Thursday, February 02, 2012

Saint Mary’s invites African-American professionals to share their stories

WINONA, Minn. — In recognition of Black History Month, African-American professionals from throughout the nation have been invited to share their stories Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Saint Mary’s University.

The panel discussion, free and open to the public, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. These six panelists will share their stories, challenges and victories:

• Duchesne Drew, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Drew is the Star Tribune’s managing editor for operations. He’s the newsroom’s liaison to the circulation, production, marketing and advertising departments.
• Sarah Hoye, CNN
Hoye is an award-winning journalist for CNN. She is currently based in Philadelphia where she covers regional assignments and breaking news.
• Minnesota Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-District 58B)
Rep. Champion has represented portions of downtown and north Minneapolis since he was elected in 2008. He is currently a member of the House’s Civil Justice Committee and Finance Committee.
• Beatrice Tayui, Diamond International Inc. and Lion Aviation Group
Tayui is president and senior managing partner at Lion Aviation Group, Inc., an airline management and turnaround specialist that is focused on the growing African aviation sector. She is also president and CEO of Diamond International, Inc. in Chicago, a privately held domestic and international business strategies company.
• Ebenezer Tayui, M.D., Franciscan St. Margaret Health
Dr. Tayui specializes in cardiac and obstetric anesthesiology in Hammond, Ind.
• Xavier Wilson, Winona State University
Wilson, a Saint Mary’s alumnus, is currently serving as interim assistant director of Housing and Residence Life at WSU.

Refreshments will be served following the discussion and a question-and-answer period.

The event is part of a month-long series of events hosted by the Black Students and Allies at Saint Mary’s. For more information, contact Keotta House at klhous11@smumn.edu or (507) 279-1806.