Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

Goodwin University Founder and President

Mark Scheinberg

Mark E. Scheinberg is the founding president of Goodwin University in East Hartford, Connecticut. Under his leadership, the institution evolved from a small business school into a nationally recognized nonprofit university serving “undiscovered students” —working adults, first-generation college students, and learners from diverse backgrounds.

A graduate of Vassar College, President Scheinberg has held leadership roles with the New England Board of Higher Education, the Connecticut Council of Independent Colleges, and the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education. He has also presented internationally on leadership. His work has been honored by numerous organizations, including the Hartford Business Journal, the Urban League of Greater Hartford, and Junior Achievement.

He is most proud of his role as father to five and grandfather to twelve.

Student speaker and AS Human Services graduate

Shatoya Simmons

Born in Hartford and a long-time resident of Manchester, Shatoya Simmons’ journey is a powerful reminder that the path to higher education is not always linear —and that the experiences that bring us to the classroom add immeasurable depth and value to learning.

After leaving high school to raise her children, Shatoya returned to complete her diploma in 2022. She went on to earn certification as an addiction and substance abuse counselor, where her passion for helping others took root. Seeking a higher education experience that would nurture her intellectual curiosity, support her personal growth, and enrich her capacity to make a meaningful impact, Shatoya found her academic home in Goodwin University’s Human Services program.

During her studies, Shatoya was diagnosed with ADHD —a pivotal moment that reshaped her personal, academic, and professional trajectory. This experience deepened her appreciation for neurodiversity and fueled her advocacy for inclusive, affirming learning and work environments.

An avid reader and writer, Shatoya serves on the editorial board of Beacons, Goodwin’s creative writing magazine. Her short story, “A Part of Me Had to Die So I Could Live”, was published in the magazine’s flagship edition in December 2025. She also presented her work at the 2026 Humanities Fest.

Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Shatoya aspires to provide mobile mental health workshops and seminars, with a particular focus on teens and young adults. Through this work, she aims to expand access to equitable, community-based mental health resources for underserved populations —continuing her commitment to advocacy, education, and meaningful change.

Keynote speaker and Honorary degree recipient

Malik Yoba

An accomplished actor and three-time recipient of the NAACP Image Award, Dr. Malik Yoba has demonstrated a commitment to advocacy, education, and the arts for over three decades.

Born in the South Bronx and raised in Harlem, Yoba first appeared on screen in the 1993 Disney classic Cool Runnings before going on to star in groundbreaking roles across FOX, Netflix, BET, and film.

As an entrepreneur, educator, and social justice champion, Yoba is the founder and CEO of Yoba Development —a mission-driven diversified portfolio company dedicated to nurturing and advancing humanity through education and media. Additionally, Yoba Development acquires sustainable development opportunities in transitioning neighborhoods across New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, and other U.S. cities.

Most recently, he co-founded Yoba Global Solutions, a federal contracting business. A testament to his versatile career and professional leadership, Yoba was named to the U.S. EXIM Bank Advisory Board for Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.

Honorary degree recipient

Jay Williams

Jay Williams has served as president and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation since 2017, where he leads regional efforts to advance equity, dismantle structural racism, and improve social and economic mobility through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders.

A nationally recognized leader in philanthropy and economic development, Williams currently serves as Chair of the Council on Foundations and holds board leadership roles with organizations including the MetroHartford Alliance, AdvanceCT, and the Connecticut Community Foundation CEO Network.

Previously, Williams served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, where he led the federal economic development agenda, and as Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, acting as a key liaison between the President and local elected officials.

He also served as Mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, where he helped guide regional revitalization initiatives, and held senior leadership roles focused on community and workforce development at both the local and federal levels.

Honorary degree recipients

Jeffrey and Nancy Hoffman

Nancy P. Hoffman and Jeffrey S. Hoffman are widely recognized for their enduring philanthropic leadership and commitment to strengthening the arts, education, and healthcare across the Greater Hartford region.

Nancy Hoffman began her professional career as a court reporter in federal and state courts and later devoted her talents to philanthropy and volunteer leadership while raising her family. She has been actively involved with Special Olympics for more than three decades and has played a key role in consolidating its annual Connecticut events at The Loomis Chaffee School. Her service also includes longstanding support for regional arts organizations such as Hartford Stage, Goodspeed Musicals, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, TheaterWorks Hartford, and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.

Jeffrey Hoffman is Executive Chairman of Hoffman Auto Group, a family-founded business established in 1921. A dedicated community leader, he co-founded the Burton and Phyllis Hoffman Foundation, which provides sustained support to local arts organizations, and launched the Burton C. Hoffman Golf Classic, an annual fundraiser that has raised more than $3 million for Connecticut Children’s and other regional nonprofits. He serves on numerous civic and cultural boards, including Goodwin University, and remains a leading advocate for arts, education, and healthcare initiatives throughout the region.