BRICS SECOND ANNUAL KICKOFF AND SHOWCASE

Radical Collaboration in Action

Fordham students with alum Reece Brosco in front of the Parkchester subway stationDate: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Start Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Fordham University, Faber Hall | Bepler Commons

The Bronx Research Institute for Community Solutions (BRICS) 2025–2026 Kick-Off serves as the official launch of the institute's second year of collaborative research and partnership building. This event is designed to welcome new faculty, community-based organizations, and student research teams, while strengthening relationships among returning participants. The event will provide a shared space to reflect on BRICS’s framework and introduce projects with digital poster presentations.

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11:00 am – Welcome Remarks

Keisha Shay, Co-Director, BRICS/Director, Academic Development and Administration, Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL)

Travis Proulx, Vice President, External Affairs

Rose DiMartino, Fordham Trustee and CCEL Advisory Council Member, Fordham Alum,  GSAS (‘77)

11:15 am – Project Highlights

Akane Zusho, BRICS Faculty Director (Highlights of Inaugural Projects)

Emily Lopez, Senior Research Fellow (Introduction to Year Two projects)

11:30 am – Panel Discussion: Research, Policy, and AI 

The panel will spotlight “Building AI Equity: The Bronx AI Equity Alliance", tracing its journey from inception and vision through key convenings and findings. 

    • Lauri Goldkind | Professor, Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service and Editor in Chief, Journal of Technology in Human Services (Moderator)
    • Tameka Vasquez | Founder, The Future Quo 
    • Osar Pat Osagie | Independent Consultant 
    • Sadie Mahoney | Chief Program Officer, Youth and Family Services, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center

12:15 pm – Student Remarks

Justin Reyes, Mathematics Major, Fordham College at Rose Hill, Class of 2027 

12:30 pm – Digital Poster Sessions | Workshop Series | Story Pod 

Posters will be displayed on digital monitors, allowing participants to browse at their own pace. Faculty and community partners will be on hand to answer questions, share insights, and network, creating an interactive and collaborative environment. In addition, our Story Pod will capture highlights and reflections from participants, bringing the stories of these projects to life and amplifying their impact beyond the event.

12:45 pm – Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

1:00 pm – Adjourn

 

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