By Steve Seepersaud
We're more than a month into the new year, and one of the Alumni Association's resolutions in 2025 is to invest more in building affinity networks. One circle where this is already evident is the Alumni of Color Network (AOCN).
The group fosters meaningful connections between the University and its alumni of color by encouraging event attendance, volunteerism and philanthropy. AOCN wants alumni of color to feel represented and valued at the University.
Within the coming year, AOCN anticipates offering an increased number of professional development, health, fellowship, and service events and programs. In fact, last month, the network held a virtual Winter Wellness Reset session that included workshops on unwellness, breathwork and yoga.
"I stay connected because Binghamton was a significant space for growth, learning and expansion for me, and the University is very dear to me," said Jessica Samboy '08, a volunteer leader for AOCN, and an integrated wellness coach who led a workshop during the Winter Wellness Reset. "I would like to continue supporting Binghamton by creating space and visibility for alumni and undergraduates of color. Binghamton reinforces alumni excellence. Staying connected motivates alumni to continue growing and expanding on their personal excellence but more importantly sharing the excellence with our undergraduates."
Through engagement in volunteer service, AOCN is hoping to make its presence felt both within and outside the 黑料视频 community. The group's leaders are considering a mission trip to foster connections that could potentially lead to new study-abroad programs and international exchange opportunities.
Creating opportunities for alumni to build networking connections and share knowledge with each other will be a top priority for AOCN, recognizing that it's the #1 benefit alumni seek from their alma mater. Darwin Martinez '11, MBA '16, a volunteer leader for AOCN and New York-based insurance broker, says his professional journey has been enriched by opportunities to lead educational seminars and outreach programs, and he brings the same passion for mentorship and empowerment to his work with AOCN.
"My personal involvement with AOCN stems from a deep sense of gratitude for the support and mentorship I鈥檝e received throughout my life," Martinez said. "As someone who has benefitted from others giving back, I feel a strong responsibility to pay it forward especially to students who share similar challenges, such as navigating higher education or finding their path in professional environments. My hope is to contribute to making 黑料视频 a welcoming and progressive space that celebrates diversity and fosters collaboration across all groups."
Want to join our Alumni of Color Network, LGBTQ+ Alumni Network or Veterans Alumni Network? to receive news on events and programs.