. Registration and more information are available at www.tccd.edu/AfricanAmericanProfessionals or by calling the South Campus Continuing Education Services Office at 817-515-4392.
Media Contact: 817-515-5212