BAAAU serves as an advocacy organization for Black Arcadia alumni by fostering a sense of pride and commitment to the University. Upon graduation, all Black alumni automatically become part of the BAAAU family.
Together BAAAU…
- serves as a unifier amongst Black Arcadia University alumni and Arcadia University to encourage and enhance opportunities for Black alumni to foster personal and professional networks
- provides support for current Black Arcadia University students through mentorship and networking opportunities
- acknowledges the legacy, contributions, and accomplishments of Black Arcadia alumni
- to support the University’s efforts to recruit and retain a diverse faculty, staff, and student population
- guides students as they navigate and overcome obstacles throughout their academic career at Arcadia University and beyond
Events and Meetings
The Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University (BAAAU) 2023 Summer Social was held on July 21. Attendees filled their souls with friendship, community, food, drink, and fun.
Welcome Black Saturday: The Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University (BAAAU) invited Black faculty, staff, alumni and students with their families for a special Welcome Black community celebration. We welcomed our new and returning Black students to campus for the 2022-23 academic year and celebrated all that is Black excellence at Arcadia University.
Philanthropy
Contribute to the BAAAU Preview Travel Support Program
Committed to equity in the Arcadia student experience, BAAAU established the Preview Support Program, designed specifically for low-income Black students attending Arcadia University. BAAAU would like to ensure full participation in Arcadia’s Preview program (link to preview page) by students who would otherwise be unable to take advantage of this program’s richness. On behalf of these students, BAAAU asks members of the Arcadia community to consider helping all students participate in Preview.
In 2017, 5 percent of Black students participated in Preview; in 2018, participation rose to 6.5 percent. By 2019, because of donor support, student participation had risen to 8.7 percent. BAAAU aims to support 10 students annually, but we need your help.
Your generous contributions will go a long way to enable a memorable, life-changing, educational experience. Donations can be made online or sent by mail to:
Meet Your BAAAU Alumni Leaders
Alishah Powell, MSOD ’03
President
Alishah Powell has worked at Penn Medicine for 20 years. Alishah manages Gastroenterology fellowship programs, recruiting, onboarding, orientation, evaluations, program planning, and ACGME accreditation compliance, and overseeing the fellowship budget and reimbursement process. After graduating from Arcadia University (’03) and University of Pennsylvania Organizational Dynamics program (’21), Alishah’s goal is to help others to strengthen their resilience and wellness. Alishah has transferable skills in organizational coaching, project management, and exhibiting resilience. Additionally, she is trained in positive psychology and appreciative inquiry.
Alishah has delivered local and national didactics, through Practice Match and at Penn Medicine and Arcadia University. Her talks have focused on reducing burnout, improving sleep hygiene, and building resilience through emotional intelligence. Alishah is passionate about teaching emotional intelligence. She claims that EQ helps to create self-awareness, regulation of emotions, increase empathy, enhance communication, productivity and increase your impact.
Alishah was a foster parent in 2018, which she claims was the most rewarding job. Being a foster parent started her journey and exploration on resilience and gratitude and community service. Her foster daughter taught her about bouncing back from hardship. She coupled this interest with her Christian faith to help others and to make a difference in her community. She wants to help continue the hard work of BAAAU past leadership to bring visibility and support among BAAAU and the Arcadia University students, staff and faculty.
Akosua Ako-Addo’18
Preview Travel Program Fund, Chair
Akosua Ako-Addo’18 has a B.A. in History from Arcadia. Like many Knights, her time at Arcadia was shaped by her global experiences. Her Preview was spent in Havana, Cuba, and she studied abroad in Perugia, Italy, and Aberdeen, Scotland. After graduating, she served with AmeriCorps City Year in New York before earning her M.A. in International Educational Development from the Teachers College, Columbia University. In her free time, Akosua loves reading, volunteering at book festivals, and engaging in new activities.
Nicole M. Fulton ’09
Community Service Co-Liaison
Nicole M. Fulton ’09 currently volunteers as the Northern District Chairperson for the Cradle of Liberty Council, Scouting America. She is passionate about encouraging youth, community service, advocacy, and developing relationships with others that have a heart for doing the same. Nicole is excited to serve as the Community Service Co-Liaison for BAAAU and is dedicated to enhancing the Black student experience on campus and in the surrounding communities. Nicole is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and lives in Philly in the Mt. Airy section of the City with her teenage son, Jonathan.
Karen Marie Williams ’01
Community Service Co-Liaison
Karen Marie Williams ’01 is currently a Literacy Coach & School Equity Leader for the School District of Philadelphia. She is passionate about community service, advocacy, and developing relationships through mentoring programs. Karen is excited to serve on the Community Service Committee for BAAAU and is dedicated to enhancing the Black student experience at Arcadia, and uplift their voices on campus and within the larger community. She also serves as the Alumni Representative of Arcadia’s Honorary Degree Committee.
Dr. Corinne L. Quinn ’09MS, DC, MSPH, MCHES
Communications Liaison
Dr. Corinne L. Quinn ’09MS, DC, MSPH, MCHES was born and raised in Vallejo, CA. Corinne received her BA in Pan-African Studies/Pre Medical Studies from Barnard College in New York, NY in 1998, MS in Public Health from Arcadia University in Glenside, PA in 2005, and Doctorate in Chiropractic from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, CA in 2023. Corinne has coordinated and managed nutrition education/obesity prevention programs geared primarily toward low income African-American and Latino individuals in various community based organizations. She is an active volunteer within the First Presbyterian Church, Vallejo, The Girl Scouts of Northern California, Vallejo/American Canyon Service Unit, and The National Council of Negro Women, Golden Gate Section. Corinne enjoys working with children and their families: equipping them with knowledge, tools, and resources to live healthier, more productive lives.
Sonya Gaskins ’02
Representative-at-Large and Advisor to the Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University
Sonya Gaskins ’02 is a lifelong Philadelphia, PA resident. Sonya’s affiliation with Arcadia University began as being part of the Beaver-Leeds Scholars program. She is a Jones Poundstone Society donor for Arcadia. After earning a degree in Political Science, she began her career in public service with the City of Philadelphia. For the past 17 years, she has served in numerous roles, and is currently acting as an Administrative Officer for the Department of Human Services. In addition to being a fan of Arcadia, Sonya is a loyal Philadelphia Eagles fan – Go Birds!
Dave Euwings ’06
Nominations Committee, Chair
Dave Euwings ’06 has served as the Co-Chair of the Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University. He is a native of South Philadelphia, a graduate of Overbrook High School and Arcadia University. He is a Jones Poundstone Society donor for Arcadia. David has constantly strived for success in his career by using his life experiences as constant motivation. David is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., currently serving as the Eastern Region Director of Publicity, and he serves as a member of the Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University and Chair of the Nominations Committee.
The Sankofa Award for Distinguished Achievement
BAAAU presents the Sankofa Award for Distinguished Achievement annually during Alumni Reunion Week. Recipients are Arcadia University graduates of African-American/African diaspora descent who exemplify the spirit of Sankofa. This award is presented to a deserving graduate in recognition of their significant professional accomplishments, as well the contributions they have made in mentoring and social justice activism in the African American/African diaspora community, which greatly enhance the prestige of Arcadia University.
Past Sankofa Award Recipients
2021: Aliyah Abraham ’17
Aliyah Abraham ’17 has contributed significantly to Arcadia University, including the visioning and founding of the Black Alumni Association, bringing to life the Black Alumni Association’s Preview Travel Support Program and the University’s Knights for Nutrition food pantry. Aliyah also serves on the Strategic Planning Committee of the Alumni Association Advisory Council and advocates for students and alumni alike on the University’s Justice-Equity-Diversity-and-Inclusion Commission.
2020: Zyhkeya Waller-Young ’99
Zyhkeya Waller-Young ’99 received her B.A. in Psychology from Arcadia University and serves as director of Children’s Enhanced Outpatient Programs at The Consortium, a mental health services provider. Waller-Young is the founder of Business Bestiez Pro Academy, a business consulting company that provides female entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs the tools and resources necessary to succeed in business.
2019: Candace L. Griffin ’13M
Candace has been extensively involved with the Greater Washington Urban League Thursday Network, a community service and civic engagement organization with a mission to provide a forum for young adults to focus on community service, professional development, and political involvement. During her first term as membership chair with the Network, she successfully increased membership by 71%.
2018: Octavius Blount ’15
Octavius currently serves as the Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement, aligning resources and initiatives with a specific goal to reduce disparities between economic and social outcomes of Black men and boys. In all that he does, he commits to being a role model, mentor, pathfinder, or resource to guide the youth of all races to a future that reflects their passion and skills.
