Black Alumni Association

Dr. Carroll J. Brown III leads the Fostering Resiliency Project (FRP) at its helm after a decade-long career in mental health awareness and advocacy through educational programming to communities of color. He has a strong passion for working with at-risk youth, utilizing emotional intelligence to help young men not only understand who they are, but learn who they are as they continue to live healthy lives. He graduated from Phillips Graduate University (c/o 2018) where he obtained his Doctorate degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Organizational Management and Consulting. He is a proud Matador Alumni where he obtained his B.A. in Pan African Studies (now known as Africana Studies), and a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. where he was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Chapter Summer 2006.

Vice President

Tiana Mason received her BA in Child and Adolescent Development from CSUN and currently serves as the Vice President of the Black Alumni Association, Chair of the Homegrown Faculty and Staff Group, member of the Black Student Success Council, and helped implement the CSUN Black Matadors Rise Recruitment Initiative by providing input on program development, and currently works in the office of Student Outreach and Recruitment. Tiana has over 15 years of experience working with marginalized communities, current and former foster youth, diverse student populations, and or system-impacted students. Tiana is an advocate for equal opportunity and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that supports and empowers students and families in pursuing their desired life outcomes by facilitating access to higher education. Tiana continues to create, foster, and strengthen relationships to expand CSUN brand recognition, and alumni and student engagement. When she is not working, you’ll find her trying a new restaurant, traveling with family and friends, or spending time at the beach.

Parliamentarian

Patrick Johnson is a Los Angeles County native, born and raised Angeleno. He is a first-generation college graduate and a proud product of the CSU system. Throughout his time at CSUN, he has served in a multitude of student and professional leadership roles. He graduated with honors from CSUN with a dual B.A. degree in Sociology and Africana Studies, class of 17’. He went on to receive his M.A. in Higher Education Leadership & Policy, class of 21’, through CSUN’s ELPS program. Patrick considers himself a TWO true Matador!

Staying true to the CSU, Patrick currently serves as the Coordinator of Residential Education (CRE) at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). As the CRE, Patrick manages the daily operations of four housing areas (villages) indirectly supervising 1,300 residents and 35 Resident Advisors. Additionally, Patrick supervises three Assistant Coordinators of Residential Education and two Senior Community Advisors. 

As an inclusion-driven leader, he empowers his team to increase cultural competence on issues of social justice, organizes large scale events, and serves as a University and Housing conduct officer., his aim is to increase student’s sense of belonging. When he is outside of the office, you will find Patrick at the gym, traveling, or currently wedding planning. 

Treasurer

Brittany Swinson is an Inglewood, CA native whose passion for event planning led her to a tenured career in higher education at California State University Northridge (CSUN). As an advisor, mentor, and student advocate Brittany prides herself on being logistics orientated and a team player. Her previous roles as the treasurer for the CSUN Black Faculty and Staff Association, advisor for CSUN Black Graduation, and her keen enthusiasm to build community and guide students’ voices have allowed her to make an impact on not only her students but her campus partners and colleagues. As the events manager for Plug In America, Brittany’s goal is to leave a mark in the electric vehicle industry and bring more community-based engagements to fruition, that continues to bridge the gap of curious consumers to become electric vehicle owners. Brittany’s vast experience in events management will allow her to bring fresh ideas to the conversation and consider different perspectives.

Financial Secretary

Derrick Dancer II is a 2011 Graduate of the Communication Studies department at California State University Northridge and has served as an Employment Specialist at the Robert G. Freeman Center for Career and Completion at Pasadena City College for the past two years. As a student service-focused professional with over 13 years of experience in employment services and job development Derrick possesses strong leadership and relationship-building skills. Areas of expertise include individual assessments, program development and implementation of services, comprehensive case management as well as marketing and interpreting program goals to the community and other stakeholders. Derrick brings excellent communication, problem-solving and strategic planning skills with a passion for empowering others.   

Secretary

Ayana Galves, a Los Angeles native, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies from California State University, Northridge. During her undergraduate years, Ayana played integral roles on the University Student Union Board of Directors, serving as Co-Chair of Facilities and Commercial Services, Chair of the Personnel Committee, and Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Simultaneously, she took on the role of President for the Black Graduation Committee, contributing to the success of an impactful event for graduating Black seniors.

In her commitment to supporting Black students, Ayana played a crucial role in the Black Matadors Rise Program, emphasizing her dedication to enhancing the educational experience for this community. Her passion for mentorship aligns with her belief in the importance of representation, guiding students along their educational and career paths.

Currently enrolled in the Higher Education Leadership master’s program at CSUN, Ayana is poised to acquire comprehensive skills for effective leadership in the higher education sector. As an Outreach Counselor for Black Student Recruitment in the office of Student Outreach and Recruitment, she actively contributes to fostering an inclusive and diverse community at CSUN. Ayana engages in various partnerships and organizations across campus.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Ayana embraces an entrepreneurial spirit, managing small businesses and leveraging her influence as a social media presence. Her love for exploring new cultures and cuisines fuels her curiosity about the world, enriching her global experiences.