MESSAGE FROM INROADS NATIONAL BOARD CHAIR

Dear Students, Alumni, Partners, and Supporters,

Almost 40 years ago, a friend introduced me to INROADS, and that began my involvement and commitment to our organization and its mission. I participated in INROADS programs during high school and college and began working for IBM, my sponsoring company, after graduation.

My relationship with INROADS was foundational as I didn’t come from a family familiar with the corporate world. Everything that I learned about corporate America came from INROADS programs and mentors, and that knowledge enabled me to navigate the workforce successfully.

As we continue to fight for racial equity across America and increased diversity in organizations, it is critical that we continue to position INROADS to serve more students, alumni, and communities. My vision for INROADS is to continue to deliver on Father Carr’s dream of providing the support needed to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in corporate organizations by leveraging technology to increase our reach and scale.

I want to thank you for your support and contributions to the students and our organization. While we have made great progress, there is so much more to be done. The students need you, and I encourage you to give of your resources, time, and talent to shape and build the leaders of tomorrow. INROADS has an excellent reputation and brand for alumni and partner giving and engagement – let’s share what we have with each other and the world.

Yvette Smith

INROADS Alumna Chair, INROADS National Board of Directors

Senior Vice President, Customer Success and Business Transformation, F5 Networks