My connection with NBMBAA began a little differently from many of its members today. During high school I was introduced to the Leaders of Tomorrow® chapter in Boston, MA. This innovative program sponsored by the NBMBAA is a youth mentoring program responsible for increasing the number of minority high school students who pursue business and entrepreneurship careers, and become future business leaders. The program creates the opportunity and learning environment for students to gain first hand exposure from business leaders of corporate and entrepreneurial practice. I joined the local chapter with the desire to gain more knowledge about the business world.

The monthly LOT workshops provided a forum that addressed and answered many of the questions I never had the opportunity to ask before. My peers and I had heard directly from local business leaders and entrepreneurs. It was that connection and exposure to African-American professionals whom fueled my interest in the world of business that still drives me today.

An indispensable component of the LOT program presents participants with the chance to attend the largest annual gathering of African-American professionals in the world, the National Black MBA Conference. In 1997 I attended the conference and was also selected as a LOT scholarship recipient. This event was a life-changing moment for me. The honor of receiving financial assistance to help with my educational endeavors, and the opportunity to see and interact with thousands of African-American professionals was powerful beyond words. That experience inspired me to become one of the very professionals whom I admired so much.

Throughout college I stayed connected with the LOT group by frequently going back to speak about my college experience. I would speak about the challenge of college coursework, life on campus, social life and the many extra curricular activities available to the student body. It was a pleasure for me to know that I was returning value to the program that gave so much to me.

Since graduation I have worked for TriSail Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of Bank of America. TriSail is the bank’s commercial real estate mezzanine and equity lending firm. Currently, I am part of the underwriting team that has completed over 400 transactions totaling $2.5 billion with average return of 17%. Although work can certainly take up the majority of my time, I have not forgotten the importance of my volunteer work.

Just about three years ago, I was called upon with a wonderful proposition that I could not refuse. After passionately leading the Boston LOT program for the last 15 years, both Elaine Munn and Alan Wade asked me to become the new Director of the very program that help fueled my interest in the world of business. Since then, I’ve been personally challenged to continue the legacy of inspiring youth to pursue business professions. One of my main goals has been to ensure the students gain exposure to as many careers and industries as much as possible. We’ve had a multitude of speakers that include radio hosts, bankers, lawyers, doctors, underwriters and first time entrepreneurs. In addition, close to 20 students from the Boston area have experienced the national conference. I’ve also increased the group’s awareness about giving back. The Boston Chapter has an annual volunteer event in which we give directly back to the community. 

Looking back over the last 12 years, I had no idea that the NBMBAA would play such a key role in setting the foundation for my achievements today. I highly believe in the motto “the more you give, the more you will receive.” Knowing that my small role may fuel the drive in a young student to explore the world of business, as it did for me, has become more meaningful to me each day.