March 19 '25•Benjamin Demers•umoja• community

Mission College’s Roshawn Walter Named Umoja Coordinator of the Year

Roshawn Walter at Los Angeles conference
Mission College’s own Roshawn Walter has been named Umoja Coordinator of the Year at the statewide conference in Los Angeles. His dedication to student success and advocacy continues to inspire!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College proudly announces that Roshawn Walter was recently named the Umoja Coordinator of the Year at the Umoja Statewide Conference in Los Angeles. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to one of the 74 Umoja Coordinators from California and Washington who demonstrates outstanding leadership, fierce advocacy, and exceptional program growth. 

"Being awarded Umoja Coordinator of the Year serves as a great reminder and testament to all of the impactful work I have been doing for our Black/African American and MC Scholars alongside our amazing team," Walter said. "It also reminds me that I am living my dream of serving as the person who I once needed. I am very proud of how far our MC Umoja Community have grown in such a short period of time, and I am extremely appreciative that I was recognized by the Umoja Community Education Foundation for my efforts and relentless dedication". 
Walter’s dedication to student success and his commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment have made a profound impact on the Mission College Umoja Community.
"Roshawn’s leadership has truly elevated Black student success at Mission College," said Yolanda Barnes, Mission College Counselor. "His unwavering commitment to students and passion for advocacy make him a leader who not only inspires but actively changes lives."
Walter’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. As a first-generation college graduate, he grew up in a single-parent household in Compton, California, and began his higher education as an Umoja student at El Camino College before transferring to UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Now serving as the Umoja Counselor-Coordinator at Mission College, he has come full circle - giving back to the very type of program that supported his own academic and personal growth. His ability to connect with students on a personal level has made him a transformational leader in the Umoja Community.
 
"Roshawn is an incredible counselor and leader and more importantly a trailblazer," Mission College student Gerbenn Seraphin said. "He is someone who not only provides guidance but also takes action to make things happen even if it means being the outlier and this is what makes trailblazers great. Great counselors have the ability to listen, support, and offer advice that truly makes a difference, and he does all of that."
Image of award recipient on TV screen
Roshawn Walter has been recognized as the Umoja Coordinator of the Year, standing out among 74 coordinators across California and Washington for his leadership and commitment to empowering students."

Beyond academics, Walter’s mentorship and advocacy have made a lasting impact on students, helping them build confidence and navigate their educational paths with purpose. His approachability and passion for student success make him an essential figure in the Umoja Community. 

"Roshawn is the best counselor ever and a really inspirational leader who not only excels in his own role but also motivates others to follow in his footsteps," Mission College student Abdirahman Noah said. "His ability to navigate through challenges, stay focused, and still support those around him shows his resilience and dedication. I always look forward to counseling meetings with Roshawn because I always learn valuable lessons that will help me in life, and he really cares about our growth and success. He even inspired me to follow in his footsteps and become a counselor so I'm forever grateful to him. His journey speaks for itself that through all the trials and tribulations you can prevail which is a great example for everyone to follow."

The 20th Annual Umoja Conference, held from October 31 to November 2, 2024, celebrated Walter’s achievement alongside a statewide gathering of educators and students. Walter’s leadership and success of the Mission College Umoja Community were highlighted as a shining example of excellence within the Umoja network.

The Umoja Community provides a welcoming and empowering space for all students, regardless of background. Through dedicated counseling, culturally responsive coursework, and community-driven programming, Umoja supports African American and other disproportionately impacted students in achieving their academic and personal goals. The program offers mentorship, leadership opportunities, college field trips, bookstore vouchers, scholarships, and cultural activities that create a strong foundation for student success. 

For more information on the Mission College Umoja Community and how to get involved, visit missioncollege.edu/umoja.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


Learn More About Mission