A2MEND - Executive director

On the behalf of the African American Male Educational Network and Development (A²MEND) organization, I would like to welcome you to our website. The purpose of A2MEND is to further the research, development and success of the African males in the collegiate setting. Through our annual conference, professional and student mentor program, and research/policy agenda we plan to operate as a resource bringing awareness and develop solution to issues facing African American males in community colleges.

We are excited about our 5th Annual African American Male Summit taking place March 8-9, 2012 at the Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel. The theme for the conference is: Our Defining Moment - Courage Under Fire: A Look at African American Male Success in Community College. This year we are also hosting our inaugural scholarship/awards dinner where we will honor members of the community, college presidents and others that who have made a significant impact on improving the educational conditions of African American males through their support and involvement with A2MEND .We hope that in your visit through our website you capture the passion and dedication that our board members have invested into the plight of addressing the educational gaps that African American males face.

Executive Board Member - Dr. Amanuel Gebru

Dr. Amanuel Gebru received both his Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication with a minor in Black Studies and his Master’s of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student in Development in Higher Education from California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Gebru Completed his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne.

Dr. Amanuel Gebru is currently the Interim Director of Matriculation and Assessment at Los Angeles Southwest College, where he also served as the Director of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Bridge Program as well as the counselor in TRiO Student Support Services. Dr. Gebru has also worked at Mt. San Antonio Community college as a Professor of Counseling working with Learning Communities. Dr. Gebru also worked at Los Angeles Valley College as a Counselor in TRiO/Student Support Services and at Long Beach City College as the Athletic Counselor/Instructor. He has also served as a Coordinator in Student Life and Development at California State University, Long Beach and as an academic advisor in Student Orientation Advising and Registration.

Dr. Gebru is currently the Executive Director of the non-profit organization African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND).He is also a founding member (A²MEND) and also served as the organization’s past president. Dr. Gebru is also an active member of the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) and has a strong interest in addressing issues pertaining to retention, particularly among African American males, student athletes, and basic skills students. In his spare time, Dr. Gebru enjoys watching sports and working out, as well as mentoring students. Dr. Amanuel Gebru received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication with a minor in Black Studies from California State University, Long Beach as well as his Master’s of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student in Development in Higher Education. Dr. Gebru Completed his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne. Dr. Gebru has strong interests in addressing issues pertaining to retention, particularly among African American males as well as Basic skills students.

Dr. Gebru worked at Los Angeles Valley College as a Counselor in TRiO/Student Support Services, at Los Angeles Southwest in the Center for Retention and Transfer, and at Long Beach City College as the Athletic Counselor/Instructor. Prior to his Counseling experience at the Community College, he served as a Coordinator in Student Life and Development at California State University, Long Beach and also was an academic advisor in Student Orientation Advising and Registration. Currently, Dr. Gebru is the Director of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Bridge Program at Los Angeles Southwest College and teaches Counseling/guidance courses at Long Beach City College. Dr. Gebru is a founding member of the non-profit organization African American Male Education Network and Development (A2.M.E.N.D). He is the past president and participates in the Community Development aspects of the organization’s strategic plan. Dr. Gebru is also an active member of the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA). In his spare time, Dr. Gebru enjoys watching sports and working out as well as mentoring young males.