My passion for giving back to others led me to come back to Cal to make a difference in the lives of alumni and students. Shortly after graduating from Cal, admittedly I felt indifferent about giving back to the University and was at times disenchanted with aspects of my college experience.

Before serving as President, I was the Mentoring Chair for BAA. This role helped me understand the need for me to be a “change agent” in order to help others who may share similar experiences of feeling marginalized while at Cal.

My initial feelings of ambivalence actually was the catalyst that drew me back and I am personally committed to making a difference to increase the pipeline of “Black Bear Cubs” and to provide network opportunities and other forms of social capital for alumni and our overall Black community.  BAA’s strategic mission is rooted in the power of Sankofa “Look Back, Give Back.”

Cheryl graduated with a Sociology Degree from Cal and later earned a Master’s in Healthcare Management. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Her project management background has helped her leverage her leadership and business acumen to influence key stakeholders towards her long and short term vision for UC Berkeley’s Black Alumni Association.