ASGA Speakers

Dr. Michael A. Cadore Sr. has proudly served his community for over three decades through education, public safety, civic engagement, and mentoring. He previously served as the Associate Dean of Enrollment and Engagement initiatives but currently serves as the Executive Director of Community Engagement for External Affairs at Eastern Florida State College.

Dr. Cadore’s background in professional football helped instill the value of teamwork, dedication, and focus. His journey began at Eastern Kentucky University, where he received national recognition as a record-setting kick returner. Dr. Cadore continued his football career in the National Football League when the New Orleans Saints drafted him. He finished his professional football career in Montreal, Canada. His athletic excellence led him to be inducted into the 2014 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame and the 2020 Eastern Kentucky University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Seeking a way to give back to the community, Dr. Cadore became a law enforcement officer, where he served the City of Rockledge until his retirement in 2019. He now serves as a Rockledge city councilman. He continues to support the community through mentoring, community service opportunities, inspirational messaging, and workshops on leadership and business. His community efforts led to him receiving the distinguished alumni award for 2021 from Eastern Florida State College and the 2022 Distinguished Service Award from Eastern Kentucky University.

Throughout all his endeavors, Dr. Cadore prioritizes faith and family. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart, Cornelia Cadore, for 31 years, and they have three children. He strives to live by the motto, “If you don’t serve your community now, don’t expect your community to serve you later.”

Attorney Rasheed-Ali Cromwell has been involved extensively in leadership throughout his academic and professional career. Mr. Cromwell graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, and was honored with the University’s Excellence in Leadership Award for his progressive efforts and extensive work in Student Government. He had the distinct honor to serve as Student Government President and Vice-Basileus of the Mu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Cromwell continued his leadership efforts in law school serving as Class President, Associate Editor of the Law Review, and was honored, by his peers, as Thurgood Marshall 3L Student of the Year for his scholastic and leadership contributions to the University. He later graduated, with honors, with a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University. After graduation, Mr. Cromwell served as a federal law clerk in U.S. Federal District Court in the Southern District of Texas (Houston Division) and worked as an associate at a prominent intellectual property law firm in Washington, D.C. He later founded The Harbor Institute, a company based out of Washington D.C that empowers minority students to excel which he currently serves as CEO.

In addition to his leadership efforts, Mr. Cromwell has also thoroughly studied National Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities for the past ten years. He is currently completing his book Endangered Species: The Plight of African-American Fraternities and Sororities. His extensive legal training and academic expertise about Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities makes him well versed in legal issues regarding hazing in Greek fraternities and sororities and one of Harbor’s most sought after speakers, consultants, and trainers. Currently, he is a graduate member of the Kappa Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Vicky, the Strengths Doc, is a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Leadership Consultant. For over 29 years, she served in various positions as a professional Student Affairs administrator and chief student affairs officer. She has experience working in all aspects of student affairs including student governments, new student orientation, student activities, leadership development and residential life. She also served as an adjunct faculty member teaching undergraduate courses in college success and women’s studies.

She received her B.S. in Psychology from Longwood University and her M.Ed. degree in Counseling and Development, Higher Education from George Mason University. She received her Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University. Her dissertation was titled “The Experiences of Cuban American Women Attending a Hispanic Serving Institution and the Influences on Identity Development.”

Dessie is a health advocate, trainer, event planner, speaker, and higher ed professional. She has devoted 25 years of her professional career to the State of Georgia, which includes 17 years in higher education. Dessie’s held several positions, including, but not limited to: Special Populations Coordinator, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Coordinator, Director of Student Activities, Title IX Coordinator, and SGA Advisor. Her experience in these diverse roles, inspireed her to establish DH Consulting, her independent consulting business.

Dessie received her B.S. in Communications from Walden University. She has extensive experience in training and leadership development, student engagement, student life and clubs, student governments, event planning, and community partnerships. In addition, Dessie’s served on many statewide committees and have received numerous awards for her leadership roles.

Chris is a native of Paterson, New Jersey. A former two-term SGA President at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Chris holds a BA in Political Science from Ramapo. In May of 2006, Chris received his Masters of Arts Degree in Public Policy and International Affairs from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. Currently, Chris is a Doctoral Student and Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University and Westchester Count College.

His first involvement in Student Government came when Chris served two terms as an President in college at Ramapo College of New Jersey. As President, he realized that it was the capacity of his team that helped to make the SGA on campus such a powerful force.

Chris’ interest in team and capacity building comes from his experience in SGA and his work as a local elected official in his home town of Paterson, NJ. Currently, Chris is serving in his second term as a member of the Board of Education in his home town. These experiences has taught Chris how important it is to have a great team that values each other’s experiences.

Professionally, Chris serves as Executive Director & CEO of the Ceceilyn Miller Institute for Leadership and Diversity in America. (CMI) is one of America’s most innovative leadership and diversity training non-profit organizations. Dedicated to the cause of social justice and leadership development, CMI programs empower participants to function more effectively as people and communities.

Chris is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born and raised in Shavertown, PA. He attended Millersville University of Pennsylvania, receiving a B.S. degree in communications. In 1986, he accepted an assistantship in the student activities office at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where he subsequently received a Master’s degree in counseling/college student personnel services.

His first involvement in Student Government came when Chris served two terms as an off-campus senator in college, which was most-surprising since someone had nominated him without his knowledge! As a graduate student, he worked closely with an incorporated Student Association who allocated funds to all student groups in addition to operating the university bookstore.

His initial interest in parliamentary procedure was borne from necessity when he was asked to present on the topic for a newly created student government and had no idea where to start. That experience spurred a commitment to being prepared, and led to Chris being a member of the American Institute of Parliamentarians for over a decade. He has used the knowledge gained to serve as a parliamentarian for two national meetings of fraternity/sorority advisors and to become a technical specialist in “document reconstruction” – rewriting constitutions and bylaws for student and civic groups. This has included work with alumni associations, student governments, parent-teacher associations, and a national association for the blind.

He has been interviewed several times by “Roberts Rules Made Simple” [YouTube] to explain basic parliamentary concepts in ways that are easy to understand and has also been a guest several times on the “Collegiate Empowerment” podcast.

Professionally, Chris has served as the assistant dean of students/director of student activities at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the director of student activities and the student center at Salve Regina University (Newport, RI), dean of student affairs at York Technical Institute, director of student leadership and fraternity/sorority life at Muhlenberg College, and now as the director of new student programs at his alma mater, Millersville University.

With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Kimberly Jones is a passionate and dedicated higher education and student affairs professional. Kimberly’s mission is to design and implement programs and services that positively impact student development and leadership, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance the student experience. She collaborates with faculty, staff, and administrators to create cultural, social, and educational opportunities that promote student engagement and retention. She also provides trusted subject matter expertise and guidance to the College’s senior leaders. As a certified instructor and facilitator, Kimberly leverages her organization, creativity, and communication skills to empower and mentor students and colleagues. As a trailblazing first-generation college student and a proud Afro-Latina, Kimberly is committed to social justice and advocacy for diverse and underrepresented students. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Stony Brook University and her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont. She is currently a doctoral candidate pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University.

Kat Klawes is an educator and activist whose career is dedicated to helping others find their voice. Kat is a former Student Government President at Northern Michigan University and led a national lawsuit against universities related to sexual assault violations and Title IX. Kat was credited as one of the youngest bill authors in the country and in 2018, was a Bank of American “50 Under 50” honoree.

Kat has a BA in Education from Northern Michigan University and an MA in Education Policy from Marquette University. Kat works with student governments, city governments, nonprofits, and state officials on programs and policy changes related to getting to the root of issues and prioritizing systems change. Kat has experience in program development, program assessment, mental health policies, supporting sexual assault survivors, and community-centered advocacy.

Andrew Ortiz holds three degrees from Arizona State University (ASU), including a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1992), a Juris Doctorate of Law (1998) and a Masters in Public Administration (1999). Andrew was active in student government at Arizona State University, where he served as a Senator from the College of Law in 95-96, as Graduate Student Affairs Vice President in 96-97, and as Student Body President of the nation’s 4th largest university in 97-98.

While at Arizona State University, Andrew Ortiz enjoyed great success as a leader and as a scholar. Ortiz served as the Vice President of Operations with the ASU Hispanic Business Students Association, Vice President for Community Affairs with the ASU Chapter of the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (M.E.Ch.A.) and as President of the ASU Young Democrats. For his work on social justice issues, Ortiz received the 1995 Community Service Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, and was bestowed with an Image Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Ortiz has also received the distinguished Northern Arizona University President’s Citation of Achievement. Ortiz was a member of the Student Admissions Relations Team (START) and the ASU Student Foundation, which are two prestigious student honoraries at Arizona State University.

Andrew Ortiz was also one of two original founders of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Arizona State University, which has been honored for its outstanding philanthropic services. Ortiz was one of the founding members of the Arizona State University Leadership Honorary, Students Towards Educational Progress (STEP), and also founded a youth mentorship program at ASU for Tempe Elementary School kids called the VISION (Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhoods) Program. In 1997, Andrew was selected as Man of the Year by the American Biographical Institute, and was selected as one of the top twelve graduate student leaders in America by the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students. Ortiz was also inducted into Alpha Epsilon Lambda, a national Graduate Student Honor Society.

Andrew Ortiz was a National Fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and is a member of the Congressional Award Foundation Board of Directors in Washington, DC. Andrew is also the President & CEO of Ortiz Leadership Systems, LLC, a public speaking, leadership training and management consulting firm based in Tempe, Arizona.

In 2004, Andrew was inducted into the Arizona State University College of Public Programs Hall of Fame. In 2005, Andrew was selected to receive the Arizona State University Young Alumni Achievement Award, was the “Volunteer of the Year” with the Valley of the Sun United Way, and was one of Association Trends Magazine’s “Young and Aspiring Association Professionals.” In 2008, Ortiz was selected as a recipient of the U.S. Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award.

Butch is founder and executive director of the American Student Government Association.

Butch was SGA vice president and editor-in-chief of the college newspaper (serving at the same time) at Lake City Community College (now Florida Gateway College), then served as SG press secretary and editor of The Campus Leader at the University of Florida.

Named in 1992 as one of the nation’s top 100 entrepreneurs under age 30 by the Association for Collegiate Entrepreneurs, Butch has been publishing student-oriented magazines, books, and web sites for nearly 40 years. He studied journalism at the University of Florida, but left school in 1984 to work full-time on his first magazine, Florida Leader.

He later launched four other publications, including the national magazine Student Leader. He travels frequently to speak and present leadership seminars and has written three books on student-leadership issues, including So You Want to Be President…How to Get Elected on Your Campus, Poster Secrets: How & Where to Hang Flyers on Your Campus, and Inspiration for Student Leaders.

Butch is married to Kathy, and they have a daughter, Leah, son Will, twins Adam and Andrew, and son Luke. Butch enjoys being a Trekker, loves Firefly, working outdoors, serving his God and church, wrestling with grandsons Shiloh and Gideon, and cheering for the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Rays, and Vanguard High Knights.

Sarah is an independent consultant located in Macomb, IL. Prior to Sarah becoming a consultant she worked in a variety of positions within student affairs at Longwood University, the University of Maryland-College Park, the University of Dayton, and Western Illinois University. Throughout all of that time, she held responsibilities including advising the Student Government, advising Fraternity and Sorority Life, student organization student discipline/conduct issues, student leadership development programming, new student orientation, and student organization risk management and training. Sarah continues to work with student organizations, and those who work with them, through advising, speaking, and consulting.

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Sarah received her Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University (TCU), Fort Worth, TX. She received her Master of Science degree from Miami University, Oxford, OH. Finally, Sarah received her Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Maryland, College Park, in Counseling and Personnel Services.

Sarah is involved in ACPA—College Student Educators International, NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and the Harbor Institute. She is a 2014 recipient of the Annuit Coeptis Award from ACPA. In addition to her professional work in Student Affairs, Sarah is a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity and Mortar Board Honor Society.

Dr. Suzette’s life has been guided by her intense passion for helping others realize their potential–to know their truth. She focuses on research-based content and practical application that will actually give students what they need to be strong leaders on and off campus. She believes in the power of servant leadership and student government’s ability affect change on campus. Dr. Suzette is committed to helping SG leaders are prepared to advocate for equitable and inclusive spaces where students feel they belong and matter.

With more than 15 years of experience advising and supporting student governments, she focuses on being goal-oriented, navigating through the conflict and engaging partners, allies and champions to ensure all students on campus are well-served by the student government. From auditing processes to addressing where SG’s fall short as an organization, Dr. Suzette infuses passion into every area of her work. Suzette isn’t a speaker that will sugarcoat heavy issues, instead she takes a direct, truthful approach.

Suzette resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their fur-kiddos, Spot and CoCo. She has a Ph.D. in Education Administration and Foundations from Illinois State University, where she focused on the factors that contribute to the development of culture in student groups. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in English and Communication from Mercer University, and a Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Prior transitioning to this role, Suzette worked for ten years at Illinois State University in Normal, IL, as the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. In 2013, Suzette won the Association for Student Conduct Administration’s Student Conduct Professional of the Year Award. She is a Co-Founder and Team Lead for Social Responsibility Speaks, an equity, inclusion, justice and accountability consulting and coaching firm.