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Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) recently commemorated its fourth annual Gumbo Coalition University Graduation, marking a milestone with 35 students successfully completing the program. The ceremony, held on Thursday, April 11th, was led by the program’s inspirational National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, along with One Street Books, esteemed lecturers, and the graduating students.
The Gumbo Coalition University, a unique 12-week virtual leadership and mentorship program created by One Street Books, saw an exceptional turnout with nearly three dozen students graduating from diverse academic backgrounds. Marc Morial, author of The Gumbo Coalition and former Mayor of New Orleans, was in attendance to officially commence the graduation. This annual event, hosted and sponsored by RWNYC, underscores the commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders through immersive educational initiatives.
“Empowering the next generation of leaders through mentorship is the cornerstone of our mission at Gumbo Coalition University,” said Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League and author of “The Gumbo Coalition”. “I want to thank Resorts World for its support of Gumbo University and our efforts to help young people, including young people from many diverse communities, to enhance their leadership skills, ability to communicate and their ability to build careers of purpose and excellence. This commitment is consistent with a strong pledge to be a responsible corporate citizen in the state of New York.”
Over the span of a semester, Gumbo Coalition University offered students a comprehensive curriculum focusing on leadership development, consensus-building, and decision-making skills. Through interactive discussions and exercises led by expert lecturers, students engaged with recognized leaders across various sectors, including business, media, and non-profit organizations.
Lecturers for the program included Cedric Dew, Executive Director of Jamaica YMCA; Juan Santiago, Corporate Affairs Manager-Queens, National Grid; Dr. Elinor Jackson, Sanders Noland & Associates and Patricia Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.
Among the notable graduates in attendance were Carlos Quiles, St. Francis College; Christian Foster, John Jay College; Dayanna Mariduena, Hudson County Community College; Gurpreet Singh, York College; Kimani Taylor, York College; Keso Okruashvili, St. Francis College; Reina Martinez Gonzalez, Hudson County Community College; TamiAnn Johnson, Gumbo Coalition University Class of 2023, York College; Rianna Roopnarine, Gumbo Coalition University Class of 2023, Queensborough Community College; and Shana Corbett, Gumbo Coalition University Class of 2023, York College.
Upon completion of the program, students received a $500 scholarship and will gain access to New York Urban League employment, educational, and mentorship resources. Inviting more college students to embark on a transformative journey towards leadership excellence, applications for the 2025 cohort will open in November 2024. Resorts World New York City remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the next generation of leaders through initiatives like the Gumbo Coalition University scholarship program.
About Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated more than $4 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfills the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 6,500 slot machines and electronic table gaming. An average 8 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests can choose from several dining options including the recently reopened RW Prime and Good Friends Noodle House. RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 47,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.
About One Street Books One Street Books stands at the crossroads of innovation and narrative tradition, thriving as both a publisher and a book packager. With a keen eye for the exceptional and a passion for narrative craft, we are known as story hunters and storytellers. Our collection ranges from heartfelt memoirs, cultural commentaries to the compelling self-help guides, sports stories, and children’s literature that spark imagination and conversation. Every title we publish, or package is a testament to our commitment to stories that not only entertain and engage but also illuminate and inspire.
