Kappa Journal Post-Conclave Issue (Fall 2017)

UNDERGRADUATE NEWS: LEAD KAPPA 2017

tance of golf as a relationship facilita- tor and professional advancement tool in Corporate America. Then, Brother Andre J. Heath, a Spring 1996 initiate of the Kappa Iota Chapter at the University Southern Mississippi – where he now serves as the Assistant to the Dean for Recruitment, Retention, and Strate- gic Initiatives – presented theories of transformative leadership to improve the standing of their chapters and contribute positively to their institutions. Closing out the day, Brother Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III, a spring 2004 initiate of the Theta Eta Chapter at Florida State Uni- versity and a professor at the University of Southern California, brothers were challenged to radically reimagine their understandings of manhood and mascu- linity and the role their gender identities played in performing leadership on-cam- pus, in the fraternity, and beyond.

joined in the evening by representatives from Home Depot, a new corporate partner for LEAD Kappa. Their expert team introduced the organization’s need for highly-skilled leaders and diverse talent within the management pipeline. In addition, the Home Depot team facilitated an interactive workshop to strengthen the participants interviewing skills. The workshop included detailed prescriptions for successfully expressing interest in position vacancies, proper protocol for phone and video interviews, navigating interpersonal interactions before, during, and immediately follow- ing the interview. A corporate dinner succeeded the presentation in which participants met with the Home Depot team in breakouts for further questions. Following the dinner, participants were met with a final workshop on social and professional etiquette. This workshop

an informative dialogue with program participants. In particular, the GE Kappa panelists were able to recount some of the challenges and obstacles the in- curred when making the transition from college life to an international leader in business innovation. Panelists also solicited questions, leaving no oppor- tunity for our undergraduates to get as much information as possible regarding their future leadership and representing the fraternity well as future business leaders. Finally, Brother Henry Daniels facilitated a candid conversation with President and Chief Executive Officer of Military Systems with GE Aviation, Tony Mathis. Following a corporate lunch with the morning’s presenters, the program continued as representatives from the United States Army and U.S. Military

Ultimately, a diverse group of 50 of Kappa Alpha Psi's ® best and brightest undergraduates were selected to participate in the 2017 LEAD Kappa program. Representing 35 different undergraduate chapters from across all 12 provinces, this year's cohort included Chapter Polemarchs, Junior Province Vice Polemarchs and candidates for the fraternity's Grand Board of Directors.

On Monday, the LEAD Kappa brothers were early at work dressed in well-tailored dark suits for “Corporate Day,” wherein partners from several businesses and government organiza- tions facilitated workshops on profes- sional leadership. First, Tanya Spencer, Global Sales Operations Leader for General Electric (GE), made a presenta- tion on the role of personal branding and brand leadership in the business world. Ms. Spencer brought with her more than two decades of corporate experi- ence and expertise with the company, which she effectively transformed into key takeaways to assist a new generation understanding the potential impacts of social media, interpersonal com- munication, and professional attire on career trajectories. Next, brothers from a cross-section of professional sectors within General Electric engaged in

Cadet Command presented opportuni- ties for leadership in our nation’s armed services. Among the presenters were Colonel Cedric Carrington, a Spring 1991 initiate of the Alpha Xi Chapter at Florida A&M University, Dr. Samuel Odom, a Fall 1993 initiate of the Beta Gamma at Dillard University, and Lieutenant Colonel Miles B. Caggins III, a Spring 1996 initiate of the Beta Chi Chapter at Hampton University, all active-duty. Collectively, the decorated military brothers addressed how their leadership philosophies, which began as undergraduate Kappas, became battle tested through their basic training and subsequent officer commissions, navi- gating leadership structures in organiza- tions, and service in war periods and combat. To conclude the day, brothers were

was led by Ms. Ericka Dunlap, the first African American woman to be crowned “Miss Florida” before later earning the prestigious title of “Miss America” in 2004, who is now a successful entrepre- neur and candidate for home district on the Orlando City Commission. The last full-day of programming was off-site, beginning with meetings at Disney Studios. Under the guidance and direction of Senior Manager for Supplier Diversity, Brother Leonard K. Spencer, a Spring 1992 initiate of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter at Tuskegee University, LEAD Kappa spent time with several organizational leaders at Disney to learn about operational logistics, facilities, and career opportunities available at the worldwide leader in entertainment and leisure. But, perhaps the most exciting

22 |  FALL 2017  THE JOURNAL

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