Young Men of Color Alliance (YMoCA)
Brotherhood: Creating unity through community, support and growth
Program Overview
The Young Men of Color Alliance is a collaborative program with the Men of Color Alliance (MoCA) Employee Resource Group, Center for Intercultural Relations, Office of Restorative Practices, Black Resource Center, and the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs. This program is open to all incoming first-year and transfer students who have a demonstrated commitment to the success of men of color. Through participation in the program students will receive access to:
- Peer mentorship support
- Assigned Coordinator Care Advisor and academic resources
- Support from men of color faculty, staff and graduate students
- Professional development and networking opportunities
Mission
The Young Men of Color Alliance (YMoCA) is an academic success initiative created to empower and support young men of color at San Diego State University. The program was designed to encourage young men of color to persist toward degree completion. The program employs a strength-based psychosocial approach guided by an emerging discourse on masculinity, developmental theory, cultural-relational frameworks, and theories of learning and neuroscience.
Vision
The Young Men of Color Alliance is designed to support and celebrate individuals who have a demonstrated commitment to the success of men of color. Our world is increasingly interconnected and interdependent; we need a generation of leaders prepared to work together. We will cultivate diverse leaders who employ cognitive complexity to solve problems while operating from cultural humility. The Young Men of Color Alliance will foster a community of leaders who understand, respect, and appreciate the specific cultural differences between themselves and others.
Program Development Team
- Adam Adams, M.S., Community Liaison Manager for the Office of Restorative Practices; and Chair for SDSU Men of Color Alliance Employee Resource Group (MoCA)
- Charnise Bumpus, EOP Counselor for Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success
- Chris Medellin, M.A. Director for the Native Resource Center; Vice-Chair for SDSU Men of Color Alliance Employee Resource Group (MoCA)
- Daniela Saldana Gurgol, M.A., Associate Director for Center for Intercultural Relations
- Donnae Prather, Coordinator for Black Resource Center
- Ikram Aweys, M.S., P.P.S, Coordinator and Coordinated Care Advisor for Center for Intercultural Relations
- José Manuel Wong, Gradudate Assistant for Young Men of Color and Center for Intercultural Relations
- Niko Villa, M.A., EOP Counselor for Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success
- Dr. Ricky Pope, Assistant Professor for Office of Restorative Practices
