LEMOORE, Calif. — West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) successfully hosted the 2025 Brother 2 Brother: Unity in Diversity Summit on Friday at Lemoore College, bringing together high school juniors, seniors, and college students from throughout the Central Valley for a day of empowerment, mentorship and inspiration.
Students from WHCCD’s Coalinga College and Lemoore College attended alongside high school students across the region. The summit provided a unique opportunity for young men to connect with mentors, gain valuable insights into higher education and career pathways, and leave motivated to pursue their goals.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Jonathan Hernandez, a nationally recognized professor and motivational speaker; Brandon Leake, Season 15 winner of America’s Got Talent and an award-winning spoken word poet; and comedians Andre Covington and Darren Carter, known for their appearances on Comedy Central. Leaders from WHCCD, UC Merced, Fresno Pacific University, and Lemoore College also spoke, sharing insights on education, leadership, and personal growth.
"The energy and engagement we witnessed today were truly inspiring," said Dr. Robert Pimentel, West Hills Community College District Chancellor. "The Brother 2 Brother Summit provided young men with the tools and motivation to pursue their dreams, reinforcing our commitment to fostering an environment where every student has the resources and support to succeed."
Lemoore College President James Preston emphasized the event’s impact, saying, "Over the past five years, we've seen a concerning trend of young men stepping away from college and career pathways. Today's summit was about reversing that trend—empowering students, connecting them with mentors, and illuminating the possibilities ahead."
Dr. Carla Tweed, Coalinga College President, also stressed the importance of mentorship and representation in education, saying, "Events like Brother 2 Brother remind us of the power of connection and shared experiences. When young men see successful leaders who have walked similar paths, they realize that higher education and career success are within their reach. It’s about fostering belief in their potential and providing the resources to help them achieve it."
Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive workshops, explored educational and career resources, and built valuable connections with mentors and peers. The event concluded with a performance by comedians Covington and Carter, leaving participants both entertained and inspired.
West Hills Community College District remains committed to supporting student success and looks forward to hosting future events that inspire and empower the next generation.
For more information on upcoming events and programs, visit westhillscollege.com.