HBCU First

Rachel Martin, MPA and Jenna Sandker, thank you for an amazing 2024 partnership that resulted in 200 HBCU First students graduating from the #HBCU #Health & #Wellness Accelerator with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center! We would also like to extend our gratitude to your colleagues at #MSK — Grace Morrissey, Christine W, Janelle M. Stewart, Shaun Maxwell, Charlotte Ference, Almudena Chaves-Pérez, and Jadae Watson — for co-leading our 5-week, Fall 2024 workshop series?equipping HBCU students with healthy living skills and exposure to #healthcare and #research related career paths. Student Said: "I liked the speakers' passion and appreciated hearing from a college senior about her MSK research, which felt more relatable." — Sonise Miles, North Carolina Central University "My biggest takeaway is the importance of understanding scientific fundamentals as the foundation for cancer research and discovery. It encouraged me to see my passion for #science as meaningful and an MD-PhD as achievable." — McMina Clermont, Lincoln University "I enjoyed learning from MSK experts about their innovative work to improve health equity. Their research-driven initiatives addressing challenges in marginalized communities and partnerships with HBCUs were truly inspiring." — Jayden Minisee, Tuskegee University ---------- And thank you La’Reaya Bailey of Bethune-Cookman University, Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University, and Janaya Sydney of Spelman College for hosting a fantastic series.

Thank you Karlie Williams of Sarah Cannon Research Institute; Devin Morton of Delta Air Lines; and Kennedy Freeman of The University of Alabama School of Law for leading an inspiration #HBCU Alumni Talk! Our students received a strong call to work hard, network, stay adaptable, and use HBCU First opportunities to build their careers. Students said: "Hearing HBCU First alumni share their personal stories and how the program shaped them beyond college was incredibly motivating." — Delight Nyanhete, Grambling State University "The breakout room with Karlie strengthened my confidence as her career path closely mirrors mine, and her insight was very helpful." — Jhamarri B., Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University "Devin was super cool! The most important thing I took away was to be curious." — Benjamin Davis, Xavier University of Louisiana "I liked how open and down-to-earth Kennedy was; her honesty and advice about law school were truly inspiring." — Malik Shelton, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University "I can apply what I learned by being confident, taking risks, and not being afraid to go for opportunities, even if they seem out of reach." — Nehemiah Burnette, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University ---------- Special thanks to Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University and Janaya Sydney of Spelman College for putting together and moderating a great conversation!

Thank you Darryl Knox Sr. CFP? and Tassandra Allen of Corebridge Financial for a transformative #HBCU #Wealth Accelerator on Wealth Transfer. Students learned the importance of planning wills and trusts early, discussing financial plans with family, and understanding wealth transfer to ease generational transitions and reduce tax burdens. Students said: "I am never too young to start a will; whatever I have that's valuable qualifies to be passed down. I might be the first person in my family to have documented assets, and I can't wait to see all my things secured." — Delight Nyanhete, Grambling State University "This session helped me see the importance of talking with my family about inheritance, life insurance, and planning for the future. It’s crucial to know who to call and what steps to take during major life events." — Malik White-Hayes, Benedict College "We will never be ready for death, but as college students, we have to make sure our parents have these things in place so they will not leave us confused." — raven ferrell, Prairie View A&M University -------- Thank you Janaya Sydney of Spelman College and Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University for hosting a great workshop. Shanda Vangas, Giana Colon and Anastatia Harrison, SHRM - CP, thank you for your continued support.

Shaun Maxwell and Charlotte Ference of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, thank you for an insightful #HBCU Health & Wellness Accelerator on Leveraging Health Resources. Students explored how environments, systemic factors, and social work shape #healthcare access and #equity. Students said: "What I liked most about today's session was talking with my peers about the ways systems can harm patients and identifying areas where we could work to improve systems." — Shaymaa Falih, North Carolina Central University "I learned the mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people." — raven ferrell, Prairie View A&M University "Understanding the importance of accessible, culturally relevant healthcare resources motivates me to advocate for health equity in my future career, especially as I pursue public health and aspire to become a pediatrician." — Jayden Minisee, Tuskegee University "As a psychology student, I am excited about the social work opportunities at #MSK and plan to apply for their internship." C'Kyler Irvin, Xavier University of Louisiana -------- Thank you La’Reaya Bailey of Bethune-Cookman University and Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University for hosting the session. And thank you Rachel Martin, MPA and Jenna Sandker for your continued partnership.

Congratulations to the 2024 #HBCU Elevator Pitch Competition Winners: Amira Connae Manley of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Stephanie Yakubu of Grambling State University, and Sabaina Scott of Howard University. Thank you Spark Foundry and Moloco for giving our 100+ students the rare chance to learn pitching and gain mentorship from accomplished #advertising executives! And special thanks to Emily Cooper and Givsly for producing and hosting a fantastic event and competition!

Matt Landman, thank you for an extraordinary #HBCU #Design Accelerator with Tiffany & Co. on Design Principles & Ethics. Students said: "I learned that design principles apply to all aspects of life and can guide how I approach my job search, like using balance to showcase my strengths to recruiters." — Amirah Barrett, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University "My biggest takeaway was the importance of accessibility when marketing and making a product. As someone who’s interested in launching a business, this was such good information for me because if consumers can’t access my product that can affect my sales." — Julia Bartlett, Voorhees University "I can apply what I learned today by ensuring that I never compromise my ethics, even when faced with difficult decisions or pressure in a professional environment. As I transition into my career, whether it’s through internships or future job roles, maintaining integrity will be essential." — Malik White-Hayes, Benedict College -------- Thank you Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University and Janaya Sydney of Spelman College and for hosting another great workshop. Thank you Joe Savino and Adrienne Group for continued your partnership.

Roderick Liptrot and Matthew Salvatore, thank you for a eye-opening #HBCU #Wealth Accelerator with Corebridge Financial on Life Insurance and Annuities. Students said: "My biggest takeaway from today’s workshop is to get life insurance as early as possible because it is an investment that can help me prepare for not just death in the family but any medical issue." — C'Kyler Irvin, Xavier University of Louisiana "Plan Plan Plan. All of the Wealth Accelerators encourage planning for the future and being prepared for your adult and retirement years. Get rid of the old ideologies of insurance and debt—be smart and plan accordingly." Jhamarri B., Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University "Understanding life insurance and annuities provides valuable insight into how to plan for financial security, both for myself and loved ones. Life insurance ensures financial protection in unforeseen circumstances, while annuities offer a stable income stream for retirement." — Nevaeh Judge, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University -------- Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University, thank you for hosting a great workshop. Thank you Shanda Vangas, Giana Colon and Anastatia Harrison, SHRM - CP for your continued partnership.

Thank you Janelle M. Stewart of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for a vital #HBCU #Health & Wellness Accelerator on Ensuring Your Safety. Our students appreciated your real-life examples and sense of urgency. Students said: "My biggest takeaway is the importance of being prepared for emergencies like climate events and active shooter situations. She stressed that it's never too early to prepare and highlighted the need for training to respond effectively at work and home." — Abigail Morris, Tuskegee University "I need to make a 'go bag' that not only includes water, non-perishable food items and a flashlight, but also important documents and numbers." — Brandi Ling, Howard University "I will help my family create a solid emergency communication plan and preparedness kit. Knowing that we’re all prepared and safe will give me peace of mind." — Malik White-Hayes, Benedict College -------- Thank you La’Reaya Bailey of Bethune-Cookman University and Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University for hosting the session. And thank you Rachel Martin, MPA and Jenna Sandker for partnering with us to make this all possible.

Thank you Tracy Sodder-Wu for an engaging #HBCU #Design Accelerator with Tiffany & Co. on Design Disciplines. Students said: “There are no right and wrong answers in design. Design is about experimenting and finding efficiencies.” — Ariyaé Dearing, Tuskegee University "As a creative, I will stop seeing shapes as simply shapes and see them as building blocks to a bigger picture. Shapes are not shapes they are concepts to be developed." — Malik Shelton, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University "You don’t have to be 'creative' to be a designer." — Amari Phipps, Southern University and A&M College- Baton Rouge "I can apply what I learned about thoughtful design by approaching my college projects with a focus on intention and detail.?— Abigail Morris, Tuskegee University “I learned how design can go beyond aesthetics and serve as a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural expression." — Jayden Minisee, Tuskegee University -------- Thank you Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University and Janaya Sydney of Spelman College and for hosting a great workshop. And special thanks?to Joe Savino and Adrienne Group for your partnership.

Thank you Tia Jinks for an insightful #HBCU #Wealth Accelerator with Corebridge Financial on starting your financial future now. Students said: “I had heard of retirement plans and 401(k)s, but today’s session gave me valuable insight into how they work. Now, I feel prepared to set up my 401(k) in my future career.” — Kamryn Stinson, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University “The biggest takeaway is to prioritize retirement savings early, aiming for 15% of your income. Identify potential areas to cut expenses, prepare for unexpected costs, and leverage tax-advantaged accounts." — Abigail Morris, Tuskegee University “My biggest takeaway was gaining an in-depth understanding of Roth IRAs, pensions, and premiums.” — Kaitlyn Murray, Xavier University of Louisiana -------- Thank you Janaya Sydney of Spelman College and Vanessa Sherman of Voorhees University for hosting a great workshop. And special thanks?to Shanda Vangas, Giana Colon and Anastatia Harrison, SHRM - CP for your partnership.