National Black MBA Association’s Post

In honor of Black History Month, let's reflect on the odds that many in the Black community face. Achieving career and financial success can be an uphill battle for all Americans... 🚀 Odds of becoming a Fortune 500 CEO with an MBA: 1 in 135,000 (Source: Online Casino)  🚀 Odds are even lower without an MBA 🏈 Odds of a high school football player making the NFL: 1 in 4,233 (Source: Online Casino) 🏀 Odds for high school basketball making the NBA: 1 in 11,171 (Source: Online Casino) 🏀 Odds for high school basketball making the WNBA: 1 in 13,015 (Source: Online Casino) 💰 Odds of making $500K+ per year: 1 in 250 (Source: The Ways to Wealth) 💲 Odds of making $1 million+ per year: 3.5 in 1,000 (Source: The Ways to Wealth) #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #BlackHistory #BlackExcellence #SportsGumbo #21Media #MyCPAIsBlack The odds are steep. But through education, allyship, and uplifting one another, we can work to increase representation and access to opportunity. During Black History Month, let's celebrate how far we've come and be inspired to keep making positive changes.

Black History Month Speaker! As we approach Black History Month, I am not only excited to celebrate and appreciate the amazing things that blacks have done in the world, but I still have dates available in February and would love to serve as a keynote speaker for your Black History Month Program next month! With so many things to share about when it comes to the accomplishments, success, impact, and excellence of blacks in the world, I have four signature programs for Black History Month that have been very impactful for students and professionals in years past. Those four signature programs are as follows: The Power of Black Excellence! – 5 Lessons of Success That We Can Learn from Black Excellence That Will Enable Us All To Thrive, Succeed, and Make A Positive Impact In Our Community, Nation, and World! Speak Black Man! – 4 Career and Leadership Lessons of Success from A Successful Black Man In America! A Call to Action! – Igniting The ‘Leadership Greatness’ Within Emerging Black Leaders To Make A Positive Impact In Their Community, Nation, and World! You Matter! – 4 Self-Care/Wellness Strategies That Will Strengthen, Re-Energize, Motivate, and Protect Black Leaders from Becoming Burnt Out Doing The Good Work For Our Community! To learn more about my style as a speaker, you can watch the virtual presentation that I did a couple of years ago for Black History Month entitled, "I am Because We Are". https://lnkd.in/eTCQ42G6

I was all set to wish you a happy Black History Month, but then something happened that completely flipped my perspective. I was mentioned by Rhiannon Gallagher as a "black futurist" in reference to a recent Variety article https://lnkd.in/exB2_uDn. Instead of dwelling on the past, it made me start thinking ahead about black futures. My daily mission is to get more black students and job seekers excited about designing the technologies of tomorrow and enriching the manufacturing workforce of the future. My goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of black innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in fields like STEM. So this month, while we honor the struggles and achievements of the past, let's also envision the boundless potential of the future. The past is prologue, but the future is ours to write. This Black History | Black Futures Month, I feel energized about all we can accomplish. I hope you feel inspired too about the endless possibilities ahead. We stand on the shoulders of those before us, now let's reach for the skies! The key is opening doors for young people today. So that with hard work and opportunity, they can achieve things we can only imagine. The future belongs to those who prepare for it. And it's on us to make sure black youth are ready to make their mark. Black Futurists Mentioned In This Video: Dr. Onome Scott-Emuakpor - Hyphen Innovations Will Drewery - Diagon Courtney Tate - Ontime Quality Machining LLC

✊This Black History Month, we we honor the rich and enduring legacy of Black Americans who have shaped history and inspired change in every facet of society. From innovation to entrepreneurship, Black leaders are playing a significant role in shaping the industry's landscape. Join us as we honor their achievements and highlight their impact on manufacturing: 🔧 Trailblazing Innovators: From Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic signal, to George Washington Carver, pioneer of agricultural science, Black innovators have revolutionized manufacturing processes and technologies. 👩🏭 Inspiring Leaders: Black entrepreneurs and executives have shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations in manufacturing leadership roles. Their vision, resilience, and determination have propelled companies to new heights of success. 🌟 Hidden Figures: Behind every groundbreaking invention and manufacturing milestone are countless unsung heroes whose contributions have often gone unrecognized. This Black History Month, we celebrate their vital role in driving progress and innovation. 🤝 Commitment to Diversity: As we celebrate Black History Month, let us recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and equitable manufacturing industry. By embracing diversity and fostering an environment of belonging, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce and drive greater innovation and prosperity for everyone. Join us in honoring the legacy and contributions of Black individuals in manufacturing this #BlackHistoryMonth! Together, let's celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and continue striving for a brighter, more equitable future in manufacturing. ✊🏭 #ManufacturingExcellence #DiversityandInclusion #InnovationLeadership #MassMEP #MEPNationalNetwork #together

So proud to see my colleague Milton Montaque II as a strong voice for black talents in trade show industry! Check his insights in this article!

Thanks CanadianSME Small Business Magazine for the feature.

🌟 Spotlighting Craig DeLuz, President of the Robla School District Board of Education, for Black History Month! 🌟 Meet Trustee DeLuz, who has served as President of the Robla School District Board of Education for 20 years! Why do you cherish your heritage? "I believe that pride in one's race should not merely be derived from superficial traits like skin color, but rather from the profound history, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of a people. As a Black individual, I take immense pride in contributing to the legacy of my ancestors, who have triumphed over numerous challenges and continue to flourish despite adversity. Our collective strength, ingenuity, and indomitable spirit are wellsprings of boundless pride, impervious to the corrosive effects of prejudice or ignorance." What are your favorite foods, traditions, and celebrations? "Neck bones and collard greens hold a special place in my heart, not because there aren't other delectable dishes, but because none have quite matched the flavor of those my mother prepared." What do you love about the Robla community? "We aren't just a community; we're a family—the Robla Family." How do you express or honor your heritage in your professional endeavors? "I honor my heritage by striving to excel every day. As I build upon the foundation laid by those who came before me, I aim to provide a sturdy platform for those who will follow in my footsteps." Let's celebrate Craig's legacy and the ongoing impact of Black leaders like him, not just in February, but every day. 🌟 #BlackHistoryMonth #InspiringLeadership

Leadership Lens "The Black Experience: From Struggle to Success" #IamDrDavis2 Call to Action: *Request Repost* As a proud graduate of the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and a part of the enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), I am delighted to share the inspiring stories of our alumni. These stories, including those of Dr. James E. Cole, Jr., MPH, MBA (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated), Dr. Brian Adams (Southern University and A&M College- Baton Rouge, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity), and my own (Southern University and A&M College- Baton Rouge, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.), epitomize the standard of success and black excellence that HBCUs nurture. Our journeys from HBCUs to professional success are not just personal triumphs; they represent a broader narrative of resilience, determination, and excellence deeply rooted in the African-American experience. These narratives showcase how HBCUs and organizations like the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (Divine Nine) have been instrumental in cultivating leaders and change-makers who have significantly contributed to our society. In sharing these stories, we tell OUR narrative to drown out any misconceptions or oversimplified representations of black history and achievements. It’s essential to recognize that the richness of our history and the depth of our contributions are integral to the tapestry of American history. This isn't about correcting misrepresentations; it's about illuminating the truth through our lived experiences and successes. The essence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is perfectly encapsulated in our stories. These principles are not just about representation; they are about celebrating the journeys, embracing the challenges, and acknowledging the triumphs that define the black experience in its fullest expression. Let's continue to elevate these stories of resilience and success. Our narratives are not just for reflection but are beacons for future generations, demonstrating what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and a strong sense of community. In doing so, we don't just share history; we inspire a future where such achievements are recognized as fundamental elements of our shared human story. ### #HBCUPride #BlackExcellence #EmpoweringNarratives #TrueDEI University of South Florida

As we continue to honor Black History Month, we are pleased to share the second installment of our interview series. Today, we have the privilege of gaining unique perspectives from Tiara Buford, our dedicated Member Advocate from the Lawrenceville, GA branch. Q: Can you share a significant moment or accomplishment in Black history that has personally inspired you? A: One person who has had a remarkable impact on me personally is Madam C.J Walker. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist who rose from poverty to become one of the wealthiest African American women of her time. She used her position to advocate for the advancement of African Americans. Her dedication to her business and personal development, despite the many setbacks she faced, embodies all one can hope to be as a driven woman. Yes, our experiences are very different, but nevertheless, it’s important to realize that we can take our negative circumstances and use them for good, which Madam C.J. Walker accomplished. Q: How can we ensure that the recognition of Black history extends beyond a specific month and becomes an integral part of our company culture throughout the year? A: Incorporate Black history and culture into ongoing educational programs launched through UKG Pro Learning. Include speaker series, hold workshops that include local black-owned businesses, and allow employees who own their own business to be featured in PEFCU News. 😉 Q: Can you share a personal experience or story related to Black history that has influenced your perspective on diversity and inclusion? A: In elementary school, during Black History Month, each teacher would have all the different Black leaders on the wall, and they would briefly tell the story for each person. By the end of the month, you would know the names and history of the Black leaders. Having a part of my history being exposed at school and not solely in my home environment gave me a sense that people of different backgrounds, interests, experiences, and expertise can all contribute wholly and meaningfully. This helped me to realize at a young age that I could make a difference in the world, and I could see myself in those history makers.

How We Build Matters!!