February 28, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Mary Stuart Rogers Building | MJC West Campus

February 17, 2025

CVV News

Be inspired, be informed, be connected! For over 30 years, MJC has hosted the African American Education Conference (AAEC), a conference that aims to empower students in their journey toward higher education while honoring rich culture and history. Guests will hear from experienced and visionary keynote speaker, Dr. Eric Handy on achieving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for the success of students.

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Handy is a seasoned, multifaceted transformational leader with over 13 years of experience spanning higher education, secondary education, and the nonprofit sectors. He is widely recognized for his visionary leadership, student centered approach, and unwavering commitment to advancing racial equity and student success. Passionate about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Dr. Handy is a prominent figure in guiding organizations to achieve meaningful DEIB goals.

Currently serving as Interim Dean of Student Equity and Engagement at Diablo Valley College, Dr. Handy has successfully integrated student service programs with instructional initiatives, significantly enhancing retention and success. Under his leadership, programs have expanded and become more equitable, addressing the diverse needs of students, and increasing access and achievement.

Dr. Handy’s leadership transcends traditional roles. He is dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships, engaging in courageous conversations, and driving sustainable solutions to systemic challenges related to equity and race. His work with The COALITION, a collective of Black, Latinx, and APIDA community college educators, exemplifies his commitment to creating a multi-organizational, multi-ethnic powerbase to drive systemic change within the California Community College system.

A lifelong advocate for student success, Dr. Handy holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills College, specializing in Community Colleges. He also earned a master’s in counseling from Saint Mary’s College of California, with a focus on Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from San Francisco State University.

Gain valuable tools and resources to help you identify and achieve your educational goals.
We warmly invite both the campus community and the public to attend the AAEC as we come together to celebrate community! This free event is open to the public. Seating is limited.

Questions? Contact the Rise Up Center at 209-575-6847 or Duana Demus Leslie at 209-575-6262.