CONCLAVE REVIEW LEAD KAPPA
and Head of Student Success. For weeks leading up to LEAD Kappa, brothers had already been meeting via Zoom on Wednesday evenings to refine resumes, sharpen approaches to corporate engagement, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. Now, in Phoenix, those lessons became real- time conversations. Despite fatigue, the energy was palpable—proof of their eagerness to set themselves apart through preparation. Sunday began with breakfast on the go, professional headshots, and a morn- ing briefing. One brother summed up the day’s anticipation when he shared, “I’m really looking forward to this ser- vice. I haven’t been to church in years, and I want to work on my relationship with God.” Soon after, the group traveled to Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. Terry E. Mackey welcomed them warmly. Dressed in dark suits and adorned with NupeMall ties, the brothers filled the pews with reverence and eagerness. Over ten brothers stepped forward to rededicate their lives to Christ, a powerful testament to the Fraternity’s holistic vision of leadership—academic, professional, and spiritual. Following worship, the group was hosted by the Gamma Iota Chapter at Arizona State University’s Downtown Campus. There, a series of impactful sessions began. Darryl McGee (Iota Gamma 1982), National Chapter Advi- sors Chairman, challenged participants to confront issues of Title IX, rape cul- ture, and campus sexual violence with the courage to lead change. Brother Daniel I. Nixon, Interim Director of Undergraduate and University Affairs,
The LEAD Kappa cohort prepare for the business of leadership training regarding some of the most pressing issues on college campuses today.
emphasized operational excellence and Fraternity best practices. Dr. Charles H. F. Davis III, Dean of Curriculum, pushed brothers to expand their vision of leadership within and beyond the fra- ternity, equipping them to leave lasting impacts on their campuses and careers. The day concluded not with lectures but with laughter at Main Event, where bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and obstacle courses allowed the brothers to strengthen bonds through competi- tion and fun. ENGAGING WITH INDUSTRY AND COM- MUNITY Monday marked a shift toward professional development. At Honey- well Aerospace Global Headquarters, brothers heard from executives Julie Hickman, David Johnson, and Monta Fowlkes, who offered insights into
global operations, innovation, and career pathways. Through speed networking with the Honeywell Black Employee Network and tours of the facility, participants saw firsthand the spaces where leadership and inno- vation converge. Many left inspired, with visions of their future careers sharpened. Service soon followed. At Nourish Phoenix, a nonprofit serving hundreds of families daily, the brothers packed more than 300 toiletry bags, each with a handwritten note of encouragement. As Courtney Knotts, Volunteer and Workforce Coordinator, expressed her gratitude, the brothers reflected on Matthew 25:35 and left with renewed commitment to service as a corner- stone of fraternity life.
SUMMER 2025 ♦ THE JOURNAL 49
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