By Kori Wiggins

Thursday, March 29, 2018, the Epsilon Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted their “Call II Action” event, focused on preparing students for life after graduation.

Norfolk State University alumnus, Michael Wilkins or Mike Lynk Speaks, spoke at the event. Wilkins, who specializes in life coaching and entrepreneurship, is a mental health specialist and CEO of his multimedia company and brand, Mike Lynk Enterprises.

Wilkins’ mission is to help young boys and men overcome life’s challenges. His passion for mentoring youth is reflected in Wilkins’ resume – he won the 2015 Empowering Males to Build for Developing Independence (E.M.B.O.D.I.) award presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“My goal is to put a smile on their face,” Wilkins said. “If I can assist anyone through a struggle, then I will with empowerment.”

Wilkins has also created is the Ban the Box Project, a program created to help dismantle the negative stigmas of African-American culture in the media.

“The box… is one of those tools that’s being utilized to steer our culture into a negative light. It’s with this that I hope to erase this, and if not erase it, balance it out,” said Wilkins.

Wilkins said he learned valuable lessons during his undergraduate years at NSU, and many of those experiences helped shape his core values and ultimately his success as an entrepreneur.

“After college,…. I felt like a failure,” the 2005 graduate said. “However, having the knowledge I have now with my profession, I don’t regret any of the decisions I’ve made.”

Wilkins said his profession is a lot of responsibility that requires discipline and demanding work.

“Entrepreneurship is where you’ll really find out where your strengths lie, because it takes everything within you to build this empire from the ground up,” said Wilkins.