2024 BOSS Weekend

Our 7th Annual BOSS Weekend (May 24, 2024) was a huge success. Click here to view a sizzle reel that captures the excitement of the weekend of events. Click here to view a photo gallery of images captured over the weekend and click here to view the program journal from our BOSS Showcase and BOSS Gala.

We kicked off the weekend with our annual BOSS Showcase, a daylong event from the Pointe at the Pyramid on the CSULB campus. Bright young minds (225 boys) gathered ready to embrace the opportunity. They heard from a group  of dynamic speakers who embodied the BOSS pillars of individual excellence and team mastery. Former Green Bay Packer and UCLA great Johnathan Franklin shared his story. Ramsey Jay, Jr., a renowned leadership coach, public speaker and financial consultant was our keynote speaker. The inspiration continued with small group sessions. Students engaged with accomplished professionals representing careers in accounting, banking, engineering, finance, law, medicine and sports & entertainment (see below).

The day extended with a tour of CSULB. Enthusiastic tour guides brought college life into focus for the students.  As the young leaders explored the campus, the spark of possibility ignited in their eyes. The campus visit offered more than a tour. It presented a vision of what is possible.

The next evening we celebrated BOSS scholars in categories aligned with our foundational pillars including Economically BOSS, Emotionally BOSS, Mentally BOSS, Physically BOSS, Socially BOSS and Spiritually BOSS.  BOSS scholars and proud parents and sponsors gathered for the special event. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. After being presented with their awards, students took the stage to share their experiences and insights. Additional speaker also addressed the audience, a powerful testament to our mission of inspiring, empowering and equipping boys of color to be transformed.

Showcase Mentors:

Adrienne Atkins, Engineering & Operations, AT&T
Liliana Ramirez-Benavides, Marketing, AT&T
Alexander Bonilla, MUP, Community Health Sr Consultant, Kaiser
Levi Brailsford, Accounts Receivable Collections Manager, Bella + Canvas/Alo Yoga
Sheena Camagong, People Experience Coordinator, Bella + Canvas/Alo Yoga
Adam Cole, Global Relationship Manager, HSBC Bank
Mario Cordero, Executive Director, Port of Long Beach
Francisco Da Broy, Branch Manager, Ass’t VP, US Bank
Lorna Ferrell, Account Executive, Microsoft
Chavantaé ‘Tae’ Flakes, Manager Booking, Goldenvoice
Dominique Franklin, Business Program Manager, Communications, Microsoft
Noel Grigsby, Community Relations, LA Rams
Macie Groves, Branch Manager, Ass’t VP, US Bank
Arthur Hightower, Sr. Director, Player Development, LA Chargers
Ana Hoosier, Marketing, LA Rams
Eloka Ikebudu, MD, Internal Medicine, Kaiser
Shawn Jacks, Program Manager, Play Equity Fund
Matt Lawler, VP Digital Media • AEG Global Partnerships Digital and Analytics
Juan McDavid, Broadcast Technician IV • Crypto.com Arena Broadcasting
Walter Myers III, Engineering Manager, Microsoft
Bright Onyenwe, Sr Cloud Endpoint Technical Specialist, Microsoft
Anette Padilla, Director, AEG Community Foundation and Social Impact
Renardo Pinnock, Senior Associate Relationship Manager, HSBC Bank
Keith Puckett, Sr Security Program Manager, Microsoft
Jaime Aragon-Puerto, Financial Planning & Opps, AT&T
Fernando Ramirez, Vice President, Play Equity Fund
Brandon Sievers, MD, Assistant Chief, Family Medicine, Kaiser
Ryon ‘Jewel’ Singleton, Software Engineer • AXS North America Technology
Richard Toscano, Branch Manager, Ass’t VP, US Bank
McKenzie Neely-Wright, External Affairs, AT&T