Darren Mabrey is a junior/senior at Antioch University Midwest, and enjoys every opportunity AUM provides for his journey into completing his BS in Human Services Administration. Darren was born, raised and currently lives in Dayton, Ohio. His love for the city fuels the desire to continue to work for non-profit organizations. Once Darren receives his Human Services Administration degree he plans to submerge himself into work which helps alleviate urban poverty. One such place is the Mustard Seed Foundation, where Darren currently donates his time to help educate and empower young mothers that were life-long products of the foster care system. Also, Darren recently accepted a full time position with Think-Tank Inc., an organization with emphasis on eliminating poverty through creative solutions geared toward engaging and equipping individuals. One creative solution Darren was actively involved in was to teach under-privileged urban children leadership skills through the identification and cultivation of nature, and their natural resources. According to Darren, his passion is to make a difference was discovered during the pursuit of a Management Degree with Antioch University Midwest. Darren’s plan was to enhance an already successful 20 year career in station management for gas companies. His initial attitude was a “get in, get out” stance on completing his education. The epiphany came during a grant-writing class at AUM that overwhelmingly shifted his focus on re-inventing himself. Darren now wholeheartedly pursues the goal in helping someone else fulfill their purpose, and finding true fulfillment along the way.

Empowering a Sisterhood of Black and Brown Girls for Authentic Leadership
Eighteen years ago, Jamila Coleman envisioned creating a safe space for Black and brown girls impacted by foster care. Having experienced the foster care system