Failure is not an Option Dr. Cecil Wright has worked in Higher Education for over 18 years. He is the Executive Director of Admissions at Mercy College. Prior to Mercy College, he served in varying capacities including Academic Advisor, Adjunct Professor and Dean of Admissions at Monroe College Bronx, New York. Dr. Cecil Wright grew up in the Brucefield District in St. Elizabeth Jamaica West Indies. Cecil attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) where he was deputy head boy, captained the school debate team and played cricket. After STETHS, worked at Workers Savings & Loan Bank before migrating to the Canada. Dr. Wright’s straight-from-the-heart, passionate message motivates and engages all audiences to step into their greatness, by providing them with a practical tool to take the next step toward living their dream. He is dedicated to inspiring youth, college students and professionals through his practical and proven approach to creating change through education. Dr. Wright’s motto, “Failure is not an option”, has been the staple of his success. He has inspired countless students, professionals and religious leaders to dream bigger and pursue their passions. In 2007, Dr. Wright founded the Male Empowerment Symposium, which has since provided a full day of mentorship for thousands of students in the New City Public Schools. In 2014, he cofounded the AIMHIGH Empowerment Institutes, a success, retention and graduation initiative where students are able to improve their academic, personal, professional and social performance. He has travelled to several Caribbean islands including Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and to Kenya Africa to speak at conferences, facilitate trainings and do missionary work. In 2018, the Westchester County Board of Legislators proclaimed September 16th, Dr. Cecil Wright Day in the county of Westchester for his contribution to the underserved communities and his impact on young men of color in the state of New York. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Education from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. His dissertation “ Lessons Learned from College-Educated, Employed Black Male Mentors: A Qualitative Anti-Deficit Study of College Persistence and Career Success” He is also the author of “Twenty-One days to Freedom…The American Dream: A personal story of his journey to America. Cecil is married to Rev. Karian Wright and they have 3 children.
