"My advice to current HBCU students and recent grads is to build your network and then utilize it. One of the primary joys of HBCU life does not come until you enter the professional world. You soon realize attending an HBCU gives you a tremendous network of your University’s alumni base but also, the network of other HBCUs Alums across various professional industries. Attending an HBCU means you understand the “experience” and many HBCU grads/leaders value that when it comes to hiring. Your Network is your Net-worth! I actually got my job at Mantech through the recommendation of a previous coworker. Though I was qualified for the position, his recommendation guaranteed me a chance to interview with his manager and the rest is history!"
Nenwon Gbilia
Howard University, Class of 2017
Nenwon Gbilia is a Howard University graduate who earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 2017 and has built a career defined by leadership, strategic talent acquisition, and long-term relationship building. He began his professional journey with Target, stepping into a full-time retail management role as an Executive Team Leader after first connecting with the company through the Howard University School of Business Career Fair. What started as an internship during his junior year developed into a full-time offer by the first semester of his senior year, marking the beginning of a steady rise in leadership roles. After two years in retail management, Nenwon transitioned into the recruiting field, where he discovered a passion for connecting people with opportunities. His path eventually led him into federal recruiting, and he now serves as a Senior Recruiter for Program Management at ManTech, a multibillion-dollar government contractor. In this role, he leads recruitment efforts for Program Management leaders and C-suite executives supporting high-level government contracts. His work requires strategic insight, relationship management, and the ability to identify leadership talent capable of guiding complex, large-scale programs.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nenwon takes pride in the personal milestones his career has supported, including purchasing a home in Maryland. He remains deeply committed to giving back to the Howard community and stays actively involved with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., reflecting his continued dedication to mentorship, service, and community uplift.
Nenwon credits Howard University with teaching him one of the most valuable skills of his career: networking with intention. As a student in the School of Business, he learned to always be prepared, mentally and professionally, to stand out in rooms. Developing a strong elevator pitch, asking thoughtful questions, and making memorable impressions became habits that continue to shape his success today. He carries this mindset into every professional space, building meaningful connections wherever he goes. For Nenwon, choosing to attend Howard University remains one of the most impactful decisions of his life, laying the foundation for both his career trajectory and his commitment to lifting others as he climbs.
"My advice to current HBCU students is that the world is in a really strange space right now, and that can feel intimidating or daunting. This may sound a bit cliché, but I suggest digging deep and identifying what grounds you as an individual and what motivates you—then, keep those things at the forefront of your mind. Obstacles, trials, and tribulations are a given, especially as Black professionals, but understanding who you are and why you’re working toward your goals will keep you going when it feels like all you’re hearing is 'no'."
Gabrielle Jackson
Howard University, Class of 2022
Gabrielle Jackson is a Howard University alumna from the Class of 2022 who majored in Marketing and has built a dynamic career in the entertainment industry. She specializes in event production, talent management, and strategic partnerships, bringing both creative vision and operational expertise to every space she enters. Gabrielle began her professional journey in social media management with Broccoli City before expanding into talent hospitality and event production for the Broccoli City Festival. She later gained experience in media and sponsorship at Live Nation and now oversees Partnerships at Eighty Five South Media while also managing comedians’ day-to-day operations under Family Business Management. Her career reflects a strong ability to navigate fast-paced environments, build meaningful industry relationships, and execute large-scale projects with precision.
Gabrielle credits Howard University with shaping her mindset and work ethic in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. She often reflects on the idea that “the bison is the only animal to turn to face a storm,” a metaphor she feels mirrors the spirit cultivated at Howard. The environment taught her not just resilience, but agency — the confidence to take ownership of her path and face challenges head-on. Being surrounded by driven, innovative peers in a setting that mirrored the real world helped develop her tenacity and problem-solving mindset. Gabrielle believes her HBCU experience equipped her with the tools to forge pathways not only for herself, but also to create opportunities and open doors for others along the way.
"My advice to current HBCU students is simple: do it all. Your education is the priority, so study hard and take your academics seriously. But don’t stop there.
Lean on your professors—they are connectors. Lead an organization. Apply for internships every year. Study abroad. Explore the city and culture around your campus. Build real friendships and professional relationships. Consider Grad School. Visit friends at other schools. Travel. Try something new, join the club team, declare a minor, be a school ambassador and take advantage of every opportunity available to you.
Those four years are about more than earning a degree; they’re about becoming. The growth you experience as a person during that time is immeasurable, and it prepares you for the next chapter in ways you won’t fully recognize until later. Walk with confidence knowing that your HBCU experience is shaping you into your best self."
Tracee Sapp
North Carolina A&T State University, Class of 1997.
Tracee Sapp is a North Carolina A&T State University alumna who earned her degree in Civil Engineering before going on to receive a Master’s in Structural Engineering from Georgia Tech. After several years working in engineering, Tracee pivoted toward a career that allowed her to combine strategy, problem-solving, and meaningful human connection, leading her into financial planning. She earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation and is now the founder of T Sapp Financial Partners, a financial planning firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Through her firm, Tracee works with professionals, women executives, families, and business owners to help them build wealth, navigate life transitions, and make confident, strategic financial decisions. Her approach to financial planning is holistic and deeply personalized, grounded in the belief that money management is not one-size-fits-all but should reflect a client’s values, goals, and long-term vision.
Tracee credits her time at North Carolina A&T with being transformative, as she was surrounded by peers who were equally driven, talented, and committed to excellence. Studying engineering in an environment that celebrated Black achievement pushed her to elevate her standards and fully believe in her abilities. She also speaks highly of the professors who consistently supported and challenged her, laying a strong foundation of confidence and resilience. By the time she graduated, Tracie left A&T certain of her ability to enter any room, take on any challenge, and succeed, an impact she carries with her into every aspect of her professional life.
"My biggest piece of advice for HBCU students to remain open to growth and exploration. Seek out mentorship, take advantage of internships and leadership opportunities, and trust that your HBCU experience has prepared you to succeed in spaces beyond your comfort zone."
Thyme Turner
Grambling State University, Class of 2024.
Thyme Turner is a proud alumna of Grambling State University, where she earned a degree in Child Development and Early Literacy and graduated in Spring 2024. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy while working full-time as a Customer Support Specialist with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi. In her professional role, Thyme helps individuals and families navigate healthcare coverage, benefits, and access to care, giving her firsthand insight into how health policy shapes real-life outcomes.
Alongside her academic and professional commitments, she is also a certified yoga instructor who teaches group classes and promotes holistic wellness within her community. Thyme’s long-term goal is to become a Health Policy Analyst, using research, data analysis, and policy evaluation to help advance equitable healthcare systems, particularly for underserved communities. She credits Grambling State University with instilling in her the values of resilience, mentorship, and collective support. All principles that continue to guide her growth. Thyme describes her HBCU experience as transformative, empowering her to lead with confidence, purpose, and a strong commitment to service and advocacy.
"My biggest piece of advice for HBCU students is to lean into every experience you encounter. Be adventurous, courageous, and bold. Use your voice with intention but also listen to understand—not just to respond. Embrace growth, remain open to learning, and allow each experience to shape you into a more confident and purpose-driven leader. "
Natashia Thompson
North Carolina Central University, Class of 1991.
Natashia Thompson is an alumna of North Carolina Central University, where she earned a degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration. She currently serves as the Director of Titan Link at Guilford Technical Community College, a student support initiative designed to address non-academic barriers that affect student success and retention, including food insecurity, clothing assistance, emergency financial support, and access to essential resources. In this role, Natashia leads efforts that help students remain enrolled and progress toward graduation. She also holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, which informs her comprehensive, student-centered approach to leadership and support services.
Natashia’s HBCU experience emphasized the importance of building strong, values-based relationships grounded in trust, accountability, and collaboration. Natashia credits North Carolina Central University with shaping her identity and reinforcing her long-standing commitment to leadership, service, and community impact.
"My biggest advice for HBCU students is to plan early. Start connecting the dots and being intentional about what life after graduation may—or will—look like. Whether you choose graduate school, entrepreneurship, or entering the workforce, commit to it fully and move with purpose in everything you do.”
Destinee Kerr
Xavier University of Louisiana, Class of 2024.
Destinee Kerr is a proud alumna of Xavier University of Louisiana, where she earned a degree in Public Health with a concentration in African American and Diaspora Studies as a member of the Class of 2024. She is currently a full-time entrepreneur and creative professional working across media, marketing, and community engagement, with a strong focus on amplifying HBCU culture and student voices. As an HBCU Correspondent, Destinee uses digital storytelling to highlight campus life, student impact, and the broader influence of HBCUs. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of HBCU Friendsgiving, a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting and feeding HBCU students while creating meaningful cultural experiences. In addition to her nonprofit and media work, Destinee serves as a Marketing Strategist for New Orleans-based businesses, including @ammazincolorz, and is a New Orleans Youth Alliance Fellow collaborating on youth-centered initiatives centered on leadership, equity, and community development.
Through her experiences at Xavier, Destinee learned the lasting value of community and the importance of staying connected to one’s network, recognizing classmates as future collaborators and leaders. She credits Xavier University of Louisiana with shaping her into a purpose-driven leader who understands the power of intentionality, collective uplift, and using her voice to create impact beyond herself.