Alabama A&M University alumnus and longtimeYouth Motivation TaskForce (YMTF) supporter Claude Oliver will deliver the keynote address at the kickoff of the 2026YMTF on Sunday, March29, 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 AlabamaA&M students. Organizers say the keynote will ground participants in the legacy and mission ofYMTF while challenging students to approach their next chapter with discipline, intentionality and leadership.
Now in its 51st year,YMTF returns to campusMarch 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 work-force.
Oliver, a magna cum laude graduate in computer science and a former ROTC cadet in the MightyBulldog Brigade, has spent more than two decades shaping YMTF through leadership and mentor-ship. 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 withLockheed 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 ChildChurch in Maryland.Recognized for his impact, Oliver is a recipient of the Earlie Rich Award and has been inducted into the YMTF Hall ofFame. 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 FiresideChat on Monday, March30, from 2 to 3 p.m. in theClyde Foster MultipurposeRoom, where recent alumni will share how AlabamaA&M prepared them for careers in competitive industries