BLACK ALUMNI - Key Persons
Aaron Daye is a native of Durham, NC, and has called Gainesville, FL home for over 15 years. In that time, he gained the distinct privilege of becoming the first black photographer for the Gainesville Sun Newspaper, Santa Fe College and the University of Florida. His photography work has been distributed and published nationally in over 40 publications, including the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Ebony Magazine, HOME Magazine, Women's Day Magazine and the redesigned Florida Gator Alumni Magazine, engaging UF alumni and friends of the Gator Nation worldwide.
Aaron is also an author, graphic designer and entrepreneur. He is co-founder of Black Films Matter, an organization that cultivates experiences and evoke purposeful discussions by providing private screenings of black films within the community. He has also appeared in the TV show "David Makes Man" on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Aaron continues to make his impact in the Gainesville community through his involvement with the Nu Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serving as a founding board member of 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, Inc. as well as servicing local businesses through his graphic design company Gorillaz Ink.
In 2019, Aaron joined the Gator Nation serving as President of the ABA Gainesville Chapter. During his term, Aaron served as chair of Black Alumni Reunion. He partnered with TopGolf to host UF black alumni for "Bar Then Par Topgolf in the Swamp" at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, which garnered a Clubbie Award for the most Outstanding Affiliate Group Young Alumni Event. Additionally, Aaron received the inaugural Affiliate Group Regional Director's Award. He continues his service to the Gator Nation as the Immediate Past President of the Gainesville Chapter, while serving in his first year as Vice President of Communications for the UF ABA National Board.
Ayana Nathan is responsible for developing and implementing the Healthcare solutions and service strategy for Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI), including the Regional Solutions & Services (RSS) Americas business unit (which includes the building automation, fire life safety, security portfolio) as well as the Electrical Products, Electrification & Automation, Digital Grid and eMobility businesses. She leads a team of Business Developers, Marketing & Communications Managers and Portfolio Management to develop and grow the Siemens' Smart
Healthcare strategy. Ayana also serves as the DEI Lead for Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
Ayana's professional background spans a broad range of topics, leading projects and initiatives in the areas of digital transformation, business model innovation, sales and go-to-market strategies, sales technology, partner management, channel development and training. She joined Siemens in 2001 as a sales trainee in the Sales Development Program, and was promoted into roles centered around Business Technology and Sales Excellence. Subsequently, she worked as a Senior Consultant in the Digital Consulting discipline of Siemens Advanta. In her years as a consultant, she led project teams across various Siemens businesses and industries, and was responsible for conducting strategic and operational business reviews across all business functions. She has managed and led complex business projects across Siemens in the U.S. and internationally, specifically
Ayesha Benjamin has been on the Association of Black Alumni board for three years and has served in the position as Secretary and now Treasurer. An alum from the University of Florida and now a Security Product Manager at Electronic Arts (EA), Ms. Benjamin has taken space in the technology arena. She's gifted leader ad business strategist who specializes in building teams and products that arrive at the intersectionality of great design, secure technology, and strategic business.
As a past President of the Palm Beach County Gator Club and recipient of the UF Alumni Association Young Alumni award, Ayesha has dedicated much of her post-UF time engaging high school students from underrepresented communities with opportunities at the University of Florida. While on the board of the Palm Beach County (PBC) Gator Club she helped to raise $100,000 to donate to the UF Endowment and established the PBC Gator Club Scholarship Endowment.
Chantale Levy is joining the University of Florida Association of Black Alumni as Vice President of Communications.
She has held several roles with ESCO's, engineering and technology companies that implement solutions designed to support commercial grade energy efficiency and sustainability.
Chantale is a former board member of the Women's Energy Network, former committee member with the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, and is a graduate of the University of Florida (98)… Go Gators!
Chantale resides in Atlanta, and her daughter Taylor is a third year student at Howard University. Taylor actively participates in community, social and academic activities. Taylor is a Henry A. Grady High School gifted, honors, former student body Vice-President, and student-athlete graduate.
Chantale enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, live music, the performing arts and cooking. With family from all over the United States and the West Indies, she's developed a profound appreciation for multi-cultural experiences.
Please feel free to reach out to her directly, she's excited about joining the team.
Dacia Bowra (At-Large Board Leader) completed her Bachelor's Degree in History from the College of Liberal Arts and Science and her Master of Higher Education Administration from the College of Education. She currently serves UF as the Associate Director of Admissions. Dacia is responsible for leading the recruitment of International and Non-resident domestic students. As a UF student, she served multiple student communities, directed the Florida Invitational Step Show, and was a proud Pride of the Sunshine UF Marching Band member. Dacia continues volunteering in the greater Gainesville community and the Association of Black Alumni.
Gregory Bowens (Treasurer) was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He is a first-generation student and a proud Alumni of the #1 Public HBCU in Texas, Prairie View A&M University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Juvenile Justice, a minor in Social Work, and Certification in Emergency Management. He is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he obtained his Master of Education in Student Personnel Higher Education, and aspires to become an HBCU President. Greg is currently employed by the University of Florida Alumni Association as the Assistant Director of Alumni Volunteer Engagement. He is the founder and CEO of a Nonprofit called Push Through International, focusing on Minority Male Mentorship, providing academic resources, and scholarships for minority males to attend HBCUs. Greg is a Spring 22 Initiate of the Gainesville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He is also the youngest board member to serve on the Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association. During his free time, Greg enjoys mentoring others, working out, giving back to this community, and coaching his niece in track and field.
Chris is a Boston native who came to Gainesville sight unseen to enroll in the Fall of 2004. He was lucky enough to witness four national championships, and graduate with an English degree in 2008. Chris served the South Florida Chapter of the ABA from 2017-2019. Currently the Assistant General Counsel of Miami Dade College, he resides in South Florida with his wife and three children.
Mike Powell is known to many as a community leader, a consultant, an expert on higher education, a successful small business owner, but more so as a supporter of young people and their dreams. Mike Powell came to Gainesville as a student and felt so connected to the people and small college town that he returned a few years after graduation to give of his time and effort. He has been a valued and active community stakeholder for years and is a proud devoted father of multiple college graduates, who knows the value of hard work.
Mike is a graduate of Leadership Gainesville 39 and served as Dean of the program as well under the Chamber of Commerce. A past but faithful Board Leader of Santa Fe College Athletics Advisory Board; Take Stock in Children Advisory Board; Chair of the Alachua County Early Learning Coalition's Executive Board. Current affiliations are
President of the Gainesville Alumnae Chapter of National PanHellenic Council (aka the Divine 9), President Emeritus of the Gainesville Sports Commission responsible for generating millions of dollars annually for Alachua County; Membership Chair of the 4As (African American Accountability Alliance), National Vice President for Alumni Outreach for the Univ. of Florida's (ABA) Association of Black Alumni, Scholarship Chair and Executive Board member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida, and the 1st Vice President of the Alachua County Branch of the NAACP. He is a proud Life Member and was a two-time State Director of Florida for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Mike Powell was named "Man of the Year" for the state of Florida twice and holds rare membership in the coveted "Outstanding Sigmas of The Southern Region" Chapter.
Mr. Powell is a double Gator graduate of the University of Florida, a member of Florida's oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary - Florida Blue Key, and has worked in multiple areas spanning recruitment, admissions, financial aid to the health sciences. He created or co-founded many pillars, and groundbreaking,
Job Titles:
- President
- UF Association of Black Alumni President
Quentin E. Morgan is a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® rated attorney at the South Florida law firm Goren Cherof Doody & Ezrol. He focuses his practice on governmental affairs, land development, and local government law, as well as estate, business and financial transactions, litigation, and wills, trusts and probate proceedings. He earned his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, his Master of Arts, and his Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Florida. While in law school, Mr. Morgan was a Minority Participation in Legal Education Scholar and a Honor Court Prosecutor. Mr. Morgan has previously served as the President of the South Florida Chapter. Mr. Morgan is also proudly past member of the Board of Directors for the Broward County Gator Club®.
Dedicated to making a true and lasting impact in the community, Mr. Morgan contributes his time, legal knowledge and guidance to a variety of organizations Mr. Morgan is the President of the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Morgan has served on the Board of Directors for Broward County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, the Board of Directors of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association and he is a founding member of the Urban League of Broward County Young Professionals Network.
UF Association of Black Alumni President, Quentin Morgan is taking the organization to new levels. Meet the rest of the board helping to lead the charge.
Robyn Hankerson, an alum from UF's College of Journalism & Communications, serves as president of the UF Association of Black Alumni. A seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in public relations, community relations and marketing with an emphasis on crisis communications, Robyn currently serves as the community relations manager for the Miami Division of Publix Super Markets, Inc. She most recently held the roles of public information officer at the Broward Sheriff's Office and director of communications at Johnson & Wales University. Robyn is a proud Gator and served as president of the UF ABA - South Florida Chapter president from 2015-2017. During this time, the chapter received the Affiliate Group of the Year Clubbie from the UF Alumni Association. She was also presented with the UF ABA Unsung Hero award in 2018. She is a community servant and has served on various boards, including Broward Education Foundation, Urban League of Broward County Young Professionals Network, New Leaders Council Broward and Art Serve. Robyn is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from UF and master's degree in leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Robyn Hankerson, an alum from UF's College of Journalism & Communications, serves as president of the UF Association of Black Alumni. A seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in public relations, community relations and marketing with an emphasis on crisis communications, Robyn currently serves as the community relations manager for the Miami Division of Publix Super Markets, Inc. She most recently held the roles of public information officer at the Broward Sheriff's Office and director of communications at Johnson & Wales University. Robyn is a proud Gator and served as president of the UF ABA - South Florida Chapter president from 2015-2017. During this time, the chapter received the Affiliate Group of the Year Clubbie from the UF Alumni Association. She was also presented with the UF ABA Unsung Hero award in 2018. She is a community servant and has served on various boards, including Broward Education Foundation, Urban League of Broward County Young Professionals Network, New Leaders Council Broward and Art Serve. Robyn is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from UF and master's degree in leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Job Titles:
- MORE about EACH NATIONAL BOARD MEMBER CLICK THEIR PHOTO below
Vernita E. Davis is a Realtor in the Atlanta Metro area, Gwinnett and Jackson counties, servicing sellers, buyers, investors and renters. She grew up in Miami, Florida before her family settled in the Atlanta metro area in 2018. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. While attending the University of Florida, Vernita served a two year term as the Activities Coordinator and a two term as the Vice President of the Black Collegiate Christian Fellowship and enjoyed volunteering for various community service projects. Later she received an MBA in Management and MS in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Before transitioning into real estate, Vernita's earlier career was a Loan Officer and Loan Processor. She has been a successful financial professional for over 20 years as a Financial Analyst gaining experience in the real estate investment industry, government contracts, federal, private, and public grant management with a portfolio of over 124 million dollars. Vernita is excited to apply her passion and love for helping people through real estate. She is recognized as a top producer on her team that has sold over $125 million in sales in 2022. She has worked with clients ranging from million-dollar listings to multi-million dollar transactions and specializing in first-time home buyers, luxury properties, 55+ communities and relocation clients. She strives to offer exceptional service by her dedication, commitment, attention to detail, and understanding her client's needs in finding their dream property. Her clients are amazed by her top-tier service and exceeding their expectations.
Vernita serves her local community by volunteering with the Stewart Foundation helping youth in leadership development, serves on the Black UF Alumni Board as Treasurer, Atlanta Realtors Association Community Service Committee. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and experiencing new restaurants.