Attollo's Black History Month Celebration: Honoring the Present, Inspiring the Future
Attollo’s annual Black History Month panel celebration is a cornerstone event that highlights the powerful contributions of Black individuals in a range of fields while providing a platform for meaningful conversation. This event brings together influential leaders, professionals, and community members to share their stories, discuss important issues, and inspire future generations of Black leaders. The event is designed not just to reflect on the past but to empower and uplift young people, particularly first-generation students of color, by giving them role models and mentors who represent their hopes, aspirations, and challenges.
A Platform for Voices of Change
At the heart of Attollo’s Black History Month panel celebration is the opportunity for dynamic dialogue. The event brings together panelists from diverse backgrounds—activists, educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders—who share their expertise and experiences with the audience. Through this carefully curated panel, Attollo creates a space for nuanced discussions on the experiences of Black individuals today, the challenges faced by communities of color, and the ways in which young people can actively participate in making positive change.
The panelists represent a wide range of industries and disciplines. Whether it’s through innovative business practices, social justice activism, or artistic endeavors, each speaker offers a unique perspective on the ways that Black excellence is shaping the world. The conversations are designed to be both inspiring and educational, allowing attendees to hear firsthand how these leaders overcame obstacles and found success in their respective fields.
Celebrating Diverse Contributions
While Black History Month traditionally honors the legacies of well-known figures from history, Attollo’s panel goes beyond the icons of the past to celebrate the diverse contributions of Black individuals in the present day. The event highlights leaders and change-makers who are actively shaping the future, whether through entrepreneurship, art, education, activism, or technology. This emphasis on contemporary figures shows young attendees that they, too, can make a difference and that the history they’re creating today will inspire future generations.
Creating a Space for Empowerment and Action
Attollo’s Black History Month panel is not just about reflection; it’s about empowerment and action. The event serves as a call to young people to think critically about their own futures and the role they can play in advancing the causes they care about. It’s about planting the seed of possibility: that they, too, can be leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and creators who make a lasting impact.
Meet the Panelists
Nelson M. Polite Jr. is the President of the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania, where he works tirelessly to preserve and promote African American history. Through his leadership, the organization has expanded its educational initiatives, including heritage walking tours and Underground Railroad reenactments. With a deep commitment to historical preservation, Polite has been instrumental in ensuring that the stories of Black resilience and achievement remain accessible to future generations.
Kiandra Steffy serves as the Deputy General Counsel at Milton Hershey School, bringing over a decade of legal expertise to her role. She has previously held positions at Saxton & Stump and McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC. A graduate of Drexel University School of Law, Kiandra has been recognized as a "Top 40 Under 40" professional. She has also contributed to her community through leadership roles in the Lancaster Bar Association and Girls on the Run, reflecting her passion for mentorship and youth empowerment.
Dr. Michael Badriaki is the Superintendent of Lancaster Mennonite Schools, where he oversees academic programs and strategic growth. With a background in education leadership, Dr. Badriaki is dedicated to fostering a strong, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment. His work focuses on ensuring that students receive a holistic education that prepares them for success in an increasingly complex world.
Shelby Wormley is the co-founder of We&Company, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals through innovative solutions and community-focused initiatives. She is passionate about personal and professional growth, advocating for equity, and supporting Black-owned businesses. Her work has made a lasting impact on the Lancaster community, where she continues to inspire others to embrace their power and potential.
Marvin Sanders serves as the Director of Athletics at Ephrata Area High School, where he oversees the school’s athletic programs and student-athlete development. Committed to fostering a culture of discipline, teamwork, and excellence, Marvin works closely with students to help them reach their full potential both on and off the field. His leadership in the sports community has been instrumental in guiding young athletes toward success.
Aniya Thomas is an Attollo Scholar and a senior at Manheim Township High School, known for her academic excellence and commitment to personal growth. As a driven and high-achieving student, Aniya has been actively involved in initiatives that support her peers and community. Recently, she committed to Temple University, where she plans to study communications. Aniya embodies the spirit of leadership and determination that Attollo seeks to cultivate in its scholars.
Attollo's Black History Month Panel Celebration is more than just an event; it is a movement dedicated to recognizing, amplifying, and supporting Black voices. By bringing together an inspiring group of panelists, the event underscores the importance of representation, dialogue, and action in shaping a future of possibility and progress.
View photos from the event and relive the inspiring moments!
About Attollo:
Attollo is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education. By providing mentorship, academic enrichment, and college preparation support, Attollo aims to level the playing field and equip students with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Since its inception, Attollo has helped thousands of students realize their potential and achieve their academic goals.
HQ Hours
Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm