Whitman Showcases Talent, Opportunities at 45th Annual National Black MBA Conference

Thirty students, one alum, five faculty members and five staff members from Syracuse University’s Whitman School, along with two University human resources team members, traveled to Philadelphia for the 45th Annual National Black MBA (NBMBAA) Conference and Exposition. Twelve undergraduates and 18 graduate students attended to look for internships and full-time positions with more than 200 major companies hiring at the event. This is the largest Whitman School contingent to ever attend this nationwide event. 

During the event, four Whitman students participated in a case competition presented by State Street Investment Co. The competition allowed participants from eight business schools to apply critical thinking skills in developing solutions for real life business problems. The Whitman team was comprised of Jared Dowling ’24 (WSM/NEW), Maya Layton ’26, Robert Osborne ’25 and Kennedee Robinson ’26. Dowling received the award for best presentation skills at the competition.  

Attending the 45th National Black MBA Conference was an exceptional experience for me. As a second-year MBA student at Whitman, I did not know what to expect at my first NBMBAA conference. However, the incredible energy and community surpassed all expectations. 

It was inspirational to connect with so many accomplished black professionals and students. The career fair and networking events facilitated meaningful new contacts. I even landed an interview at the conference itself and connected with recruiters about potential roles. I am actively following up on these promising conversations. 

Connecting with Syracuse alumni at the Whitman reception also reinforced a sense of belonging to this extensive community. Travelling with fellow Whitman students enabled us to share this experience and bond along the way. Immense thanks to Interim Dean McKelvie and Diane (Crawford) for their staunch support of Whitman students' career development.” 

—Joshua  Olusegun  Agbomedarho ’24 MBA 

Sara Garvey, director of corporate relations at Whitman, had the opportunity to talk to over 54 companies about opportunities they had for internship and full-time positions while sharing what incredible talent can be found at the Whitman School. Many valuable relationships were formed during the conference, according to Garvey. 

Whitman’s Graduate Programs Office, led by Mary Collier, executive director of graduate recruitment, and Anh Murphy, counselor for academic services, spent the days at the conference recruiting students for both on-campus and online graduate degree programs. 

A special event was held at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts for Whitman students and alumni to hear about new and exciting research being conducted by a team of faculty members — Associate Professor of Management Kira Reed, Associate Professor of Accounting Willie Reddic and Professor of Accounting Susan Albring — as they explore the racial wealth gap. Many insights and productive discussions ensued during the gathering. 

In addition to attending the conference, the Whitman School is engaged in a collegiate partnership with the NBMBAA as part of its inclusive belonging and engagement strategy. The NBMBAA provides opportunities for networking, professional development and engagement of students of color for more than 57 collegiate partners, and students have access to all the organization’s resources for professional development. Whitman students who attended the NBMBAA in Philadelphia were provided with a year-long membership to the organization by the School. Another membership benefit with the organization provides one Whitman student with a full scholarship to a graduate program annually. 

—Jacquelyn Trotman ’26 (WSM/NEW)