A well-known Florida A&M alumna is scheduled to speak during the fall 2013 commencement ceremony Dec. 13.
Sonia Jackson Myles, a corporate executive and author of the NAACP Image Award-nominated book, “The Sister Accord: 51 Ways To Love Your Sister,” will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.
As a graduate of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry, Myles will share wisdom from her career in corporate America and tips on how to follow one’s dreams in hopes of leaving a legacy.
Myles is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. FAMU National Alumni Association, and the National Black MBA Association and many other organizations.
She serves on the Inaugural Advisory Panel for espnW, the Speakers Resource Group for Disney’s Dreamers Academy and as chair for the FAMU School of Business and Industry Advisory Board.
Some FAMU students look forward to hearing and learning from Myles’ speech.
Joshua Diaz, a graduating criminal justice student from Orlando, said he is anticipating the graduation ceremony and hopes it will cause him to reflect on his positive experience at FAMU.
“Usually I’m not excited to have to sit through long drawn-out graduation ceremonies,” Diaz said. “This time, it’s different because I’m the one obtaining my first degree.”
He said he looks forward to receiving advice from Myles that will assist him in his endeavors after graduation.
Alexus Newton, a second-year music education student from Miami, said she plans to attend the FAMU commencement ceremony for the first time.
“I’m really excited to celebrate the accomplishments of FAMU graduates,” Newton said. “When it’s my turn to graduate I want it to feel like a party, not a boring ceremony.”
Myles received recognition for her many efforts and accomplishments.
She was named one of Essence Magazine’s 25 Women of Power and was named one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top Executives in Marketing & Advertising.
Myles has been honored by FAMU on multiple occasions, including being awarded the FAMU President’s Award and being inducted into the FAMU School of Business and Industry Hall of Fame.
She was also named one of FAMU’s 125 Outstanding Alumni in celebration of the university’s 125th anniversary.
Myles graduated summa cum laude in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from FAMU and is now the president and CEO of The Sister Accord LLC.
Elizabeth Rosier, a community psychology graduate student, said she expects great things from the speech.
“The speaker is well accomplished,” Rosier said. “I believe she has important information from her personal experiences in the real world to offer graduates.”