Two CSUSB College of Natural Sciences alumni – Tinuade Akinfolarin-Arboue ’08 and and Shirley Jean ’09 – presented separate seminars on campus that provided platforms to discuss health disparities and access, as well as the absence of African Americans in the kinesiology field.

Both alumni shared their experiences, perspectives and stories of resilience and empowerment, which gave students, faculty and staff the opportunity to learn and engage in meaningful dialogue. The seminars were an opportunity for the alumni to pay it forward and share their expertise with CNS students.

Akinfolarin-Arbouet earned a bachelor of science degree in public health and Jean a bachelor of arts degree in kinesiology and exercise science at CSUSB.

“It was great to see how successful our graduates are, and it was an honor to welcome them to give excellent seminars,” said Sastry G. Pantula, dean of the College of Natural Sciences. “Ultimately, our success is measured by the success of our alumni, and we are proud of these two alumni.”

Akinfolarin-Arbouet is the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility director at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. She has experience conducting trainings on a variety of topics, such as health equity, healthy aging and leadership development. In addition, she advocates for better health within marginalized communities.

Akinfolarin-Arbouet’s seminar, “Health Disparities and Advocacy: Addressing Inequalities Affecting Black Communities,” presented on Feb. 20, showcased data about the health disparities in the Inland Empire. She also discussed how everyone can be advocates to reduce health disparities in their community.

“It was wonderful to hear Ms. Akinfolarin-Arbouet speak about healthcare based on her expertise in working with minority populations,” said Terezie Tolar-Peterson, chair of the department of health science and human ecology. “After her presentation, I felt enlightened and grateful for the presence of experts who genuinely care. Her passion is truly remarkable.”

Jean is a lecturer in the department of kinesiology who also works at the San Bernardino City Unified School District as an adapted physical education specialist. She has taught adapted physical education for over seven years.

During her seminar, “The Absence of Kinesiology within the Black Community,” presented on Feb. 27, Jean shared data highlighting the lack of African Americans in the kinesiology field and possible reasons why. She discussed various approaches to increase the enrollment of African Americans at CSUSB, as well as ways to help them graduate. Jean also provided study tips and recommendations for student success.

“It was a pleasure to have Dr. Shirley Jean speak with our students, faculty and staff about the lack of Black community members in the field of kinesiology,” said Nicole Dabbs, department chair of kinesiology. “Dr. Jean’s valuable insight and experiences are similar to many of our students. It is great to know our students have her as a mentor in the kinesiology department.”

The presentations by Akinfolarin-Arboue and Jean were in honor of Black History Month, which took place in February.

For more information about the College of Natural Sciences events, visit the CNS events webpage.