Women’s History Month and Caribbean Appreciation Celebration at Clayton State University – Featuring Caribbean-Born Elaine Bryan

ATLANTA – The evening of Thursday, March 15th will not soon be forgotten, thanks to Caribbean-born professional, Mrs. Elaine Bryan. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Clayton State University’s (CSU) “Dialogue Across Differences” Subcommittee of the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Diversity Initiatives Committee welcomed this star educator, financial columnist and noteworthy real estate entrepreneur to its campus for an evening of important dialogue concerning diversity, Caribbean heritage, gender, and empowerment.

The ballroom was filled with representation from various groups, races and cultures. Among an enthusiastic audience of university students and faculty, high school students, and community members, were noted leaders from Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica, as well as representation from Caribbean-American organizations and a few African countries. Flags representing the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) decorated the ballroom, including the United States flag.

Meant to achieve two primary goals with respect to issues of diversity – Knowledge and Involvement – Co-chair of the “Dialogues Across Differences” Subcommittee, Dr. Keisha Edwards Tassie (also of Jamaican heritage), worked with her committee members, Dr. Khedija Gadhoum (Co-chair), Dr. Jacqueline Jordan, and Dr. Elaine Manglitz to create a space for achieving these important goals through DIALOGUE. Also in support of the evening’s event was CSU’s Caribbean Student Association, the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Office of International Programs.

Through Mrs. Bryan’s poignant (and humorous) stories of her childhood and young adulthood in Jamaica, of her college years in the United States, and of her professional and personal successes in education and entrepreneurship, the goals of Knowledge and Involvement were surely achieved. What’s more, the presentation inspired goal-sharing and goal-setting among young audience members; while the event itself (including traditional Caribbean fare and music) celebrated the heart and international influence of the Caribbean.

As noted in Dr. Tassie’s introduction of Mrs. Bryan on the evening of the program, through steadfast determination, hard work, and an enduring (and contagious) quality of positivity, Elaine is living her dream…while creating new ones. A star in education, a wiz at real estate, an alumna of esteemed Northwestern University, and soon-to-be Doctor of Educational Leadership, Elaine Bryan has truly exemplified her trademark: “What You Do With What You Have Determines What You Become”®

Photo Gallery:

Elaine and guests