Veteran Mentor will Challenge Industry Leaders to Prepare Students for Career Success

Alabama A&M University alumnus and longtime Youth Motivation Task Force (YMTF) supporter Claude Oliver will deliver the keynote address at the kickoff of the 2026 YMTF on Sunday, March 29, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Knight Center.

The opening session will convene industry leaders and mentors to set the tone for the three-day initiative, reinforcing their role in guiding, developing and investing in Alabama A&M students. Organizers say the keynote will ground participants in the legacy and mission of YMTF while challenging students to approach their next chapter with discipline, intentionality and leadership.

Now in its 51st year, YMTF returns to campus March 29–31 with a series of programs focused on career readiness, entrepreneurship and professional development. Students will engage with young alumni and industry professionals across fields such as engineering, media, technology and data analytics, gaining insight into the transition from college to the workforce.

Oliver, a magna cum laude graduate in computer science and a former ROTC cadet in the Mighty Bulldog Brigade, has spent more than two decades shaping YMTF through leadership and mentorship. His service includes roles as chair, co-chair, advisory board member and founding lead developer of the YMTF mentoring program. He has trained hundreds of industry leaders, mentored emerging professionals and helped strengthen the organization’s leadership pipeline during periods of growth and transformation.

His professional background spans military service, corporate operations and nonprofit leadership, including experience with Lockheed Martin and his current role with the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. Oliver is also an associate and ecumenical pastor at The Master’s Child Church in Maryland.

Recognized for his impact, Oliver is a recipient of the Earlie Rich Award and has been inducted into the YMTF Hall of Fame. His leadership philosophy centers on service, accountability and creating pathways for student success.

Throughout the event, students will have opportunities to refine professional skills, connect with mentors and explore career pathways. One of the featured events is the fourth annual Fireside Chat on Monday, March 30, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room, where recent alumni will share how Alabama A&M prepared them for careers in competitive industries.