Lester Booker Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”

― Former U.S. Representative John Lewis

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

― Former U.S. President Barack Obama

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was a key theme in our culture in 2020, and continues to be a part of the conversation in 2023 and beyond. Trailblazers like Lester Booker Jr. continue to use their spheres of influence to drive social change within our communities.

In January 2020, the Lester Booker Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion was established at Central Michigan University (CMU). This annual $5,000 scholarship is awarded to one undergraduate student who demonstrates an active commitment to the participation of underrepresented communities in educational pursuits.

Being proud of his CMU heritage, Booker continues to be engaged and invested in many facets of the university. He faithfully serves as a board member of the CMU Alumni Association, Chippewa Athletics Hall of Fame Selection Committee, CMU Detroit Advisory Task Force, and the CMU Black Alumni Chapter. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors of MACC Development Corporation and Playworks Michigan as well as the Legal Services Corporation's Emerging Leaders Council.

An award-winning marketing and communications leader, Lester A. Booker, Jr. is the first-ever vice president, head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Communications at Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

Booker is a passionate advocate to expand access and opportunities for underrepresented communities. He helped iconic brands successfully engage and support underrepresented communities through authentic communications and innovative community-focused programs.

Booker has more than 15 years of experience within both public and private sectors. Prior to joining Citizens Financial Group, Inc., he held positions with General Motors, the Ford Motor Company Fund via Campbell Marketing and Communications, Palace Sports & Entertainment with the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock.

A Detroit native, Booker holds a Master of Science in Administration degree, with a sport concentration and a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in broadcast and cinematic arts both from CMU.

Booker is requesting your support to ensure this scholarship is around for many decades to come!