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

Cherrie Phillips graduated from California State University, Northridge in May of 2013 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies. Cherrie went on to continue her graduate education with Cal State Northridge, going on to graduate with honors with her M.S. in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy in December of 2015.  

Upon graduating from graduate school, Cherrie gained several years of experience working in the Department of Mental Health, substance abuse, and private practice settings providing individual, family and group therapy to at risk youth, transitional age youth, and adults. Cherrie currently works in private practice doing therapy, clinical supervision and clinical trainings.

Additionally, Cherrie is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist. In her spare time, Cherrie enjoys reading, traveling, taking in the latest cinema, and spending quality time with family and friends.