Empowerment Career Initiative

What is the Empowerment Career Initiative?

Launched in 2015 as the Minority Male Initiative, this annual conference is a longstanding partnership between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth/Ocean Panhellenic Council. Now reintroduced as the Empowerment Career Initiative (ECI) Conference, the event continues its mission with an expanded focus: empowering all Brookdale students and Monmouth County high school juniors and seniors to explore meaningful career pathways, strengthen academic success, and connect with leaders across a wide range of professions. The initiative also helps students build relationships with regional businesses, industry partners, and organizations that offer internships, mentorships, and hands-on career experiences aligned with their goals.

2026 Conference

When: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
A continental breakfast and brunch will be provided.
Theme: “The Power of Community and Me”
For: Students at Brookdale Community College and Monmouth County high school juniors and seniors
Where:
Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Student Life Center, Upper Level, Navesink Rooms
Parking in lot 6 or 7 (Map)

Goals

Promote college success
Educate students about diverse career pathways
Connect students with professionals across multiple industries
Strengthen personal development and leadership skills

Contact

Dr. Fidel Wilson
fwilson@brookdalecc.edu | 732.224.2558

Career Zones Featured at the Conference

Students will explore career opportunities and hear directly from professionals working in the following areas:

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Mainframe Computing Communications Media

Broadcasting, TV Production, Graphic Design, Journalism and Animation

Health Science

Physical Therapy, Nursing, Physician, Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy and Radiology

Business and Social Science

How to start your own Business, Accounting, Management, Finance, Marketing, Social Work, Education and Criminal Justice

Show Business and Entertainment

Theater/Film/Television, Acting, Play/Screenwriting, Stage, Directing and Film Directing

Conference Objectives

Students attending the Empowerment Career Initiative Conference will:

Receive firsthand insight from professionals across the five career zones
Learn about scholarship, internship, and career opportunities
Gain tools for academic success, self-empowerment, and personal development
Build valuable connections that support their educational and career goals

Scholarship Opportunities

Students who register for the Empowerment Career Initiative Conference are eligible to apply for exclusive Brookdale scholarships designated for conference participants.

Scholarship applications must be submitted at the conference or mailed before the event to be considered.

Download Scholarship Application

Questions about scholarships or registration? Contact Lisa Savage at lsavage@brookdalecc.edu.

Previous Speakers

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
(2025)

Dr. Daniel Jean
(2024)

Kenneth D. Wilson
(2023, 2022, 2019)

Aaron K. Wilson
(2021)

Dr. Brian Roper
(2018)

Reginald Anderson
(2017)

Pastor Semaj Y. Vanzant
(2016)

Past Events

Fidel Wilson speaking in front of students.

Kenneth D. Wilson alongside Fidel Wilson and another man.

Event speach photographed from the audience perspective, seated and in the middle of a large group of people.

Committee Members

Fidel Wilson — Brookdale Community College Administrator
Peggy Austin — Brookdale Community College Administrator
Lisa Savage — Brookdale Community College Administrator
Lucille Jones — Monmouth Ocean County Panhellenic Council Representative
Ken Morgan — Monmouth Ocean County Panhellenic Council Representative
Gilda Rogers — Executive Director T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center; Community Relations Manager Two River Theater Co.