Sonoma State University

Male Success Initiative

Overview

The Male Success Initiative (MSI) at Sonoma State University supports the academic success, sense of belonging, leadership development, and career readiness of men of color. MSI provides a welcoming community where students build meaningful relationships, connect with mentors, develop academic and professional skills, and prepare for life after graduation.

Through culturally responsive programming, mentorship, and campus partnerships, MSI addresses barriers to student success while creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. The program welcomes all students who identify as men and are committed to building confidence, community, connections, and career readiness.

Connection to the CSU Young Men of Color Initiative

MSI is part of the broader CSU Young Men of Color Initiative, a systemwide effort to improve educational outcomes for men of color through collaboration, mentorship, and student-centered programming.

At Sonoma State, MSI advances this commitment by creating opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, strengthen their academic performance, and build connections that support their success during college and beyond.

Purpose and Focus Areas

MSI focuses on four areas that contribute to student success:

  • Confidence: Develop a strong sense of self, personal identity, and leadership.
  • Community: Build supportive relationships with peers, mentors, and campus partners.
  • Connections: Access campus resources, professional networks, and opportunities for engagement.
  • Career: Explore career pathways, develop professional skills, and prepare for life after graduation.

Through these focus areas, MSI helps students navigate their college experience, work toward graduation, and prepare for meaningful careers.

How MSI Supports Students

MSI offers programs and activities that strengthen academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement.

Community and Belonging

  • Regular meetings that foster connection, brotherhood, and mutual support.
  • Community-building activities and opportunities to explore identity and belonging.
  • Supportive spaces for students to share experiences and build relationships.

Academic and Career Readiness

  • Workshops focused on academic success, financial health, and professional development.
  • Support with goal setting, time management, and navigating campus resources.
  • Connections to the Career Center, employers, and internship opportunities.

Mentorship and Leadership Development

  • Individual advising and mentorship from staff and peer leaders.
  • Opportunities to develop leadership skills and take on responsibilities within MSI.
  • Guidance in building confidence, identifying goals, and preparing for future opportunities.

Campus and Community Engagement

  • Volunteer opportunities, including campus tours and student panels.
  • Collaboration with campus departments and community partners.
  • Participation in events such as the CSU Young Men of Color Conference.

Program Highlights (2024–2025)

During the 2024–2025 academic year, MSI continued to build community and support student success through regular meetings, workshops, and campus engagement.

  • 8 students graduated in Spring 2025.
  • 14 members participated in Spring 2025, with weekly meetings.
  • 15 members participated in Fall 2025, with biweekly meetings.
  • 10 students attended meetings on average.
  • Students participated in volunteer opportunities, campus tours, and student panels.
  • Programming included a financial health workshop and participation in the CSU Young Men of Color Conference.

Student Spotlight: Ernesto

Ernesto's experience demonstrates how MSI connects students with opportunities that extend beyond graduation.

While attending Sonoma State, Ernesto participated in MSI and connected with the Career Center, where he developed a relationship with Enterprise, a longtime employer partner. Through this connection, he met Casey, an Enterprise recruiter, and began exploring professional opportunities.

After graduating, Ernesto joined Enterprise as a Management Trainee. He has since returned to Sonoma State to participate in career fairs, sharing his experience with current students and helping them explore their own career pathways.

Ernesto's journey reflects MSI's commitment to mentorship, professional connections, and student success beyond graduation.

Get Involved

Interested in joining the Male Success Initiative or learning more about upcoming activities? Connect with MSI to explore opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement.

Donaciano Botello Torres, M.A.
Interim Program Director, Project Rebound
MSI Advisor

CAASE Office | Schulz 1119
Phone: (707) 664-3510
Email: botellotor@sonoma.edu