Trailblazer: HBCUs and HUBZone Partnerships Edition

A U G LETTER FROMTHE EDITOR

I’mexcitedtowelcomeyoutotheHBCUsandHUBZonePartnerships Editionpleasecheckoutthe"SeekingHUBZonePartnerships" section.WechattedwithafewHBCUsabouttheirHUBZone partnershipneeds.

IhaveincludedtwoofmyfavoritequotesfromMartinLutherKing,Jr. thatreflecttheexcellencethatHBCUsbringtoeveryengagement.No matterwhatthetasktheybringtheirtalentandtreasuretothetable.

ThefirstHBCU(CheyneyUniversityofPennsylvania)wasfoundedin 1837,29yearsbeforeslaverywasabolishedinAmerica.Sincethatstart, thenation’sHBCUcommunityhasgrownservingallwhocometotheir doors,survivingmanytravailsalongtheway.

HBCUs’resilienceincludessurvivingtheobstaclesofslaveryand financialcrises.Throughitall,collegeslikeHarris-StoweStateCollege (St.Louis,MO)andLeMoyne-OwenCollege(Memphis,TN)both foundedinslavestatescontinuedtoabidebythewordsofMartin LutherKing,Jr.Theykeeponmoving!

Thiseditionhadacommontheme“ItisNotaMoment,ButaMovement”.Itismyprayerthat HUBZonecompaniesandHBCUsworktogethertoensurethatthisremainstrue.

Eachofushastheopportunitytouseourtalentstomakethisnationevenbetter,toincludeothers onourjourney.Ihavetheopportunityandprivilegetotakeyouwithmeasyoureadthesepages. Myquestiontoyouasyoureadis,willyouaddyourtalents,creatingyourownstory?Ihopeyour answerisYES!

HUBZoneTrailblazersareanintegralcomponentofourcountry’sstory.Wewilltelltheirstory, andhowtheircommitmentislevelingtheplayingfieldintheirrespectivecommunities.Ifeel blessedtohavebeengiventheopportunitytoshineamajorlightontheheroesthatareinthe trenches,someflying,somerunning,butallcommittedto revitalizingHUBZoneCommunities.

Wewanteveryonetogetinvolvedwithfutureeditions.Next month’stopicisHBCUsPartneringwithHUBZones. Ifyou haveastorytotellorjustwanttobeasponsor,we wanttohearfromyou.

LilyMilliner ViceChair,HUBZoneCouncil,Inc. &CEO,BuildITUp,LLC

FEATURE

12|Dr.DietraTrent

ExecutiveDirector

WhiteHouseInitiativeonHBCUs U.S.DepartmentofEducation

AhumbleTrailblazer,Dr. Trentwillquicklystatethatsheis notunique,butrather,ispartof alegacyofHBCUgraduateswho continuetopassionatelypromote theseinstitutions.AsIlistento herexpresshowblessedsheis withwordslike,“Igettodowhat Iloveeachday;I’mspiritually ledtodothiswork;Iwoulddoit forfreethat’showmuchIloveit; andI’mhereforapurpose.”

Table of Contents

LeighChristian ASSOCIATION

07|

TechRich7(j)ProjectManager, TheCatalyst Ms.Christianisallaboutforgingpathways forsmallbusinessesineveryindustry.She hasaparticularsoftspotforHUBZone businessesbecauseshehaspersonally seentheimpacttheyhavehadin communities.

HEALTH & SCIENCE

20| Dr.MichaelWillis

SocialHealthEquityActivist

Itisimpossibletoputalabelonatrue trailblazer.JustaskDr.Williswhathis titleis.Hetoldmeheisasocialhealth equityactivist.Isaidno,“whatisyourjob title?”Herepeated,“SOCIALHEALTH EQUITYACTIVIST.”

25| KindraDionne WORKFORCE

CEO,PurposeWorx

WatchingthisTrailblazerinactionislike experiencingtherainbowwithoutthe storm.Shebringssomethingspecialand beautifulduringeveryengagement;her energyandhopearecontagious.Where othersseerain,Ms.Dionneseesthe harvestthatwillcomefromalltheseeds shehasplanted.

CAPACITY BUILDING

10| LilyMilliner

CEO,Build-IT-Up LilyMillinerislikehavingaspiritual encounter.Hernarrativereflectssomuch ofwhatweallneedtolearn,andshetells herstorywithemotionandtruth.

POLITICS

23| MelissaJenkins

ProgramAnalyst, Outreach/In-Reach, WOSBPM,OSDBU, U.S.DepartmentofTreasury

Ms.JenkinswaspartofTreasury’steamof expertsworkingdiligentlytomitigatethe impactthatthePandemicwashavingon somanyofthesmallbusinesseslocatedin airportsacrossthenation.

YOUNG DISRUPTOR

34| GeraldJones

DoctorofMedicine(MD)Program Classof2025

ThisMorehouseSchoolofMedicine TrailblazerjustfinishedanAmerican CancerSocietyfundedinternshipwiththe FrederickNationalLaboratoryforCancer Research,wherehecollaboratedwith someofthenation’sfinestscientistson cancerexperimentation.

ASSOCIATION

Ms.Christianisallaboutforging pathwaysforsmallbusinessesinevery industry.Shehasaparticularsoftspot forHUBZonebusinessesbecauseshehas personallyseentheimpacttheyhavehad incommunitiesinAlabamaandacross thenation.Whatisveryspecialabout thisTrailblazerisherzeal.Shebringsjoy andfuntoeveryprojectshetouches,no matterhowdifficultitmaybe.Shetruly believesthatentrepreneurshipisabout findingthebusinessthatbringsyou bliss,thendoiteachdaywithpurpose.

Entrepreneurship

Certificate

Ms.Christiannoticedthatthe HUBZoneworkforceandthebusiness communitywerenotworkingtogether; theydidn’tknowtheyneededeach other.Shewashearingfromherlocal HBCUthatstudentsneededjobsthat providedthemwithmeaningfulwork experience.Theywerebecomingincreasingly frustratedwiththejobmarket.Allthewhile, Ms.Christianwasfieldingcomplaintsfrom HUBZonebusinessowners,whowerefinding itdifficulttofindqualifiedHUBZone employeestomeettheirHUBZonecompliance requirements.Theybothneededawinning solution.ThisTrailblazerfoundawayto minimizetheextensivelearningcurve associatedwithgovernmentcontractingwhile puttingsmilesonthefacesofboththe workforceandbusinesscommunity.

TheEntrepreneurshipCertificateprogram partnersaHBCUwithHUBZonecompaniesto providecriticalinfrastructuretraining. ThroughtheirpartnershipwithDrakeState Community&TechnicalCollege(anHBCU), Catalystoffersscholarshipsto7(j)-eligible individualsresidinginHUBZonestocomplete a15-credit-hourprogramtogainaBusiness AdministrationEntrepreneurshipCertificate. ThisprogramallowsHUBZoneemployeesto gainmeaningfulworkandeducational experienceaspartoftheprogram.The curriculumincludestraininginQuickBooks, accounting,marketing,andgovernment contracting.Additionally,Ms.Christianhas establishedanin-housecontinuouslearning processthatallowsparticipantstoattendall Catalystworkshopsforfree.

Theprogram’ssuccessisrootedinstudents’ abilitytogetreal-worldeducationwithalocal employerwhileworkingontheirdegree.One shiningexampleisaHBCU(Alabama AgriculturalandMechanicalUniversity) graduate,Ms.ShakeriaHayes.Ms.Hayes startedoutasapart-timeHUBZoneemployee, movingfromanAdministrativeAssistanttothe VicePresidentofAdministrationforCortina Solutions.Sheworkedhardtoobtainan EntrepreneurshipCertificatefromDrake CollegeandisnowthechairofCatalyst’s WorkforceDevelopmentProgram.Alifelong learner,Ms.Hayesrecentlygraduatedfromthe FloridaInstituteofTechnologywithaMaster

LeighChristian, TechRich7(j)Project Manager,CatalystCenterforBusiness& Entrepreneurship

PhotoSource:TheCatalystCenterforBusiness &Entrepreneurship

ofScienceinAcquisition&Contract Management.

HUBZoneAccelerator Program

TheHUBZoneAcceleratoratCatalystis whathappenswhenasmallgroupofHUBZone businessownersdoesnotdespiseitssmall beginnings.ThisgroupfromHuntsville, Alabamawantedtodevelopaplacewhere HUBZonebusinesseswithasimilarethos couldconnectandgrow.In2018,they approachedCatalystwiththeirideatocreatea nationalinitiativethatwouldconnect, improve,andexpandtheHUBZoneprogram. TheirsmallbeginningshavegivenHUBZone communitiesandtheirbusinessesahandupall overtheUnitedStates.

Ms.Christianbelievesthathavingtheright resourceswhenabusinessneedsthemwill allowboththebusinessandtheHUBZone communitiestheysupporttothrive.The HUBZoneAcceleratorProgramwascreatedto facilitatethatgrowth.Catalystistheone-stop resourceforHUBZonecompaniestogrowtheir company,shareresources,understandthe HUBZoneincentivesandcredential requirements,andmarkettheircapabilitiesto governmentagenciesandlargeprime contractors.Ms.Christiansaid, “theHUBZone AcceleratorProgramoffersasafeplacewhere businessescansharelessons,advice,and resources.Theyareraisingthemselvesupand reallyempoweringtheircommunities,from bandingtogetherasteamingpartnersto employeedevelopment.”

Don’tStifletheNation

WeneedtoinvestinAmerica’sworkforce, andwecandothatwhenleadersincrease HUBZonegovernmentopportunitiesandthe numberofHBCU/HUBZonehigh-payingjob. Ms.Christianisconcernedthatvariousleaders mightbestiflingournation’sHUBZone workforcewhentheydon’tinvestinit.She furtherelaboratedthatwhenournationisnot activelytakingmeasurestoencourage [entrepreneurs’]dreamsandpotentialby providingopportunitiesforwork,thenour leadersarepassivelycrushing,limiting, suppressing,curbing,withholding,impeding, smothering,andfinally,suffocating,our nation’sgrowth.

Eachday,thisTrailblazerhelpspeople reachtheirdreams,oftenwithjustalittlebitof encouragement.Hergreatestjoyistowitness individualsastheystarttobelieveintheirown potentialwhileactingontheirbeliefs.Ms. Christiansaid, “Ithinkthroughourworkshops, one-on-onecoaching,andevents,weare encouragingandinspiringourcommunity. Theycanseethatvisionofhowtheycanbe successful.Ithinktoooften,peopleput themselvesinabox.Theysay,‘Ihavetoo manythingsagainstme.Idon'tknowhowI'm goingtosucceed.’Ithinkweprovidethemwith theseedsofsuccess.Theycanseethatifthey startplantinganddoingthesethings: networking,continuouseducation,and learning,they'regoingtogrowandthrive!”

YouBelongattheTable

Manyyearsago,thisTrailblazerhadan encounterthatchangedtheatmosphereofthe entireroom.Ms.Christianwasatherfirstbig teammeeting.Shewastheyoungestandonly femalememberatthetable.Shesatdownnext toaretiredColonel.Helookedatherandsaid, “doyouwanttogetussomecoffee?”Ms. Christianknewrightthenthatthiswasabig momentinherlife.Shetoldhim,“Idon'tdrink coffee,butifyouneedmetogetyoucoffeeI can.”Atthatmoment,theretiredColonel realizedthathewasputtingherinapositionof hospitalityandnotoneofanequal.Thisact wasacareerchangerforher.Shewastreating herselflikeshebelongedatthattable.Afew momentslater,hereachedoverandleaned towardsherandsaid,“Iwillneveragainask youtogetmeacupofcoffee.I'msosorryIdid that.”

PhotoSource:TheCatalystCenterforBusiness &Entrepreneurship

Thatoneactchangedtheatmosphere-it changedeveryperson'sopinionofMs. Christianatthattable.Shewentfrombeingan extratoaleadinglady.Itiswrongtouse HUBZoneBusinessesandHBCUsas checkmarksforyourdiversityprogram. HUBZonesandHBCUsmustbecollaborators orpartners,andtheymustbeallowedtohave realvalueandreceivetherespecttheydeserve whileyoureapthebenefitsoftheirinclusion. Ms.Christianwantseveryonetoknowthatwe allbelongatthetable.HUBZoneandHBCU

voicesarecriticaltotheinnovation,creativity, ideas,andgrowthofournation.Ms.Christian’s finalwordsonthissubjectwere, “Treat yourselflikeyoubelong,speakup!People needtohearyouropinions.Iwantto encouragepeopletoreallyjustspeakup--You deservetobeatthetable,theworldneedsyou, don’toptout.”

HealthyLeaders

AlltheresourcesatCatalystwilldoour trailblazersnogoodiftheyarephysicallyand mentallywornoutandunabletousethem. Herfinalgoldennuggetisaboutphysicaland mentalhealth.Sheisstilllearninghowto balancethem.Ms.Christianfindsitsomuch easiertotakecareofherentrepreneurial responsibilitiesratherthan.Shehashadto putmeasuresinplacetoensurethatsheis resting,eating,andexercisingappropriately. Ms.ChristianhopesthattheCOVID pandemichastaughtherfellowstakeholders toappreciatehealthmorethanever–because withoutitthereisnobusiness!

CAPACITYBUILDING

Trailblazer

Extraordinaire

SpeakingwithLilyMillinerislike havingaspiritualencounter.Hernarrative reflectssomuchofwhatweallneedto learn,andshetellsherstorywithemotion andtruth.Herjourneyhasbeenfilledwith blessingsandlessonslearnedthatshehas carriedthroughouthercareer.Asachild, Lilywasalwaysaperfectionist,an“A” studentwhowantedtobeadoctor–until shegottouniversity.Suddenly,high gradesbecamehardertocomeby,andshe hadtoconfrontwhatwouldbeamongthe mostimportantlessonsofherlife: acceptingthechallengeofbeing uncomfortable.Lilysays, “Ilearnedthat evenwhenyou’renotgettingA’s,ifyou’re doingyourbestandpursuingyour passion,youcan’tletthegradeaffect whetherornotyoustayoncourse.When we’reperfectionists,wetrytostayina comfortablespace.ButI’velearnedthe importanceof‘beingyou,’evenifitmeans you’reuncomfortable.Actually,it’sokay tobeuncomfortable.” AndasLilynotes, gettinguncomfortablemayjustturnup thatexcellence,thatinnovation,orthat nextsolutionthatcanbenefitoursociety.

AMentorandTeacher WhoSays,“BeYourBest Self”

Lilyenjoysworkingwithandteachingyoung people.She’sdonethatmostofherlife,andshe particularlyenjoyscollaboratingwithHBCUsas youngtalentemergesandjoinstheworkforce.

ThisTrailblazer’sadvicetoyoungstudentsand professionalsontheriseis, “Showupinyour greatness,andifit’snotevaluatedthewayother peopleevaluateit,that’sstillfine.Don’tlookat theworldandhowthey’reevaluatingyou,askif youarebeingyourbestself?Areyoushowingup inyourgreatness?Wakeupeachmorningand embracethat.”

Lilyembracespreciselythat.ThisTrailblazer guidesus;sheexplains,patientlyandlovingly (becausethat’swhosheis),thatonceyoureally startembracingyourtruth,youcanbein uncomfortableroomsandovercomestereotypes andpatternsofexpectedbehavior.Lilycautions thatinembracingourtruthandbeingourbest selves,wedon’tneedtolookacertainway,dress acertainway,orbeacertainway. “Youcanbe whoeveryouwanttobe,andyoucandoityour way.Takerisks,beyourselves,andrejoicein that.“

LifeisaSmorgasbord

“Doyougotothebanquetandonlytrythe franksandbeans?No!Surpriseyourself;try newthings.” ThisisoneofLily’smantrasasshe challengesyoungpeopletoexperiencethe wealthofdifferentoptionsthatmoreavailable todaythaneverbefore.Sheisexcitedaboutthe opportunitiesthatSTEMprogramsafford today’syouth,whethertheywanttogointo aerospace,chemistry,orbeabakeroranathlete. Lilypointsoutthatvirtuallyallprofessionshave elementsofmathandphysics.And “embracing differentthingsallowsyoutodecidewhatyou enjoydoing.” Thisadvicecomesfromreal-world experience:Lily’smothertookherfamilyto differentChurchesandotherplacesofworship sothefamilycouldembracedifferences, includingdiversityofthought.ThisTrailblazer makesthelinktoHBCUsandHUBZones–it’s allaboutcommunityinvolvementandhelping peopletobetheirbestselves.Shesays,“Lives arelikeministries:findpeopleyoucanhelpand walkwiththem.Takeamomenttowalkwith themandseethingsliketheydo.Takethat moment;itmakesallthedifference.”

SpeakingTruth

ThisTrailblazernotesthat“Gen-Z”is dynamic–today’syouthhaveanincredible diversityofintereststhatpointtotheiractivism. Whetherit’sBlackLivesMatter,StopAsian Hate,oranyhumanrightsmovement,ourupand-comingtrailblazerswill “cancelyouina secondifyou’renothonest.Areyoudoingwhat you’resaying?” Lilycommentsthattoday’s

LilyMilliner, CEO,Build-IT-Up

youngergenerationhasmovedawayfromthe oldsaying,“doasIsay,notasIdo.”Asa mentor,coach,andteacher,Lilynotesthat youngpeoplearerequestingAlignment–witha capitalA–andthatmeansbeingtruthfultoand withourselves.Itmeanspushingbackand provingthatactionsspeaklouderthanwords.It meansstayinginquisitiveandchallengingthose whowon’tanswerquestions.Andasthis Trailblazernotes, “thebestmentorsarethose whocansay,‘Idon’tknow–butIwillhelpyou findtheanswer.”

Lilyadmiresthistraitinyoungpeople,and encouragesthemtokeeppushingback because,assheputsit, “Wehavean opportunitytoshapesocietyifwealign ourselves.” AndthatappliestoHBCUs,thejob market,andHUBZones.

ItTakesaVillageof Champions

Lilyattributeshertrailblazingsuccessto“her village”–startingwithherfamily,whonever doubtedherabilities.Hermom,dad,andsisters encouragedhertoquestion–tobeinquisitive–andtobeherbestself.ThisTrailblazer’s “village”hasexpandedtoincludeother champions:dynamicwomenandmenwhohave comeintoherlifeandigniteher.Lily’svillageof championsiswillingtowalkalongsideherfor anythingandeverything.Inkeepingwiththe spiritofdiversity,Lilysays, “Myvillageof championsgoesacrossreligious,ethnic,and culturallines–andmychampionscheckme; theypushback.” Shepointsoutachallengein ourHBCUandHUBZonecommunities:our villageisn’tdiverseenough,andwecangoalong apathandnotevenknowwe’rewrong.She cautions, “Beinclusiveandallowyourvillageto pushback.Communicationisvalue–weneed tobeabletoshareperspectivesbecause somethingmagnificenthappenswhen understandingtakesplaceandallowsustogo

toanotherlevel.Ourlivesshouldbechallenged bythepeoplewhowalkwithus.”

Empowerment

ThisTrailblazer’songoingjourneyhasledto empowerment:theabilitytoovercomedoubt, thetendencytowalkalongsideyouthwhohave beentold,“No.”Sheadvisesusalltouseour powerstofindthegood,tostandupfor ourselveswithdignity.Shesays, “Ifyouaresent, itdoesn’tmatterifyoudon’tlookorsoundlike them;you’resupposedtobethere.Dowhatyou needtodoforyourneighborhoodwithout judgment.Tohaveasayinsomething,youhave tobuildsomething.Ifyouhaven’thelpedbuild therelationship,youhavenosayinit.”

Andthatadviceisperfecttofurtherempower HBCUsandHUBZones:morepeopleneedto jointheprogramsotheycanleanonthe governmenttomakesurewe’reconstantly pushingformorediversity,equity,and inclusion.ThisTrailblazerdeliversan empoweringmessage: “Wecanmakeprogressif wecometogether,trusteachother,doourpart, andbeaccountable.There’senoughfoodonthe table–whichmeansworkingtogetherto ensurethateveryonehasanopportunitytobe attheheadofthetable.”

AsthisTrailblazerhasseen,everyonecan getaseatatthetable.Sheadvisesustofind ourlane,bringourtalentstotheHUBZone Council,andvolunteertohelpothersand buildourcommunities.Wemustknockonas manypoliticians’doorsaspossibletomove ourcountrytoanotherlevel.Lilyendswith this:

“Thereisbrilliance–acresofdiamonds righthereinourbackyards.I’veworkedwith somanyshiningstarswhoseliveshave changedbecausetheyplantedseeds.It matterstoourcommunities;itmatterstoour Nation.”

PhotoSource:LilyMilliner

MOMENT NOTA

Dr.Trentwasstillinhigh schoolwhenPresidentJimmy Cartersignedthefirst ExecutiveOrderestablishing theWhiteHouseInitiativeon HBCUs.BythetimeDr.Trent hadbeenacceptedintoan HBCU(HamptonUniversity), PresidentReagan’sExecutive Ordersetintomotiona government-wideeffortto strengthenournation’s HBCUs.I’msureDr.Trent’s prayinggrandmother,a teacherinruralHalifax Virginia,dreamedthather granddaughterwouldchange theworld,butIwonderifshe thoughtitwouldbeinher industry.TheBiden Administrationcouldnothave appointedamorepassionate Trailblazertoleadthe transformationoftheWhite

HouseInitiativeonHBCUs.A womansteepedinher community–thechurches, educators,andentrepreneurs.

AhumbleTrailblazer,Dr. Trentwillquicklystatethat sheisnotunique,butrather, ispartofalegacyofHBCU graduateswhocontinueto passionatelypromotethese institutions.AsIlistentoher expresshowblessedsheis withwordslike,“Igettodo whatIloveeachday;I’m spirituallyledtodothiswork; Iwoulddoitforfreethat’s howmuchIloveit;andI’m hereforapurpose,”Iwas trulymoved.Mythoughts driftedtothatquoteby MordecaitoQueenEsther(or Hadassah),“Andwhoknows butthatyouhavecometo

yourroyalpositionforsucha timeasthis?”PresidentBiden andhisadministrationhave madesurethatDr.Trenthas thefundingandinfluenceto acceleratetheadvancementof educationalequity,excellence, andeconomicopportunities forallHBCUs.Everyday,this Trailblazermakesclearher intentionstomakegoodon theirpromisestotheHBCUs andthenation.

BackyardTalent

Since85%ofallHBCUs resideinaHUBZonearea, HUBZonebusinesseshavean abundanceoftalentintheir backyards.Dr.Trentbelieves withsomuchlow-hanging fruitfromHBCUsintheir backyards,HUBZone

PhotoSource:Dr.DietraTrent

BUTA

MOVE

businessesshouldbe intentionalaboutgathering thistalenttowinfederal contracts.Theirabilityto developstrongpartnerships willliftallboats.She encouragestheHBCUsand HUBZonebusinessestolean inandfindthatcommon groundneededtodevelopnew productsandservicesforeach ofthemtosoar!

Aggressive:Biden Administration’s SupportofHBCUs

TheBidenAdministrationhas deliveredmorethan$6Bin thelast18monthstothe HBCUcommunity.The President’sFY23budget includes$450Mforresearch attheseuniversities,along withsignificantincreasesin PellGrantsandcapacitybuildingforHBCUs.Dr.Trent said, “forthefirsttimeinour nation’shistorythisInitiative hasmajorsupport.” That commitmentisdemonstrated by:

•PresidentBiden’sandVice PresidentHarris’s commitmenttoproviding theresourcesneededto eliminatehistoricand systemicdisparities.

•ThebipartisanHBCU PARTNERSAct(HBCU PropellingAgency RelationshipsTowardsa

NewEraofResultsfor StudentsAct),which commitsfederalagencies withrelevantgrantsand programstodevelopplans onanannualbasisto expandtheparticipationof HBCUsintheiragency activitiesandtracktheir progresstowards engagement-relatedgoals.

•ExecutiveOrder14041 WhiteHouseInitiativeon AdvancingEducational Equity,Excellence,and EconomicOpportunity ThroughHistoricallyBlack CollegesandUniversities

Elijah’sStory

Elijah’sstoryhelpedme understandwhyDr.Trent keepsturningovereveryrock andfiercelypushingthe envelopetoimprovethe nation’seducationalsystem forthedisenfranchised.I listencarefullytoherstory aboutalittleAfrican AmericanboynameElijah. Dr.Trentmethimyearsagoat anelementaryschoolinthe CommonwealthofVirginia. Elijahlivedwithhiseight oldersistersandmotherin oneofthefourpublichousing projectsthatfedthe overcrowdedpublic-school

PhotoSource:Dr.DietraTrent

Dr.Trentwasattendingthat day.

AsElijahtalkedabouthis walktoschool,Dr.Trentheld backhertears,thinkingabout thedrugparaphernaliaand thepossibleyellowtapefrom amurderthatchildrenhadto passtoarriveatclassthat day.Insteadoflettingthe tearsflow,shefocusedon Elijah’sbeamingfaceand askedhimwhathewantedto bewhenhegrewup.Elijah toldherproudly, “Iwantto beafireman.” Dr.Trent encouragedhim,butinher heart,shefeltsad.Sheknew thestatisticsbetterthan anyone:childrenlivingin thesesituations–warzones andinpoverty–arenotlikely todoanybetterthantheir parents.Thiswouldbe Elijah’sstoryunlessshe intentionallychallengedthe statusquo.

It'sTime:From“A Moment”to“A Movement”

Dr.Trentdecidedthat momenttobepartofa movement. “Ithoughtto myselfyouknowmyjobfrom nowonistosolvethe educationproblemforElijah.

IfIcanfixitforElijah,Ican fixitforeverybodyelse.”

Shehadpersonally witnessedtheimpactof HBCUsonneighborhoodslike thisone.Theyprovidedthe connectionsandleadership thatcouldchangehisstoryas wellasthestoriesofmillions ofothers.Thatencounterwith Elijahcontinuestofuelthis Trailblazer’spassionfor

immediatechange.Sheworks dailywiththeBiden Administrationandthe thousandsofstakeholders whounderstandthattheir educationalaccomplishments reallymattertothemillionsof Elijahsoutthere.

ThisTrailblazerisexcited aboutthefactthatHBCUsare finallygettingtheattention theydeserve.Fordecades, theyhavebeengraduating thousandsofleadersannually inevery industry, raisingthe GrossNational Income(GNI) fortheUS.The national statisticsshe provided,as theyrelateto African American HBCUs graduates,were simply staggering: 85%ofthe federaljudges, 85%ofPhDs,

PhotoSource:Dr.DietraTrent

70%physicians,55%teachers andengineers–andthatwas justfromherhighlightreel. Theseinstitutionsarecritical tothenation’seconomy.That iswhytheBiden Administrationisinvestingin HBCUs–ensuringthatthe generationstocomeare resource-rich,intellectually, andeconomically.Dr.Trent says, “HBCUsareowning theirgreatness,supplying theuniquetalentsand perspectivesneededtosolve nationalandglobal problems.Thisisnota momentbutamovementas HBCUsembracetheir greatnessandshoutitfrom therooftops.HBCUsarehere tohelpeveryindustrywith embeddedleadershipskills.”

EverydayHeroes

Dr.Trenthasmillionsof heroes,buttheliststartswith hermotherandgrandmother. Theyweretheoneswho taughtherthevalueofhaving arelationshipwithGodalong withhermoralvalues, includingtreatingpeoplewith kindness.Theydidallofthis bybeingherlivingexamples. Hergrandmotherwasthe typeofteacherwhotaught 365daysayear.Ifshewasn't inthetraditionalclassroom, shewasatthesoftballfield, teachingatthechurch,or workingwithsome organizationthatneededher passionforempowering youngpeople.Shemadesure

totakehertrailblazing granddaughterwithher.Then therearethe3million schoolteachersintheUnited Stateswhogototheir classroomseverydaydespite thehardships.Theyare committedtoteachingthe nextgenerationofproblem solvers.Theseteachersknow thatthefutureofthenation andtheworldrestsintheir hands.Heroeswhoare intentional,enduringthelow pay,workload,crime,oreven theglobalpandemic–they aretheoneswhokeep showinguptoempowerour youngpeople.

HEALTH&SCIENCE

Itisimpossibletoputalabelona truetrailblazer.JustaskDr.Willis whathistitleis.Hetoldmeheisa socialhealthequityactivist.Isaidno, “whatisyourjobtitle?”Herepeated, “SOCIALHEALTHEQUITY ACTIVIST.”Henotedthatwhilejob titlesareimportant,theyoftenonly describewhatyoudoorthelevelyou haveattained.Theydonotdescribe whoyouareoryourcharacter. GrowingupinWestBaltimoreandan alumnusofMorganStateUniversity, thisTrailblazerhashadaremarkable professionalcareerandisrecognized internationallyforhisexpertisein healthcare,organizational development,andinformation technology.Hehasheldexecutive positionsinseveralofthemost prominenttechnologyandhealthcare organizationsintheworld.Hisglobal leadershiproleswithIBMearnedhim thereputationofastrategicthinker, problemsolver,andresults-oriented executive.AnExecutiveVicePresident withtheprestigiousFranklinCovey Company,SeniorVicePresidentand

ChiefInformationOfficerofThe AmeriHealthMercyFamilyof Companies,andcurrentlyGroupVice President&BusinessInformation OfficeratKaiserPermanentearejust blipsonhisresume.

WhoisthisTrailblazer?A MissionFocusedonHealth Equity

Dr.Willisdescribesasocialhealthequity activistasonewhocampaignstoaddress historicalandcontemporaryinjustices,social determinantsofhealth,aswellaspopulation andcommunityhealthinequities.Hisworkis focusedonensuringthateveryonehasa healthymind,body,andspirit.Dr.Willis’ advocacyalsocentersonensuringthatnoone isdisadvantagedfromreachingtheirpotential becauseofsocialpositionorsocially determinedcircumstances.Hisviewofhealthis holistic,adefinitionthatincludeseconomic, environmental,educational,technological,and socialdevelopment.“Whenyouhavegood health,youhavehope;whenyouhavehope, youhaveeverything”isastatementthatDr. Willisoftenrecites,anditencapsulatesthe importanceofthiswork.

Hispathofenlightenmentandgivingback wasfurtheredstrengthenedwhenDr.Willis wasateenager.Dr.JohnE.MaupinJr.,former PresidentofMeharryMedicalCollegeandThe MorehouseSchoolofMedicine,becamehis lifelongmentorandfriend.Dr.Maupinwalked alongsidehim,constantlyprovidingthe guidanceand,mostimportantly,thesupportto helpthisTrailblazerexcelanduncoverpurpose andmeaninginhislife.Someofthemost importantlearningsandimpactfulworkforDr. Willishavecomefromhisassociationwith StedmanGraham,abest-sellingauthor, speaker,andbusinessmanwhoseworkcenters onIdentityLeadership.Dr.WillisandMr. Grahamhavepartneredoninitiativesformore than20yearsincommunities,K-12 educationalsystems,HBCUs,andcorporations todrivechange.

ThisTrailblazeriscommittedtoreplicating thisassistanceforHBCUsandHUBZone businesses.Heiscurrentlyworkingwithoneof hislongtimefriends,Mohammad'Sam'Elias (CEO,RELIGroup),onanHUBZoneinitiative topromoteCentersofHealthExcellenceat HBCUs.

Dr.MichaelO.Willis, SocialHealthEquity Activist

Leadershipand AccountabilityBeginsat Home

Dr.Willis’senseofgivingbackandworking withunderservedpopulationsisrootedinhis childhood.Hisparentshadatremendous impactonhischaracterandthepathhislife hastaken.Dr.Willis’mother,whorecently passedattheageof101,wasavesselofwisdom andfaith.Hismother’searlylifewas characterizedbytremendousdiscrimination andsegregation,poverty,theGreat Depression,andaWorldWar.Herexperiences gaveheruncannywisdom,herculeanstrength, andaheartfullofcompassionandlove–allof whichshegavetoherson.Shefeltthatlove wasthemostimportantwordinthedictionary. Shetaughthimthatloveofselfandlovefor otherswerethegreatmotivatorsforpositive changeandequalityintheworld.

Dr.Willis’father,abaggageclerkforthe B&Orailroad,gavehimthemindsettodream andthetoolstomakethosedreamsareality. Hisfatherwasaself-taughtconcert-level violinist,scratchgolfer,championtennis player,andmastercarpenter.Hewasamanof faithandanavidreaderwhotaughthisson thatyoucanlearnanything,doanything,and beanything.WhenDr.Williswas12yearsold, hehadthefollowingencounterwithhisfather thatwouldshapehislifeforever:

Dr.Willisflushedadixiecupdownthe toiletinhishouse.Whenthewaterbeganto flowoutofthetoiletontothefloor,hedecided todowhatmost12-year-oldboyswoulddo.He ranoutofthehouseasfastashecouldand stayedoutuntilthestreetlightscameon.That wasthesignalforneighborhoodchildrentogo home.Ashewalkedaroundthecorner,hesaw hisfathersittingontheirfrontsteps.Hisfather

suggestedthattheygoaroundthecornerand getasnow-cone.Astheystoppedtositdown onalittlewallthatledbacktotheirhome,this wouldbetheplacewherehisfatherwould teachhimaninvaluablelesson.Hisfathersaid tohim:

“Thishasbeenatoughdayforyou.You madeamistake;youdidsomethingwrong. Youneedtobeaccountableforwhatyoudid.” Ourtrailblazerfeltashamed,butashelooked athisfather,hesawtearsstreamingdownhis face.Hisfatheratthatmomentadmittedthat hisdaywasworse.Bracingtohearthebad newshelistenedintently.Hisfathersaid,“For somereasonImadeyoufeelthatyoucould notcometome,andIamsosorryforthat.He said,Son,I'myourfatherandnomatterwhat youdoinyourlife,nomatterwhatyoumight need,youcanalwayscometome”.Healso said,“ifIeverforgetwhatitisliketobeyou orseethingsfromyourperspective,remind [me].”

Dr.Willissaidhisfather’swordsgavehim somelifelongprinciples.Whiletheexperience wasbetweenafatherandson,hebeganto understand,overtheyears,thathisfatherwas demonstratingthetrueprinciplesof leadership.Hisfatherwasteachingabout accountability.HewasalsoteachingDr.Willis thatasafatherorleader,youneedto understandthefears,aspirations,andhearthe unspokenwordsofthoseunderyourcare.He wasshowinghimthatitisultimatelyabout others.Hisfatherpassedawaylessthan6 monthslater,onDecember31,whichwasDr. Willis’13thbirthday.Thefuneralpossession wasseveralblockslong,basedonwhohewas asapersonandnothistitleorposition.

ReginaldWillis,Dr.MichaelWillis’sfather.PhotoSource:Dr.Willis

MarvelWillis,Dr.MichaelWillis’mother.PhotoSource:Dr.Willis

WhatIsYourLife's Blueprint?

Dr.Williswillbethefirsttosay,“always expectsometypeoflifelessonsfromanHBCU professor.”HewasenrolledinanMBA programandthefinanceprofessorstartedwith MartinLutherKing,Jr.'sspeech,“Blueprintfor Life.”Thisspeechbecamehisframeworkfor thepartnershipshehasforgedwithHBCUsand theHUBZoneBusinesscommunity.Whether heisworkingwithyoungorold,Dr.Willis believesagoodplanmustincludedignity,selfworth,purpose,education,andgoodmoral values.Hefirstverifiesthattheindividual’s personalblueprintalignswithMLK’sspeech.

“Iwanttosuggestsomeofthethingsthat shouldbeginyourlife'sblueprint.Numberone inyourlife'sblueprintshouldbeadeepbelief inyourowndignity,yourworthandyour ownsomebodiness.Don'tallowanybodyto makeyoufeelthatyou'renobody.Alwaysfeel thatyoucount.Alwaysfeelthatyouhave worth,andalwaysfeelthatyourlifehas ultimatesignificance.Secondly,inyourlife's blueprintyoumusthaveasthebasicprinciple thedeterminationtoachieveexcellenceinyour variousfieldsofendeavor.You'regoingtobe decidingasthedays,astheyearsunfoldwhat youwilldoinlife—whatyourlife'sworkwill be.Setouttodoitwell.”

HUBZoneRelevance

HUBZoneandHBCUpartnershipsaremore relevantthaneverastheycultivatetheirability toharnesstheexpertiseandknowledgeofall participants.Thesepartnershipshavebeen criticallyimportantinchangingournation’s

landscapeintheareasofresearch,social change,andeconomicandcommunity development.HBCUs'graduationratesin STEMprograms,medicalfields,engineering, andthesocialscienceshavebeensignificant factorsinimprovinghealthandoverallquality oflifethroughoutthecountry.Dr.Willisstated thatHBCUpartnershipscanprovideadditional benefitssuchas:

• Corporations,FederalContractors,and BusinessOwners—Accesstoapipelineof recentlyeducatedandtrainedindividuals readytoassisttheminachievingtheir respectivemissions.

• CommunityBenefit—85%oftheHBCUs areinHUBZonecommunitieswheresocial andeconomicdevelopmentisneededmost.

• EconomicDevelopment—Increasejobs, educational,andtrainingopportunities whileleveragingresourcesandexpertiseto promotegrowthandprosperity.

• AcceleratingBusinessOwnershipand Entrepreneurship —Abilitytopromote entrepreneurshipviacampusdegreesor certificateprograms.

• SubjectMatterExpertise —Ready resourcestoresearch,collect,deliver,and teachcomputerliteracy,financialfamily planning,jobsearches,andcareer development,etc.

DiscoverandCultivate: UnlockingPotential

ThenationneedstheexpertiseofHUBZone businessesandHBCUstounlockthepotential thatresidesineverycommunitytoallowusto achievebiggerdreams.Thesepartnerships createahigh-performanceecosystembasedon inclusionratherthantheexclusionarymethods seeninthepast.AsaTrailblazer,Dr.Willisis optimisticaboutthefuture.He stated, “wemustbemindful thatachievinghealthequityisa sizablegoalthatdemandsan unwaveringcommitment;and changewilldemanda collaborationandacommunity ofpartnershipsatthenational andlocallevel.”

Inclosing,thisTrailblazeris moreconvincedthaneverthat hisparentshaditright.Maybe toimprovehealthequity,we needmorewisdom, accountability,leadership,and love.

POLITICS

Ms.Jenkinshasproventhatherrole asaprogrammanagerfortheOfficeof SmallandDisadvantagedBusiness Utilization(OSDBU)isbothrewarding anddemanding.Thistrailblazeroften worksa50-hourweek,butduringthe Pandemicitrosetoan80-hourweek.During thistime,shewasdetailedtosupportthe$46 billionairlineindustry.PartoftheCOVID reliefeffortincludedthePaymentProtection Program.Ms.JenkinswaspartofTreasury’s teamofexpertsworkingdiligentlytomitigate theimpactthatthePandemicwashavingonso manyofthesmallbusinesseslocatedin airportsacrossthenation.Treasuryalongwith alltheotherfederalagenciesweretruly committedtothePaymentProtectionActand thebusinessesthatneededitssupport.

Ms.Jenkinssaid, “Igotupinpajamasand whenitwastimetogotobed,Ishoweredand changedintoanotherpairofpajamas.Small Businessesneededtobesavedandwehadto getitright.Whilethecountrywasshutdown, wewerelockedtoourcomputers.Whatmany peopledon'tknowisthattherearethousands ofsmallbusinessesthatresideatthese

airports.Whenourborderswereclosed,these smallbusinessessufferedtremendously.They couldn’tpaytheiremployees,commercial leases,mortgagesandmuchmore.Asapublic servant,Iwasabletomakeadifference.I considerthistimespentasaprivilege.”

ExecutiveOrder13985

ThisorderIsaboutAdvancingRacial EquityandSupportforUnderserved CommunitiesThroughtheFederal Government.Thisannouncementclearly directedagenciestoworktomakecontracting opportunitiesmorereadilyavailabletoall eligiblefirmsandtoremovebarriersfacedby

underservedindividualsandcommunities. Thisorderchargedeveryagencytoassessthe availabletoolstoincreaseopportunitiesfor smallbusinessesandacademialocatedinthe underservedandunderresourced communitiesinorderforthemtosuccessfully competeforfederalcontractsandgrants.This includedwomenownedsmallbusinesses, service-disabledsmallbusinesses,HUBZone businessesandveteranownedsmall businesses.

13985wasdesignedtoleveltheplaying fieldsothattheunderservedcommunities couldparticipateandpursueappropriate contractualopportunities.Thistrailblazer believesthatastrongAmericaneedsastrong diversesmallbusinessindustrialbase.The DepartmentofTreasury’s(Treasury)visionis tocontinuetomaintainastrongeconomyby ensuringthatthesmallbusinessindustrial baseexpands.Theyhopetodothatby promotingconditionsthatwillenable equitableandsustainablegrowth.

PhotoSource:Melissa“Lisa”Jenkins

PhotoSource:Melissa“Lisa”Jenkins

Melissa“Lisa”Jenkins, ProgramAnalyst, Outreach/In-Reach,WOSBPM,OSDBU,U.S. DepartmentofTreasury

BusinessInnovation ResearchProgram

Treasury’sapproachtolevelingtheplaying fieldincludesthedesignanddevelopmentofa robustprogramthatwillaccelerateand sustaingrowthintheareasofresearchand development(R&D)forsmallbusinesses wishingtoworkwithTreasury.Theirstaffis currentlyinvestigatingandassessingSmall BusinessInnovationResearch(SBIR)and SmallBusinessTechnologyTransfer(STTR) programsthroughoutthefederalgovernment todeterminethebestR&Dmodeltodeployfor theirBusinessInnovationResearchProgram. Ms.Jenkinsnotedthatoncethisprogramis deployed,shehopestoseemoreHBCUsand HUBZonespartneringtowinTreasury’sR&D contracts.

PointtoClick

Pointtoclickisallaboutmakingiteasier forsmallbusinessestowincontractswith Treasury.TheOSDBUofficeisworkingwith theirstakeholderstodeveloptoolstohelp smallbusinessestoquicklyfindthe intelligencetheyneedtocompete.Lastyear, TreasurydidnotmeettheirHUBZonegoal. Thisyeartheyaredeterminedtoeliminateas manybarriersaspossible.TheCIOteamis findingwaystoenhancethemarketresearch repositorytool.Treasuryhaspartneredwith theSmallBusinessAdministrationand GeneralServiceAdministrationtoleverage

contractandsmallbusinessdatainorderto meettherequirementsasoutlinedin ExecutiveOrder13985andthesubsequent factsheets.Treasuryplanstohavepointto clicksforeverysmallbusinessbasedontheir top25NorthAmericanIndustryClassification System(NAICS)codesforbothcontractsand grants.

TheOSDBUismakingaconcertedeffortto havetouchpointswitheachandevery programbuyingoffice.Theybelievethata trainingprogramwheretheacquisition personneltrulyunderstandhowtoexecute contractawardsforsmallbusinessesineach andeverysocio-economicconcernwillsupport BidenAdministration’smissionbylevelingthe playingfieldinalldepartmentsatTreasury.

EverybodyNeedstobein Compliance

Thistrailblazerisonamissiontoprovide thetoolsnecessarytoensureeveryone complies.Thatmeanssmallbusinesses,large businesses,andthefederalgovernmentneed tocomply.Forinstance,ifalargebusinessis failingtomeettherequirementsoftheir subcontractingplantheOSDBUfolkswantto quicklyprovidetheassistanceneededforthem tocomply.

AclickandpointtoolsontheTreasurysite willallowtheirdecisionmakerstoteamwith therightgrouptomeetifnotsucceedtheir contractualrequirement.ForMs.Jenkins, complianceinthisscenarioisaboutcreatinga winforeveryone.Theprimemeetstheir subcontractinggoal;socio-economicsmall businessgaincontractsalongwithpass performance; thefederal agencymoves closerto meetingifnot exceedingtheir socio-economic goals;andthe workforceis increasedin historically underutilized businessareas whilepositively effectinglocal economies.

PhotoSource:Melissa“Lisa”Jenkins

PhotoSource:HUBZoneCouncil

WORKFORCE

WatchingthisTrailblazerinactionis likeexperiencingtherainbowwithout thestorm.Shebringssomethingspecial andbeautifulduringeveryengagement; herenergyandhopearecontagious. Whereothersseerain,Ms.Dionnesees theharvestthatwillcomefromallthe seedsshehasplanted.

Thisserialentrepreneurisarisktaker,visionary,multi-tasker,andoneof thebestteamplayersyoucouldhavethe privilegeofworkingwith.Shestaysbusy, fromempoweringbusinessesalloverthe nationtorecentlystartingherownwine company.Ms.Dionneisonamissionto changetheworld.Shehasoftensaid,“there's workthatyoudobecausethesalaryisniceand thenthere'sworkyoudobecauseofthe differencethatyougettomake.HUBZone workforcedevelopmentisclearlythelatter.”

TheGift:IDidn’tKnowI Needed

Ms.Dionnelovesentrepreneurship–itisin herbones,sowhenshefirstcameacrossthe HUBZoneprogramoveradecadeago,shewas hooked.Shecouldn’tbelievethegovernment hadcreatedaprogramthatwouldallowherto immediatelyscaleuphermission.Ms.Dionne said, “IfeltlikeitwasagiftthatIdidnot knowthatIneeded,bothpersonallyand professionally.” Forher,itwaslikewinningthe lottery:withthisnews,shecouldhelpfamily, friends,andevenneighbors.Whenshestarted hercareerinworkforcedevelopmentitwasnot becauseitwasahigh-payingcareer,but becausesheunderstoodthestrugglesher friendsandneighborswereexperiencing.Ms. Dionnerefusestorefertothemas

disadvantaged,underprivileged,low-income, oranythinglikethatbecausesheoncewasin thesameplace.

Theseareourfriendsandneighborswho aretalentedbutneedassistancewithcareer advancement.Individualswhoarein“survival careers”–careerstheytooktomeettheir families’basicneeds.ForthisTrailblazer,the HUBZoneprogramrepresentsanopportunity tocreate“thrivingcareers”-newjobsfor friendsandneighborsinourcommunitiesby workingforgovernmentcontractingfirmsand agenciesthatmadeafinancialandintellectual difference.Careerscapableofboosting confidenceandfinancialindependence. HUBZonecompaniesgivethemaccessto traininganddevelopment,allowingthese individualstoearnpositiontitlesthattheymay haveneverthoughtpossible.

TheHUBZoneprogramcreates opportunities.ThisTrailblazersaid,“It providesaseatatthetable.Whetherornot folkschoosetositatthetable,itisuptothem. That'swhatIloveabouttheHUBZone program.Aheartthatgivesback,thatcreates opportunitiesthatnotonlybenefitthebusiness owner,butthecommunitieswheretheir businessesarelocated.”

RuralAmerica:HUBZone Revolution

Foroveradecade,thisTrailblazerhasbeen promotingtheHUBZoneProgram,particularly inruralAmerica.Sheisenergizedbythe successstoriesshehasbeenabletoco-create.

PhotoSource:KindraDionne

KindraDionne, CEO,PurposeWorx

Ms.Dionnesays, “Ihavebeenfortunatetobe abletoservesomanycommunitiesacrossthis countryincludingtheNativeAmerican reservations.I'vebeenabletohelpthemto realizetheopportunitiesthattheyhavefor workforcedevelopmentforgrowingand expandingtheircompaniesbyleveragingthe HUBZonedesignation.Iloveseeingthe successstoriesinmyowncommunity–herein Leesburg,VA.EveryoneoverlookedLeesburg; theymissedthefactthatjustbecausethe medianhouseholdincomeseemedhigherthan therestoftheUSdidn’tmeanthatthere weren’tpocketsofneed.TheHUBZone programallowsfamiliestokeeptheirculture andcommunityintact.”

TheHUBZonerevolutionhasbeenableto creategreatjobsinruralAmericathatarenonagricultural.They'rebringingcommunitiesnew industriesandworkforceopportunitiesand stimulatingeconomicdevelopment.Peoplecan stayinthecommunitiesthey'vegrowntolove, nothavingtomakethedifficultchoicebetween familyandcareer.Thechildrenofthese agriculturalprofessionalshaveafullrangeof newopportunities.Theyareabletousetheir giftsandtalentsintheirownbackyards,which bringstolifeourslogan, “HUBZoneWorksfor America.” HUBZonebusinessesprovideall kindsofsustainablecareersinruralAmerica.

Heroes:GenerationZ

Ms.Dionne’sheroesaretheGen-Zs, particularlyfromtheHBCUs.Ms.Dionneis inspiredbytheiringenuity,creativity,and willingnessnottoacceptnoforananswer,but togoforit.Shewasinspiredbytheirwhole cancel-culturemovement,andwhileshedidn’t understanditfully,shewasmovedbytheir creativity.Ms.Dionnesaid, “theirmindset intriguesme.They'rewillingtotakerisks. Entrepreneurshipisaboutrisks,starting businessesthatmakeadifference,impacting thecommunity,andcreatingjobs.That'sall riskandIamexcitedaboutwhatthisnext generationbringstothetable.TheCouncilis ignitingHBCUparticipationacrossthe countryhelpingthenextgenerationof governmentcontractors,employees,and/or leaders.”

BetonYourself:AChoice, NotaStatistic

Ms.Dionne’sHBCUtrailblazingjourney beganwithheracceptancetoWinstonSalem StateUniversity(WSSU)inNorthCarolinain hersenioryearofhighschool.Thatsameyear, sheburiedhermotheranddiscoveredshortly thereafterthatshewaspregnant.Shemadea life-definingchoicetobetonherself.Where statisticallyotherswouldhaveneverlefthome, Ms.Dionnewenttocollegeinanotherstate withnosupportsystemforherpregnancy. ThisTrailblazertoldus…

“Itwasagame-changingmoment.Imadea decisionthathadalife-changingresult.Imadea choiceinthatmomenttonotbecomeastatisticbut toriseabovemycircumstanceandcontinueto pursuemylife,mycareer,andmypassion.Itwas justgoingtobealittlebitmorechallengingthan whatotherpeople’sjourneysmayhavebeen,butI knowitwasn'tthehardestthingthatIwasgoingto havetodoinmylife.So,Idecidedatthatmoment thisismyboxnow,it'suptometofigureouthowto liveoutsideofit.Iworked,Iworked,Iworked3jobs whileIwaspregnant.Iwasafreshmanattending collegeoutofstatewhilepaying100%ofmytuition. Therewerefinancialchallengesthatwouldhave preventedmefromgoingtocollege,butIfiguredit out.Itwasn'teasybutIgotitdone.Itookan internshipinmyjunioryearasthissinglemom whileworkingtwojobsandholdingdownworkstudywhileinthemarchingband.”

PhotoSource:KindraDionne

ThatmayhavebeenhowMs.Dionne’sstory began,butnowshecan'teventellyouhow manyboards,commissions,andcommittees thisTrailblazerison.Shehelpspeoplejustlike herselfovercomechallengesandcrisesevery singleday.Ms.Dionnesuccessfullyrunstwo companies,travelingallacrossthisgreatnation helpingotherpeopleontheirentrepreneurial journey.Oneofthelessonsshelearnedon becominglessrisk-averseistoalwaysbeton yourself,youareworthit!Shesharesthat choosingtoattendWSSUduringhercrisisgave herthefamilythatsheneededtosucceed.

Despiteherchallenges,WSSU’sstaffand studentsdidn'tallowhertogiveup.Shehadso muchsupportfromherHBCUfamily,orasthe folksfromWSSUcallthem,the“Ramily”.She said,Theyhadherback. “TheRamilylooked outforme.Theylovedonmeandmy daughter.IfitwerenotformyHBCUfamily,I wouldnotbethewomanortheprofessional thatIhavegrowntobe.Ihavegonethrough

youmayneedtogothroughseveraltimes beforeyougetitright.Whenitcomestofailure, thisTrailblazerhasmademultipleattemptsat entrepreneurship,buthergreatestfailureshave beenthoseventureswhenshegaveuptoosoon. Ms.Dionnesaid, “Irealizedduringthattime thatIwasenteringbusinesswiththewrong mindset.Iwasnotintherightmentalspaceto becomeanentrepreneur.Ibroughtan employeeandscarcitymindsetintothe workplace.IwasafraidIwouldnothave enoughtosustainmyselfandmyfamilyifI pursuedmydreams.Everytimemybusiness revenuewoulddecline,Iwouldquitandgo backandgetajobordosomethingdifferent becauseIdidnothavethetoleranceforthe riskthatittook.Quittingbecamemydefault;I didnotstickaroundtofigureitout.”

ShereadabookbyJohnMaxwell, “SometimesYouWinSometimesYouLearn” whichchangedeverythingforthisTrailblazer. JohnMaxwellhelpedtoshapehermindset abouthowtolookatfailures andmissedopportunities.She learnedhowtoapplythose strategiestoeveryaspectof herlife.Itwasagame-changer forMs.Dionne.Shestarted seeingthelessonsofscarcity andstartedappreciatingthe thingsthatshedidhave:a stablehome,avehicle,anda child.Thisstabilizationwas essentialtoeliminatingher scarcitymindset.Oncethey werenotinjeopardy,shewas safetorisktherest.Anew mindsetemerged,onethat declareditwasworthfighting for–worthpursuingher dreams.ItchangedthewayMs.Dionnelooked atentrepreneurship.

whatcouldhavebeenalife-alteringcrisisto whatInowconsiderablemishinmyjourney. Theirloveandsupportenabledmeto graduatefromcollegeontime.I'msograteful formyHBCUexperiencebecauseitshapedme intoatrailblazer–aleaderwithintegrityand grace,sothankyouRamily!”

Perspective:Don’tGiveUp tooSoon

Ms.Dionnebelievesperspectiveis everything.Shenowlooksatfailuredifferently thanmostpeopledo.Sheviewsfailuresas lessonplansorlikeaninstructionmanualthat

Entrepreneurshipcanbealonelyjourney. Ms.Dionne’sbusinessmodeldidn'tchange,but hermindsetdid.Thenexthireshemadeforher businesswasatherapist.Sheemployeda mentalhealththerapisttomakesurethatshe stayedmentallyandemotionallybalanced throughoutherentrepreneurialjourney.This trustedmentalhealthadvisorwasthebiggest game-changerforherbusiness.Ms.Dionne said, “IfIcouldpointoutasecondfailurein thebeginningofmyentrepreneurialjourney, itwouldbenotchoosingtohireamental healthprofessionalsooner.”

PhotoSource:KindraDionne

HUBZONE&HBCUsPARTNERSHIP

TuskegeeUniversity’s facultyandstudents havebeenmajorinfluencers.When peoplehearthenameTuskegee,they thinkofatleastafewofthefollowing majoraccomplishments,butthereare farmore.

•Originatorandproducerof thefamous"TuskegeeAirmen," inpartnershipwiththeU.S. ArmyAirCorps.

•Theoffspringoftwo Americangiants,BookerT. WashingtonandGeorge WashingtonCarver.

•Numberoneproducerof African-Americanaerospace scienceengineersinthenation.

•Theonlyhistoricallyblack collegeoruniversityinthe nationdesignatedasthe locationforNationalCenterfor BioethicsinResearchand HealthCare.

Onehundredforty-oneyears later,nothinghaschanged.Just askVictorHolttheCEOofVTechSolutions(V-Tech)how Tuskegeeischangingthe HBCU/HUBZonebusiness modelwithhiscompany.When V-Techneededtohire100 employeesforaDepartmentof Educationcallcenter,itwasthe Tuskegeestudentsthat answeredthecall,literally.This simplestarthasgrowntoa broadarrayofpartnershipswith

Tuskegeethatrangefromboth STEMandNon-STEMinternships tofull-timeemploymentV-Techa certifiedHUBZonecompany.

GameChanger: StudentInternship Program(SIP)

Tuskegeeisknowntoprovide opportunitiespredominantlyfor theirstudentsgraduatinginthe STEMdisciplinesbutV-Techplanstoexpand thisscope.Mr.Cooperbelievesthatthe relationshipthatTuskegeeisforgingwithVTechwillbeagamechangerforallits stakeholders.StudentsinTuskegee’sCollege ofArtsandScience,AlliedHealth,andSocial Workwillnowhavemoreopportunitiesto engageinexperientiallearningactivities.Mr. Coopersaid, “I’mveryexcited.Ithinkthese typesofopportunities,exposuresand collaborationswillcertainlychangethe trajectoryformanyofourstudents.Thisis fantastic.”

Whenthreesociallyconscious organizations(Tuskegee,V-Tech,andICF InternationalInc.(ICF))collaborate,itisnot surprisingthataninnovativeStudent InternshipProgram(SIP)willemerge.Soon afterMr.CooperandMr.Holtstartedworking together,theydiscoveredtheyhadaprime contractorincommon.ItwasICF.Thisprime contractorwantedtodevelopameaningful relationshipwithTuskegeewhichhasledto thisHUBZonecompanyworkingwith TuskegeetodesignandimplementSIP. Studentsarebeingrecruitedforongoing contracts,rightnowV-Techisawaitinga contractdecisionthatwouldprovide employmentopportunitiesforadozenlife scienceandsocialsciencestudents.Whatthey accomplishedwithSIPthissummerhas spawnednumerousinnovations.Studentsand facultyarelookingforwardtolaunchingthe secondcohortfornextyear.

LegacyandBeyond

Theworkthathisteamisaccomplishingis groundedinboththeHBCUandAirforce community.In1969aformerTuskegee AirmanClarence“Lucky”LesterandthreeU.S. DepartmentofDefenseanalystsfoundedthe Inner-CityFund(nowknownasICF)to financeminority-ownedbusinesseswhileV-

WalterCooper, DirectorCareerEducation, LeadershipDevelopmentCenter,Tuskegee University

VictorHolt, CEO,V-TechSolutions

TechCEOisalsoAirforceminorityveteran. Mr.Holtwantedtodomoretohighlightthis brotherhood.Theirnextteamprojectwillbe capturingthisrichlegacyonvideotobe releasedintheFall.Mr.Holtsaid, “I’mexcited thatV-Techispartofthisrichhistory.Weare stillworkingonthestory:legacy,creating legacy,andbeyond.Wewantstudentsand alumnitobepartofthisvideo.Ourteamis capturepivotaleventsthroughouthistory. Forinstance,duringthecivilrights movementtheTuskegeeAirmenweretheones thatwereflyingallofthenewsreelstoNew Yorkeverydayby4pmsotheworldcouldsee theinjusticesthatwasoccurringinAlabama andinMississippi.”

DreamJob

Mr.Cooperisanon-traditionaleducator whosepathhasincludedbeingintheAir Force,workingasacorporateproject manager,andowningabusiness.Butnowhe getstolivehisdream.Everythinghehasbeen throughanddonehasleduptothismoment. Whereelsecouldhewakeupeachmorning knowingthattheworkheisdoingisbuilding onaworld-classlegacy.Mr.Coopersaid, “I’m honoredtobeacastmemberinTuskegee’s trailblazingstory,bridgingthegapbetween HUBZonecompanies,alumni,current students,andstaff.Helpingourstudents fulfilltheirlifegoalsandaspirationswhile meetingtheneedsofourindustrypartners. Tuskegeeprovidestheworldwiththetypeof talentthatistrulyworkforceready.”

Co-Create

AnyHUBZonecompanythatwishestowork withMr.Cooper’steamshouldbereadyforthe co-creationjourney.Theirgiftedstaffand studentsexpecteveryonetogetinthetrenches

inordertosolveproblems.Wewantbothour studentsaswellascorporatepartnerstobe involvedintheevaluationandassessmentof engagementsuccess.That'showTuskegeeis abletocontinuetomakethenecessary adjustmentstoprovidethetalentedstudents thattheworkforceneeds.

Tuskegeehasbuiltanecosystemthatbenefits alltheirstakeholders.Theirpartnershave beenwillingtoinvestinthenurturingand developmentofTuskegee’sstudents. Tuskegeebuildslastingrelationshipswith theirindustrypartnerscreatingbreeding groundsforinnovationandgrowthforall stakeholders.Mr.Cooperhasasuperb partnershipwithV-Tech,hebelievesitis probablybecausetheyaregroundedinsome ofthephrasesthatMr.Holtconstantlyshares, whichis “GoWhereThereisNoPathand BlazeaTrail”; “FACE:Focus,Accountability, Commitment,andExecution”;andfinally, “Whentheysayno.Isaythat'sjustfortoday. Don'tworryaboutit.TheanswerWILL CHANGE”.

RuntoTuskegeeUniversity

IfyouareaHUBZonebusinessownerand havetherightethos,itistimetoruntoward TuskegeeUniversity!ThisHBCUhasaniconic legacy,theyhaveprovenhowtosoarin themostdifficulttimes.Tuskegeeis synonymouswithexcellence.Itis instilledinalloftheirstudents.Mr. Coopersaid,

“Whencompaniesarelookingfor talentedinnovativethought-provoking individuals,IthinkofatrueTuskegee womanoratrueTuskegeegentleman. Theyareenterprising–theyare confidentintheiruniqueness–theyare comfortableinsharingtheirvoice”

PhotoSource:WalterCooper

PhotoSource:WalterCooper

BETHUNE-COOKMAN

EmailAddress:

WhypartnerwithmyHBCU?

Thenumberonereasonanyenterprise wouldwanttopartnerwithBethuneCookmanUniversity(B-CU)isbecause ofthetalentpoolthatisnecessaryfor 21stcenturyworkforcegrowth.Every institutionandeverycompanyneeds skilledtalent,andouruniversityis committedtopreparingstudentsforthe needsofthemarket.Infact,centralto Bethune-Cookman’smissionisto developstudentswiththeskillsand competenciesthatarenecessaryfor todayandtomorrow.Ifyouhavean interestinpartneringwithB-CUtohelp youdevelopnotonlytheprofilesforthe talentthatyou’retryingtohire,thenour universityisreadytopartnerandgrow withyourcompany.

Whataretheprogramswhich

Program1:

PopulationType: Graduate

Goals: Buildingthekindsof competenciesandskillsthatwill transcendthetraditionalMBA programs.Bethune-Cookman’sprogram includesalloftheSTEMandbusinessrelatedcurriculumwithexperiential learningopportunities.

AvailabilitySupport: Fall,Spring2024, Summer

Program2: KnowledgeofWork(Know) program.Individualscanearncredentialswhile theyworkintheindustry.Theircurrentand pastexperiencehelpsBethune-Cookman’s studentsfinishtheirdegrees.Thisprogram providesupskillingopportunities.B-CUworksto developaco-curriculumwiththestudentswhich considerstheoccupationalskillstheyemployat work.Thisuniversitygivesstudentscreditfor theworktheyaredoingonthejobwithout havingtositinaclassroom,study,andthentake anexamination.Studentsareabletomove quicklytowardcredentialssuchasmicrocertification,macrobadging,ormovingtowards degrees(undergraduateandgraduate).

PopulationType: Undergraduate&Graduate Goals: Adultlearnersarethefastestgrowing categoryoflearnersinthiscountry.BethuneCookmantreatsitasalifestylenotaneventwith programswhichleverageeachstudents’talents. Thisuniversityisaboutcreatingapathto supportandincreaselifelonglearningforadults.

AvailabilitySupport: Fall,Spring2024, Summer

WhatdoesyouridealBusiness Partnershiplooklike?

Anidealbusinesspartnershipisonewherewe arecollaboratingonoutcomesforboththe institutionandthepartner.Allstakeholders haveclearmetricsforwhatsuccesslookslikefor bothparties.Weallagreetomutuallyinvestin thestudentstobringaboutthoseoutcomes.If youarelookingtomakeanimpactintheareas oflifelonglearningthisistheuniversity,you shouldconsiderpartneringwith.

Dr.LawrenceDrakeII, Interim President,Bethune-Cookman University

drakel@cookman.edu

CLINTONCOLLEGE

EmailAddress: iugboaja@clintoncollege.edu

WhypartnerwithmyHBCU?

Wemakesureourstudentsare competitivefromaneducationaland skillperspective.Weconsiderour studentstobethecreamofthecrop.We offerourstudentsaworkprogramwhich givesthemvaluableexperiencewhile mitigatingtheusualfinancial educationaldebt.ClintonCollegehasa businessAdvisoryCouncilthatincludes leadersfromthecommunityleveraging theirCharlottelocation,abankingand financialhub.

Program2: BusinessProgram (EntrepreneurialPrograms)

PopulationType: UndergraduateandFaculty

Goals: ToleverageClintonCollege’sprograms inManagementandFinanceinordertoproduce entrepreneurialleaders.Leadersthatarecapable ofcreatingfundablebusinessplansand sustainablecompanies.ClintonCollegewantsto partnerwithorganizationsthatcanprovidepaid internshipsworkingalongC-suiteexecutivesto meettheseneeds.

AvailabilitySupport: FallandSpring

WhatdoesyouridealBusiness Partnershiplooklike?

Idealpartnershipunderstandstheriskand rewardsofcoachingandsponsoringourgifted students.Companieswillingtocollaboratewith studentsandourscholarlyfacultytomake thingshappen.TheseSponsorsarewillingtoask questionsandlistenfortheanswers.Partners arecommittedtoemployingavarietyof approachestofosterClinton’svisionsof developinganecosystemofleaderscapableof thrivingwithinaglobalexchange.relationships thatwillbeneededtosupporttheworkofthe college.

Program1: NursingProgram/ NursingRelatedServices

PopulationType: Undergraduate, Faculty

Goals: Increasegloballythenumberof highlyskilledminoritynurses.These nurseswouldtheirtechnicalandhandonexpertisetoprovideexemplarycare totheirstakeholders.ClintonCollegewantsto partnerwithorganizationsthatcanprovidepaid internshipstomeettheseneeds.

AvailabilitySupport: FallandSpring

Dr.IkeUgboaja, AssociateDeanof AcademicServices,BusinessChair, ClintonCollege

Whataretheprogramswhich couldbenefitmostfroma partnershipwithaHUBZone company?

SOUTHERNUNIVERSITY

EmailAddress: MICHAEL_STUBBLEFIELD@subr.edu

WhypartnerwithmyHBCU?

SouthernUniversityresidesina HUBZoneandencouragessmall businessestoobtainthiscertification. Asasmallbusinessouruniversitycan expandyourreachbyaccessingfaculty subjectmatterexperts,students,and facilities.Ourfacultyandstudentsare alwaysthinkingabouthowtosolve problems.Wecanbetheextraarmto yourcompanywhenitcomesto respondingtoopportunitieswhether federal,state,orprivate.Whenwego aftercontracts,weareabouttechnology transferandinnovation.Wearethe secretsourcetohelpyouwincontracts.

Weareallaboutexpandingour footprintinland,air,andspace.Our HBCUGoesGlobalprogram emphasizessmallbusiness relationshipsincommunitiesabroad, includingAfrica.Bytargetingspecific industries,weplantoleveragethe State’sSTEPprogramwhichprovides fundingtosupportsmallbusinesstrade trips.Additionally,wehavepartnered withNASAandBoeingCorporationas oneoftheiresteemedProtégés.We wouldliketoworkwiththeprivate sectorincreatingasmallbusiness manufacturinginitiative.

Whataretheprogramswhichcould benefitmostfromapartnership withaHUBZonecompany?

Program1: Co-CreateyourownTeam:If thereare3or4companiesthatcometogether, Southern,includingourLouisianaSmall BusinessCenter,willworkwiththemtodevelop awinningsolution.ThisincludesBusiness Development,CapitalFormation,Innovation, TechnologyTransferandTechnologyAssistance support.

PopulationType: Undergraduate,Graduate, Faculty Goals: Developapipelineofbusinesspartners toworkwithus.

AvailabilitySupport: Fall,Spring,Summer

Program2: FederalOpportunitiesProgram

PopulationType: Undergraduate,Graduate, Faculty Goals:Expandthetypeofresearchandservice projectsourfacultyandstudentscanworkon.

AvailabilitySupport: Fall,Spring,Summer

WhatdoesyouridealBusiness Partnershiplooklike?

LouisianarecentlypassedanSBIRincentive programtoencourageinnovationwithinthe state.Southernstandsreadytoworkwithsmall businessestofullytakeadvantageofthesetypes ofstrategiesasitrelatestoourSTEM curriculumandaccesstolaboratoryfacilities andspace.

Dr.MichaelStubblefield, Vice Chancellor,OfficeofResearch& StrategicInitiatives,Southern UniversityandA&MCollege

DISRUPTOR

, DoctorofMedicine(MD)Program, Classof2025

ThisMorehouseSchoolofMedicine (MSM)Trailblazerjustfinishedan AmericanCancerSociety(ACS)-funded internshipwiththeFrederickNational LaboratoryforCancerResearch(FNL), wherehecollaboratedwithsomeofthe nation’sfinestscientistsoncancer experimentation.Asachild,Gerald Joneswasgroomedforgreatnessbyhis grandmother,abreastcancersurvivor whosparkedhisinterestincancer research.Shewouldsay, “baby, youcandoanythingthatyou putyourmindto,youare goingtobeadoctoraslong asyoubelievethatyou're goingtobeadoctor.” She wouldthenremindhimofthe BiblicalverseinJames2:26 “...faithwithoutworksisdead andthenthiswomanofGodwould say“startworking,” andhedid!

Mr.Joneswasalsoinfluencedbyhis highschoolchemistryteacher,whohad emigratedtotheUnitedStatesafter fleeingfromNigeriawithnothingmore thantheclothesonhisback.Helater launchedasuccessfulbusiness,allthe whilemakingsuretoemphasizetothe publicandhisstudentsthathedidn’tdo thisonhisown.Theteacherwouldsay, “there’snosuchthingasaself-made man,thereisalwaysavillagebehind us.” Thosepearlsofwisdomarewhatkeepsthis HUBZoneTrailblazer,Mr.Jones,grounded.

FNLLaboratoryExposure

ThisTrailblazer,GeraldJones,wasthefirst medicalstudenttoparticipateintheFNL’s AcademicSummerTraineesProgram.Hewas abletoexploreanotherdimensionofhis medicaleducationbyworkingbehindthe scenes.Hesaid, “whatIenjoymostisthe abilitytogobeyondwhatIlearnedin textbooks.Toexploretheprocessofobtaining informationthateventuallyisputinto textbooks,thingslikeusingcomputerclusters, visualmoleculardynamics,structural predictions,simulations,biochemical structures,andcancercellmutations.” His internshipmovedhimfromthetheoreticalto theexperimentalsideofhiseducation.This exposurekindledhisinterestfurtherin autoimmunity,aswellasincancerresearch, andheishopingtofindagoodbalance betweenresearchandclinicalduties.

Leadership:Lessons& Experience

Mr.Joneslearnedtonotbeafraidtoaskfor help.Arequestforhelpisastrength,nota weakness.Hesaid,“there’samythabout physicians,thatbecauseoftheirposition theyknoweverything.Thereisalways somethingnewtolearn.You’re nevergoingtoknowitall.”He wasgratefultohavehadasuperb mentoratFNLinDr.DavidBell. WhenMr.Jonesdidn’t understandsomething,Dr.Bell graciouslywalkedhimthroughit withoutjudgmentorshame.Mr. Joneslearnedthevalueoflearning fromhispeers,nomattertheirlevelof training.Hesaid, “Youcanlearnnotonly fromyourprofessororscientists,butyoucan learnfromothersinthetrainingpipeline.” The secondlessonwasthatscienceisa collaborativeendeavor.Itiscriticalthatthe teamcommunicateinordertofacilitatethe discoveryprocess.Breakthroughsarestifled whenfolksbecome“lonewolves”inthe researchprocess.Mr.Jonessaid, “Youcan’tdo everythingbyyourselftomovefrom theoreticaltopractical;othersmayhavethe toolsyouneedforwhatyouhaveinmind.We areallvitaltotheresearchprocess.Keep everybodyintheknow,askeveryonefortheir insights.”

GeraldJones

ItTakesaVillage: AdvocatesandInfluencers

Ittookavillagetodesignandimplementa programthatwouldallowtalentedstudents likeMr.Jonestosoar.ItstartedwithACS providingthefundingandinfrastructurefor fourhistoricallyBlackmedicalschools, includingCharlesR.DrewUniversityof MedicineandScience,HowardUniversity, MeharryMedicalCollege,andMorehouse SchoolofMedicine.LedbyDr.EllieDaniels, ACSestablishedaDiversityinCancerResearch (DICR)program,workingwithACS stakeholderstohelpimproveandaccelerate diversity,equity,andinclusioninthecancer researchfield.Beforestartingtheprogram,Dr. Danielstalkedtoalltheuniversitiesto determinetheirinterestlevel.Sheknewbuy-in wascriticaltothesuccessoftheprogram.Their participationhelpedACSdesigncohortsthat reflectedboththestudents’andthefaculties’ workload.

MSMleveragedtheirparticipationinDICR tolaunchaninternshipprogramthroughthe PartnershipDevelopmentOffice(PDO)atFNL. Mr.JoneswasjoinedbythreeotherMSM students:twopursuingMasterofSciencein BiotechnologydegreesandonePh.D.candidate inBiologicalSciences.Thesuccessofthe programhasledtoFNLdissertationcommittee participationanddiscussionstocontinue projectsintotheschoolyear.Dr.Danielsis continuouslylookingformorepartnersforthe thousandsofHBCUstudentsdispersed throughoutournation.ChampionslikeFNL’s Dr.EthanDmitrovsky,Dr.VladimirPopov,and Ms.CrystalCanja,allofwhomworktirelessly toprovideMSM’sstudentswithexperiential learningactivities.

MSM

MSMhasbeenproducing talentedmedicaland healthprofessionalsfor almosthalfacentury, withalmost800students graduatingyearly(90%of themareAfrican American).Over50%of thestudentsareinMDprogramslikeMr. Jones;theothersaredispersedinpublic health,healthinformatics,andbiotechnology. MSM’sMasterofBiotechnologyprogram happenstoberanked#1,outof155similar programs,intheUnitedStates–aheadof

Harvard andJohn Hopkins. Dr.Lillard hashelped leadthis extremelycompetitiveACS/FNLinitiative, alongwithDr.BrianRivers,Directorofthe CancerHealthEquityInstituteatMSM.The demandforinternshipsistremendous,but theiravailabilityisverylow.Everyyear,Dr. Lillardhashundredsofstudentseagerto participateinsimilarprograms–andtheyare allreadytorolluptheirsleevesandputtheir intellecttowork.Dr.Lillardishopingthat muchlikeFNLandACS,HUBZoneand8a biotechnologyandhealthinformatics companieswillbetheirnextwaveof collaborators.

ACS

Championingcancer researchfordiverse students,Dr.Danielsis expandingthenational cancerresearch opportunitiesatHBCU medicalschools.She said, “Ourideawasto dedicatefundingtoput astakeintheground.Wedonotwantthisto beamoment–wewanttocreatea movement.” In2021,ACShadabigideato increasediversityintheworkforcewhile navigatingthechallengesofthePandemic. Witheverythinggoingonlineandthediversity numbersalreadybeingdismal,theyactedfast. ACSstartedseveralprograms.Oneoftheir largestwasDICR,whichincludestalented studentslikeMr.Jones.Heispartoftheirbeta testgroupatMSM.

Thissummerandfor thenext10years,ACS willbeworkingwith theiracademic partnersto substantiallyincrease thenumberofunderrepresentedminority collegestudentsonanannualbasisexposedto thecancerresearchfield.By2024,DIRChopes tohavelaunchedmorethan100newcancer researchcareers.ACSisraisingfundsto enhancethestudentexperiencetosupport theirparticipationnetworkingwithother students,writingmanuscripts,andpresenting theirresearchatscientificconferences.

Dr.Elvan "Ellie" Daniels, Senior VicePresident,Extramural DiscoveryResearchAmericanCancer Society,Inc.

JamesW.Lillard, Ph.D., MBASeniorAssociateDean, Research,Innovationand Commercialization,MSM

PASSING PUCK THE HowCybersecurityisFacingitsBiggestChange

Yet:LookingForward

AsEditorinChief,Ihadtheopportunitytosurveyourmembership abouttheimpactofCybersecurityMaturityModelCertification (CMMC)onHBCUandHUBZonepartnerships.Theyarewitnessing whatmanywouldargueisthemostsignificantcybersecurityrulechangeever.TheDoDisnine monthsawayfrommandatingitsnewcybersecurityregulationsforeveryDoDcontractor,andthe stakesarehigh.AccordingtotheproposedregulationsknownasCMMC,contractorswhodon’t achieveacertainlevelofcertificationwillnotbeabletowinDoDcontracts.Andtheydon’texpect thesedramaticchangestobecontainedtotheDoD.ThiswillseverelylimittheHUBZone/HBCU industrialbase.

Oneofourmembers,CaptivaSolutions,whichhasbeenprovidingcybersecuritysolutionsandtraining services,gavemesomeinsightonwheretheybelievethe“PuckIsGoing.”Asaninsider,Captiva anticipatestheDoD’sregulationswillserveasthepioneeringmodelfornumerousotheragencies,as wellasgovernmentalbodiesthroughoutthecountry.WhatcanHBCUsandHUBZonebusinessesdo? CaptivaSolutionsCEOEberechiUgwu-Amole’sbestadviceistogetstartednow,inorderto understandwhatchangesareproposedbytheDoDandhowtheywillimpactyourorganization.Since theCMMCwillchangehowtheDoDworkswitheverycontractorandsubcontractor,itisimportantto knowwhatthenewregulationsdictateifyouplantodobusinesswiththeDoD.

Ultimately,theDoDwantsustobetterprotectournationalsecurity.Inordertoaccomplishthis,our communitymustrecognizeandaddresstechnologyrisks,therebyavoidingpotentialthreatstocritical dataandinfrastructure.HeadquarteredinaHUBZone,CaptivaSolutionsismakingsurethatthe HUBZone/HBCUindustrialbasedoesnotshrink.Theyaresuccessfullyassessingorganizations’ securityposturetoensureCMMCcompliance.SinceCaptivaSolutionsliterallywrotetheCMMCbook andisaLicensedTrainingProvider,theyplantobetherewhenthepuckultimatelyarrives.