"My advice to current HBCU students and recent graduates is to truly value the season you are in. You are likely in one of the only periods in your life when you have the privilege of being surrounded by so many people who share similar cultural experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. The relationships you build during your HBCU journey can become some of the most enduring and fruitful connections you will ever have—personally and professionally.

David Gill is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned his degree in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering. He went on to build an extensive academic foundation, completing a Master of Science in Engineering at Purdue University, an MBA in International Business at Pace University, and additional credentials including the PMP, CSM, and the Applied Artificial Intelligence certificate from MIT Professional Education.

David now serves as Managing Director at Synergy RIA Compliance Solutions, where he oversees organizational strategy and platform development. His career has included Director and Principal Consultant roles within major global technology and Big Four consulting firms. Across these positions, he has led large-scale digital transformation efforts, enterprise data initiatives, and complex software delivery programs. Colleagues know him for his ability to translate high-level strategy into concrete execution, guiding cross-functional teams toward solutions that strengthen operational performance and create long-term value.

Isaiah Richardson is a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Class of 2025. Immediately after completing his undergraduate studies, he enrolled in a graduate master’s program in biomedical sciences at Barry University to strengthen his application for medical school. Although the program is based in Miami, Isaiah is completing it virtually, balancing an intensive academic workload with meaningful commitments outside the classroom. He continues to volunteer at a nearby hospital, works at Starbucks on weekends, and is currently preparing his medical school application, studying for the MCAT, refining his personal statement, and securing letters of recommendation, all while remaining intentional about spending time with family and friends.

Isaiah’s journey has reinforced his deep belief in the power of community. Transitioning from an HBCU to a PWI made the difference in peer and administrative support unmistakably clear. At Xavier, he experienced a campus environment that felt like one large, interconnected family, students supporting one another, rooting for each other, and building a shared culture that shaped their academic and personal growth. Leaving that environment has made him appreciate it even more. He credits Xavier with pouring into him, challenging him, and encouraging him to become the most well-rounded, compassionate, and driven version of himself. The community he found there continues to ground him, guide him, and influence the person he is becoming as he prepares to enter the medical field.

Bryce Johnson is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Class of 2024, where he earned his degree in Industrial Engineering. He is now advancing his education at Georgia Institute of Technology, pursuing a master’s in Industrial Engineering and deepening his expertise in data analytics, optimization modeling, and supply-chain systems. Alongside his graduate studies, Bryce works with Georgia Tech Strategic Consulting, applying analytical frameworks to real organizational challenges and sharpening his ability to design efficient systems. His career interests center on continuous improvement and operational optimization, streamlining workflows, analyzing complex systems, and building data-driven solutions that help large organizations operate with greater precision and impact.

Bryce credits North Carolina A&T with giving him more than an education, it gave him a community that shaped his confidence, ambition, and sense of purpose. He describes finding friendships that became like family, grounded in shared goals, cultural connection, and mutual support. Being surrounded by motivated peers who looked like him pushed him to stay focused and take ownership of his path. He believes that HBCU students should fully embrace that environment: lean on professors who serve as mentors and connectors, get involved in organizations, pursue internships, explore new interests, and take advantage of every opportunity for growth. For Bryce, the A&T experience was not just about earning a degree but about becoming, developing the discipline, resilience, and community-minded spirit that continue to guide him as he moves through graduate school and into his career.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.