Mission
The Cal State LA Black Alumni Network was founded in 2018 to grow, sustain, and promote a thriving community of black students at Cal State LA, a premier comprehensive public university in Los Angeles. It is the energy, hard work, and passion of our students that inspires us to support and mentor our future alumni. As alumni, we value supporting students in higher education to continue with their personal and professional development. The Black Alumni Network exists to establish formal provisions to create opportunities that elevate our community through increased visibility, constructive programming, charitable initiatives, and fostered connections.
We are proud of your success and thank you for your support.
Network Leadership
Sesley Lewis ('17, '20), Chair
Basic Needs Director, Pasadena City College
Sesley Lewis has worked within the field of education for nearly eight years. She discovered her passion for education in student affairs during her undergraduate career as a student assistant in the Division of Student Life at Cal State LA. As a student, she often helped students experiencing basic needs insecurities and championed the efforts, development, creation, and implementation of the Basic Needs Initiative campus-wide. This included the formation and opening of the Cal State LA food pantry, CalFresh Outreach program, Emergency Housing program, and many other programs related to Basic Needs. She also served as co-advisor for the Black Student Union and Halisi Steppers, mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. Click here to learn more about Sesley.
Ph.D. Candidate, Higher Education Leadership Policy Studies, Howard University
Erick West is a professional scholar, social justice advocate, and former college athlete. Currently, as a Ph.D. candidate at Howard University, Mr. West is passionate about promoting equity and ethnic representation within the higher education system. With aspirations to become a University President, his research at Howard focuses on holistic education for student-athletes. He is an active member of AERA where he has done presentations about his work on Black male teachers and teacher prep programs. During his academic career at Cal State LA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, he was an active member of the Black Student Union, Housing and Residence Life, and Men’s Track and Field. Click here to learn more about Erick.
Upcoming Events
We are currently working to add more exciting activities to the calendar. To receive event updates and exclusive invitations, please be sure to join the Network using the form below!
Past Events
Black Alumni Network Mixer
Hosted by the Black Alumni Network:
Building Pathways for Black Alumni, Students, and Our Community in Higher Education
Presented by
Sesley Lewis ('17, '20) and Erick West ('16, '18)
Black Alumni Network Inaugural Brunch
Connect with Us
Should you want to get further involved with the network — whether it be interest in a leadership role or ideas for a future event — please contact us at [email protected] or (323) 343-2586.