INROADS Intelligence December 2022 by INROADSINC

INTELLIGENCE THE

DECEMBER

2022 ISSUE

CHALLENGE OF THE DECADES INROADS ALUMNA TO MATCH $40,000 IN DONATIONS

HBCU

Sustainable Communities Initiative

My journey

from crossing the border to

dreaming bigger

B Y J E A N N E T T E M AY O G A L L E G O S I N R OA D S I N T E R N & 2 0 2 1 V I S I O N E S S C H O L A R S H I P R E C I P I E N T

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04 06 10 12 20 22 24 28 30

Office of President & CEO My Journey From Crossing the Border to Dreaming Bigger Challenge of the Decades

Visiones Event Recap 5 Tips for Leading in Your Career Internships to Fight Medical Disparities INROADS In The News HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative Past & Future Events

Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Relations

Chapter Listings

Volunteer Opportunities

Did You Know?

Career Tips

Internships During a Recession

Link Index 3

Office

of the

President & CEO

Hello and Happy Holidays, INROADS Family! As we enter into this holiday season, INROADS has much gratitude for the support and dedication of our staff, alumni, friends, students, partners, and our national board. I’m proud to report the success this year has brought, including growth in all of our programs, new partnerships, expansion into new markets, innovation in the delivery of our programs, and much more. We hope you enjoy reading about all that has been going on at INROADS and that it inspires you to get involved to create an impact for the leaders of tomorrow. INROADS is growing, and with that growth, we need more dedicated team members. Have you considered a career at INROADS? At INROADS, we’re not just hiring, but we’re building a team of changemakers. INROADS is a disruptor for good, shaping the composition of America by advancing racial equity in the workplace. You will be on the frontlines to deliver innovative leadership development programs, career skills training, and paid internship opportunities that open doors to careers for talented, diverse students. We’re hiring for a variety of positions across the organization. Many of our roles are remote or located in major metropolitan areas across the country. I’m so proud to be a part of this organization and hope you will consider joining our team of changemakers. Together, let’s create opportunity, impact, and change lives for years to come. Visit INROADS.org for information on our career opportunities. Sincerely, Forest T. Harper, Jr. CEO & President INROADS

Happy Holidays Wishing you a warm holiday season and a new year filled with health and happiness! Make your tax-deductible gifts by donating today!

INROADS.org

My journey from crossing the border to dreaming

bigger

by Jeannette Mayo Gallegos INROADS Intern & 2021 Visiones Scholarship Recipient Junior at the University of California, Berkeley

I was born and raised in San Diego, California; my parents are from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. However, a part of my life was spent living in Tijuana, Mexico, as a transborder student throughout middle and high school. Each day, my routine involved waking up at 3:00 in the morning to undergo the process of crossing the border with hundreds of other students. This cycle became the norm, as I’d do it all over again the following day. Where I lived, power and water outages were common, and became something I had to learn to manage as a student. As a low-income and first-generation college student, I experienced a point in my life when I did not think I would be capable of completing a degree in STEM. I entered college below the standard in mathematics. Despite this, my curiosity persisted. I put in my best effort to dedicate as much time as possible to my studies, making the Dean’s List every year. My parents’ unwavering support has been my greatest motivation to excel in school. Shortly after high school, I was accepted into the Mathematics, Engineering, Science, and Achievement (MESA) Program at my community college. I was recognized for my achievements by being honored as the Terry O’Banion Student Technology Champion in 2021. I discovered INROADS through the MESA program and its director, Rafael Alvarez. Through INROADS, I secured an interview with PayPal for a software engineering internship with their application security team. Following a successful 6

interview, I received an offer, and subsequently, due to my performance, I was extended a return offer. Afterward, I applied for the INROADS VISIONES scholarship in 2021, which I received. Knowing that someone or an organization, among others, recognized and invested in my potential, I became more inclined to aim higher and break free from self-imposed limitations. Initially, I didn’t plan to apply to UC Berkeley. I planned to stay local to San Diego, California. When planning for my future, I only ever saw as far as I was financially able to. As a result, I would often limit how far I could dream. At one point, my goal was to simply have my basic needs met. INROADS changed that. After graduating with honors from San Diego City College, I transferred as a junior to the University of California, Berkeley, where I am currently pursuing a degree in computer science on a full-ride scholarship. In 2022, I was honored to be named a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded to only 100 students nationwide from a pool of over 1200 applicants, provides up to $55,000 in funding for three years, supporting students seeking bachelor’s degrees at four-year universities. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve been privileged to receive considerable support, totaling over $100,000 in scholarships. Granted by INROADS, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Google, Microsoft, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Latinos in Technology, among others.

President of San Diego City College, Ricky Shabazz, presents Jeannette with the Terry O’Banion Technology Award, given to only two community college students in the nation.

After receiving the Presidential Scholarship award and Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, San Diego City College invited Jeanette to serve as commencement speaker.

My experience has given me some takeaways that I’d like to emphasize. First, all I needed was one “yes.” My journey has been supported by individuals and organizations like INROADS, a program that creates pathways to careers for diverse high school and college students across the country, and the MESA Program. Their resolute commitment to fostering a greater presence of underrepresented individuals in various industries and fields has played a pivotal role in my accomplishments, allowing me the opportunity to effectively contribute to my chosen field. With that being said, it is crucial to acknowledge the enduring disparities in accessing resources, such as internships, mentorship programs, and professional networks, confronting 8

underrepresented and underserved groups. These disparities are rooted in historical inequalities, biases, and institutional barriers ingrained within society. As a consequence, numerous students face limited to no opportunities for similar beneficial experiences. It’s essential to pay it forward by extending a helping hand and providing avenues for those facing similar challenges to collectively create a more equitable and supportive community where everyone has the chance to thrive and succeed. Second, it’s also important to understand that everyone will encounter rejection at some point in life. However, you can’t ever let that rejection come from self-doubt. You must often be your own biggest advocate and seize opportunities. Don’t ever let that “no” come from you by not taking that first step to apply.

Finally, the time it takes for every one of us to reach the finish line will vary greatly, and that is okay. Some face fewer mountains, needing to climb only three before reaching their finish line, while others may encounter five or even seven. Regardless of the number of mountains we have to climb, everyone’s finish line exists, and it is not going anywhere. It is unchanging and attainable for each individual. “Don’t miss out on your life trying to get it together.” Most recently, I’ve received internship offers from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA Glenn Research Center and was selected as a Zed Factor Fellow, a competitive aerospace fellowship that connects students with professionals and opportunities in the space industry. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I intend to pursue a master’s degree and am considering the pursuit of a Ph.D. The

question for me is no longer a matter of “How?” but simply a question of “When?” and “How far can I go?” No matter where I find myself in the next ten years, I’m committed to ensuring that I do my best to provide students with the same opportunities to dream big.

CHALLENGE OF THE DECADES INROADS Board Chair & Alumna Class of 1990, Yvette Smith, is challenging YOU to give back.

1990s

970s

1980s

2010s 2000s

Yvette Smith is matching individual gifts up to

$40,000!

REP YOUR DECADE & DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT 1. Donate any amount 2. Select your graduating class 3. Challenge others to do the same

WHICH DECADE WILL DONATE THE MOST?

DONATE INROADS.org/support-INROADS 11

OUR PASSION. OUR HERITAGE. OUR STRENGTH.

INROADS Annual Hispanic Heritage Event OCTOBER 21, 2022

A virtual event 12 P.M. - 1 P.M. EST

INROADS.org/visiones 12

Visiones Recap Our Sponsors

2022 Scholars ANDREW VALDEZ HOUSTON, TEXAS

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN COLLEGE JUNIOR MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: Product manager in the automotive industry.

ASHLEY BATTIATA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

BABSON COLLEGE | COLLEGE JUNIOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: When I graduate, I want to be a marketing analyst for a beauty/fashion company.

CARLOS ANDRES ROIG BLAY MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO

UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO-MAYAGUEZ | COLLEGE SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BACHELOR’S DEGREE

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I would like to become a professional engineer and complete graduate studies in the aerospace engineering field.

ship Winners CATALINA BUCHEK ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA | COLLEGE SENIOR ECONOMICS

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: My goals post-graduation are to go to law school and work for corporate law focusing on environmental issues. I want to help companies turn their harmful environmental practices into sustainable ones and defend the environment with my law school knowledge.

CLEMENTINA LUGO ATLANTA, GEORGIA

CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: When I graduate I want to be an entrepreneur, and hopefully start my own marketing firm.

ELLA-MARIA SHARKEY RANDOLPH, NEW JERSEY

RANDOLPH HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: After graduating college, I would like to enroll in medical school and earn an M.D. Eventually, I hope to become a physician and complete research in the allergy field.

2022 Scholars EMILY ARIAS

CLAREMONT AND SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE JUNIOR BIOLOGY

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I would like to go to an accelerated nursing program and hopefully specialize in pediatric oncology.

ERICK NERI MEXICO

ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE | COLLEGE JUNIOR ACCOUNTING, ECONOMICS MINOR

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I plan to pursue my CPA license and break into investment banking, data analytics, or a fintech startup.

EURI CASTILLO CALDERON WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK

MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE | COLLEGE SENIOR ACCOUNTING WITH A MINOR IN FINANCE

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I plan to take the CPA after graduating from college in May 2023 and work in a public accounting firm while studying for the CPA.

ship Winners HECTOR ALMENDAREZ LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | COLLEGE SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I would like to work at a corporation in the communications field and help bridge the gap between a company and its audience.

MARCUS RANGEL SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE SENIOR INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I aspire to be a person who creates value in engineering by contributing greatly on a team and one day being a team leader of my own.

MARITZA RAMON BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM | COLLEGE SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND MINOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: When I graduate, I want to be continuing to strengthen my leadership skills as well as continue to establish business relationships. My biggest dream is to be able to open a Mexican-inspired coffee house after acquiring sufficient business knowledge from the corporate world.

2022 Scholars RAUL ALCANTARA ROSWELL, GEORGIA

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE SENIOR ACCOUNTING & FINANCE

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I wish to become a Certified Public Accountant and help small businesses grow and find solutions.

RUBEN CARREON HENDERSON, TEXAS

TEXAS A&M | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE SENIOR

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: As the CHIPS Act of 2022 will be strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research, I aspire to become a Process Engineer at a semiconductor manufacturing company.

SOFIA AGUILERA SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE JUNIOR MARKETING AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I hope to research consumer behavior and trends in the market, using the findings to help grow profits.

ship Winners STEVEN MAKINO PROSPECT PARK, NEW JERSEY VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE JUNIOR

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I want to be in the economics field either as an economic consultant or economic advisor in the federal government or private sector.

TIFFANY ROJAS ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY | COLLEGE JUNIOR FINANCE

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I also would love to continue mentoring and connecting first-generation students to Fortune 500 companies for internships and full-time jobs.

VICENTE OLMOS VELAZCO CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE | COLLEGE SENIOR ECONOMICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: I want to be a Management Consultant or a Carve-Out investor.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022

5 TIPS FOR LEADING IN YOUR CAREER ALUMNI PANELISTS

Kareem A. Rogers Anthony Holehouse

Sandy Pharaon, Moderator

Deborah L. Young

During the 2022 INROADS National Conference, held July 28-30, INROADS interns from across the country were brought together for an innovative and immersive virtual leadership development experience. Microsoft’s John James, INROADS alumnus and keynote speaker, was joined by other notable INROADS alumni, business leaders, and volunteers for the event. Students participated in leadership development workshops, made connections with industry professionals, and were motivated by the experiences of INROADS alumni and other industry leaders who spoke at the conference. To prepare them for their future careers, students were taught effective methods and strategies for assuming leadership roles on campus and beyond. An alumni panel discussed the topic of leadership, drawing on their own experiences to offer advice on how to become an effective leader. Here are their top five tips:

01.

Leadership is a process. It is about how you enable and support others to contribute in a productive and effective manner to achieving team goals, while also enabling and supporting each individual in that team to realize their own aspirations.

02.

To bring about the change you desire, you must be genuinely influential, authentic, transparent, and trustworthy. You must have a trusting relationship with colleagues, peers, and people across departments. That is what will drive the change you want to see.

03.

Impostor syndrome can especially affect people of color, and you may feel like an impostor by the time you reach a leadership role. However, if you cannot trust yourself to say, “Yes, I got here because I am overqualified or even qualified,” then you should trust the fact that someone else said, “Yes, you belong here.”

04.

When we’re in leadership positions, we sometimes feel that we have to be all things to all people but that is not exactly true. Establishing boundaries is a healthy way to honor yourself and your well-being.

05.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

AS SEEN IN THE WASHINGTON INFORMER — April 20, 2022

How One Group Plans to Use Internships to Fight Medical Disparities by Sarafina Wright – Washington Informer Staff Writer Only 6.2% of medical school graduates were Black in 2019, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). While diversity among medical school applicants has increased in the last 40 years, growth for Black American applicants, matriculants, and graduates lag behind other groups. Numerous studies have shown that representation in the medical industry matters and impacts patient outcomes, particularly Black ones. For example, Black doctors are more likely to catch and treat chronic conditions in Black patients than their white counterparts. However, making up only 5% of U.S. physicians, Black doctors can often be scarce for patients. In Haverford College’s “Why the U.S. Needs More Black Physicians,” the piece says that Black physicians can bring special diagnostic skills to the exam room beyond cultural competence. An excerpt: “Last year, emergency physician Kimberly Collins ’89 was working with a white colleague who had diagnosed a Black patient with dermatitis—but Collins identified the rash as a condition called pityriasis rosea. “The other provider said, ‘Oh, I thought those lesions were supposed to be salmon colored,’” Collins remembers. “Well, on Black skin, of course, they are not going to be salmon colored. But most dermatology books show rashes of white people, so that is what providers learn.” To combat the racial disparities in the U.S. medical system, one organization is looking to empower students to be the next generation of Black physicians. The nonprofit Black Directors Health Equity Agenda (BDHEA) and the Propel Center, in partnership with INROADS, have launched an HBCU internship program that aims to give 100 Black students hands-on experience in a range of professions in health care. One of the group’s executive sponsors and board member, Michele Richardson, said, “Black students are an incredible source of talent who can help bring quality care to under-resourced urban and rural areas, improving access to services and patient outcomes.” In a one-on-one interview, Richardson talked about BDHEA’s goal to place 100 Black students (undergraduate, graduate and medical students) in clinical and non-clinical internships within some of the most respected health care systems across the country. Apply for health care industry internships at INROADS.org/internships-program 23

INROADS in the News INROADS College Links Program Impacts Over 700 Students With Digital Transformation Skills Designed For College And Workplace Readiness

NROADS College Links is a college and career readiness program for high school students. Each year, it culminates with the National Career Academy (NCA), a weeklong virtual training conference for career exploration and skills development. This esteemed program provides students with professional and soft skill tools, goal setting and planning skills, and access to career immersion activities. The virtual event took place June 13-17, 2022. Read more…

How One Group Plans To Use Internships To Fight Medical Disparities

Y SARAFINA WRIGHT –WASHINGTON INFORMER STAFF WRITER Only 6.2% of medical school graduates were Black in 2019, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). While diversity among medical school applicants has increased in the last 40 years, growth for Black American applicants, matriculants, and graduates lag behind other groups. Numerous studies have shown that representation in the medical industry matters and impacts patient outcomes, particularly Black ones. Read more…

Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist Jonathan Capehart To Host The 2022 INROADS Benefit Gala

NROADS, Inc. — the world’s largest nonprofit committed to preparing underrepresented talent for career success — is inviting the public to help raise funds at this year’s Benefit Gala, presented by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and powered by BET. The virtual event will take place on Thursday, May 5, at 7 p.m. EST and will honor INROADS alumni, and corporate and community partners who have embodied the mission of INROADS by creating a positive impact within their communities. The evening will be hosted by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Jonathan Capehart, Associate Editor of The Washington Post and anchor of MSNBC’s The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart. Read more…

INROADS Assembles Best-In-Class Influencers For Its Annual Benefit Gala

NROADS is a leading developer of leadership and career opportunities for underrepresented and talented youth in America. As a result of this work, there are more than 30,000 alumni who are some of the most notable and impactful leaders across industries. Read more…

INROADS Names UnitedHealth Group’s Kevin L. Henderson To National Board Of Directors

evin L. Henderson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Capabilities and People Strategies at UnitedHealth Group, joins the INROADS National Board of Directors. UnitedHealth Group has a longstanding partnership with INROADS and supports students from across the country by placing them in impactful internship opportunities over the last 23 years. Read more…

The Importance Of Education-Focused Community Partnerships

RITTEN BY MOLLY MCKEE – DiversityINC Community partnerships focused on education are vital to creating and improving the network that connects diverse, underrepresented students and young professionals with employers seeking new talent. For Stephanie Turner, VP of Inclusion, Diversity and Social Innovation at MITRE, advocation starts at the root of education: grade school curriculum, especially in 4th and 8th grade. Read more…

INROADS Empowers Future Leaders Of Tomorrow Through An Immersive, 3d Virtual Leadership Development Experience

NROADS brought together hundreds of college interns from across the country in an innovative and immersive 3-day virtual leadership development experience during its 2022 National Conference held July 28 – July 30. The conference was headlined by keynote speaker and INROADS alumnus John James from Microsoft and featured prominent INROADS alumni, corporate leaders, and volunteers. Read More…

INROADS in the News INROADS Appoints Boeing Executive And INROADS Alumna As Newest National Board Of Directors Member

NROADS recently named Niki Allen, an executive for The Boeing Company and INROADS graduate, as the latest member of its National Board of Directors. Read More…

INROADS College Links Program Expands To Charleston, WV

new INROADS partnership is preparing more minority high school students for college and careers. The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and Step by Step, Inc. are investing in underserved students by bringing the INROADS College Links program to Charleston, WV. Read More…

“Partners Of Brilliance” Committed To Supporting The Brilliant Black Minds Community And Hiring Black Engineers

arat, the world’s largest interviewing company, today announced that five leading corporations have joined the Brilliant Black Minds movement to help double the number of Black software engineers in the United States. As the movement’s inaugural Partners of Brilliance, Prime Video, Citi, Duolingo, Indeed, and Flatiron Health are the first organizations to commit to supporting and hiring software engineers directly from the Brilliant Black Minds community. Read More…

INROADS Appoints Yolanda Smith as Chief Marketing Officer

NROADS has announced the appointment of Yolanda Smith, an INROADS alumna, as Chief Marketing Officer. In December 2021, Smith began working at INROADS as an Executive Marketing Consultant. Since joining the team, Yolanda has directed the organization’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy. She focuses on creating innovative, integrated marketing activities that increase brand awareness, charitable giving, student, alumni, and corporate engagement. Read More…

INROADS Appoints Earl Barnes Of American Airlines To National Board Of Directors

arl Barnes, Managing Director of Customer Technology at American Airlines, joins the INROADS National Board of Directors. Earl leads the Global Fields Support, Global IT Help Desk, Unified Communications, Collaboration Tools, and Air to Ground Communications teams. He has global experience delivering transformation strategy and creating cross-functional groups supporting American’s external customers and over 100,000 team members. Read more...

HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative To Impact The Future Of Sustainability

NROADS, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and United Negro College Fund formed a historic partnership with The Southern Company Foundation to prepare students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to become successful business and community leaders committed to upholding the tenets of sustainability. The initiative officially launches October 4, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. ET, through a virtual event designed to inform universities, students, and employers about program opportunities. Read more...

INROADS Welcomes Casandra Scales As The New Chief Financial Officer

NROADS welcomes Casandra Scales as its new Chief Financial Officer as it continues to transform into a high-performing nonprofit focusing on financial sustainability. Ms. Scales has over 26 years of experience in strategic financial management, including creating strong accounting systems, financial analysis and reporting, and integration of fiscal oversight with administrative functions such as human resources, technology, and program management. Read more...

EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABILITY LEADERS On October 4, 2022, INROADS, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and UNCF (United Negro College Fund) officially launched the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative during a virtual event hosting over 120 HBCU faculty and students. Supported by the Southern Company Foundation, the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative (HBCU SCI) is designed to foster thriving communities by preparing HBCU talent for careers in sustainability. “HBCUs serve as fertile ground for the development of transformational leaders who go on to have vast impact across industries and our society. This initiative seeks to equip HBCU talent with support, resources, and knowledge to ensure our communities are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. “We want to create a world that is more equitable and inclusive, and where social justice is the norm and not the exception.”

HBCU SCI encompasses four core areas of impact: -

SCHOLARSHIPS: Supporting academic achievement of students in STEM and sustainability-related disciplines

INTERNSHIPS: Exposing students to career paths in sustainability through real-world learning opportunities

STUDENT SUPPORT: Mentoring program, student success webinars and the Sustainability and Social Justice Series

PROFESSORSHIPS: Sustainability professorship grants to scale or start academic programs in sustainability fields

“Poverty gaps, disinvestment, and disproportionate impact of environmental hazards and disasters have compromised many of our neighborhoods of color,” said Forest T. Harper, Jr., president and CEO of INROADS. “To create viable and sustainable communities, we’re partnering with HBCUs to create a diverse workforce of urban planners, civil engineers, policymakers, and developers to ensure that decisions about our communities are equity-based.” The official launch highlighted early successes of the program. To date, 75 students have been awarded approximately $750,000 in two-year scholarships, and 35 students have been placed in sustainability-focused internship roles with six different employers for fall 2022. “As part of the HBCU SCI program, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Sustainability and Social Justice Training Series and become an intern at the National Parks Conservation Association,” said Lawrence Omodele, computer information systems major and sophomore at Alabama State University. “I’ve learned a lot about sustainability and how it can make a positive difference in business and in my community. I’m now really interested in using sustainable practices in my own entrepreneurial endeavor, a carwash service I own and run, in addition to being a student.” Oct. 4 also marked the launch of the HBCU SCI Sustainability Professorship grant application process, funded by the Southern Company Foundation for eligible HBCUs. The Sustainability Professorship expands the capacity of select HBCUs to develop and strengthen program offerings in sustainability studies and related fields. “We have a great responsibility following in the footsteps of our namesake, Thurgood Marshall, a champion for social justice and educational opportunities for those who have been left out,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF. “It’s important we work together to lift up our historic HBCUs. These institutions have been in our communities for over 150 years, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they continue so that future generations will have access to the same insights and opportunities.” Visit HBCUSCI.org to learn more.

Our Past JUNE

02 to 11

JOHNS HOPKINS CAREY BUSINESS SCHOOL SUMMER BUSINESS ACADEMY

JUNE

13 to 17

COLLEGE LINKS VIRTUAL NATIONAL CAREER ACADEMY

JULY

28 to 30

NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022

AUGUST

Truist HBCU Student Leadership Summit

04 to 05

TRUIST HBCU STUDENT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Events INROADS COLLEGE LINKS PROGRAM ANNOUNCES RETURN TO CHARLESTON AREA

SEPTEMBER

02 OCTOBER

HBCU SCI LAUNCH EVENT

04 OCTOBER

COLLEGE LINKS KICKOFF EVENT

06 DECEMBER

COLLEGE LINKS PRESS EVENT & LAUNCH CELEBRATION

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Our Future Events MAY 2,

Benefit Gala A N

I N - P E R S O N

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INROADS BENEFIT GALA

JUNE

COLLEGE LINKS NATIONAL CAREER ACADEMY

2023

JUNE

2023

JOHNS HOPKINS CAREY BUSINESS SCHOOL SUMMER BUSINESS ACADEMY

JULY

INROADS NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023

2023

SEPTEMBER

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VISIONES: INROADS ANNUAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT

Benefit Gala A N

I N - P E R S O N

E V E N T

T U E S D A Y

May 2, 2023 SAVE THE DATE INROADS.org/BenefitGala 33

Our INROADS alumni are doing great things! We want to highlight you in the next issue of The Intelligence magazine!

Do you have an interesting story to tell? Complete the alumni highlights form to be featured. 34

Alumni Spotlight

KAREEM ROGERS

President, National Account Services INROADS Alumnus Class of 1997

Kareem Rogers is President of National Account Services for ADP. In this role, Kareem leads a global team of experienced and client-focused professionals who enable upmarket and enterprise-class clients to achieve their human capital and business outcomes through ADP’s innovative technology solutions, insights, and expertise. Kareem is known for his strong track record of delivering outstanding client experience, operational excellence, associate engagement, digital transformation, and innovation leveraging technology and information-enabled solutions. Previously, he held senior leadership roles in National Account Services, serving as Senior Vice President, Implementation, and Senior Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining ADP in 2016, he held executive leadership roles of growing responsibility at Equifax, McKinsey & Company, and AT&T.

to civic service, having served as a board member, guest speaker, and lecturer across several nonprofit organizations. His expert voice and thought leadership has also been tapped in news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and CNBC.com. Kareem’s impact and efforts have been broadly recognized, best evidenced by being named among the 2021 Most Influential African American Leaders in Business by the National Diversity Council and recognized by DiversityMBA Magazine among the 2021 Top 100 Under 50 Executive Leaders.

Kareem is passionate about enabling others through greater inclusion, professional development, and selfsufficiency. He has an equal passion for mentoring emerging talent and expanding opportunities for all. At ADP, he serves as Executive Sponsor for ADP’s Cultivate Business Resource Group, which focuses on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion relevant to the African American community and beyond. Kareem is also active in the community and committed

Kareem holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with emphases in Strategic Management & Finance and a bachelor’s degree with emphases in Accounting and Africana Studies from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Alumni Spotlight STEVEN HARRIS

Managing Partner, RubinBrown LLP UMSL DAILY | AUG/2/2022 | POSTED BY BURK KROHE

As a UMSL accounting student, Steven Harris interned with RubinBrown through INROADS, a program that aims to place underserved youth in corporate and community leadership roles. While interning with RubinBrown as a University of Missouri–St. Louis student, Steven Harris quickly realized he was right where he wanted to be. “It checked off all the boxes that I needed: great culture, great people, great learning environment, and overall great experience,” Harris said. “It led me to believe, ‘I could make it here.’ I saw a lot of good people overall who wanted to see me be successful, and that was enough for me to really anchor in this organization.” He did just that. After graduating from UMSL with a degree in accounting in 2000, Harris went to work for the Clayton-based accounting and professional consulting firm. Over the past 20 years, he has steadily climbed the executive ladder and become a leader in the organization. In 2010, the firm named Harris a partner in Entrepreneurial and Assurance Services groups. Around 2016, he also became chairman of the board of the National Association of Black Accountants. In May, RubinBrown promoted him to managing partner, only the fourth Black managing partner in the firm’s 70-year history. “I always knew I wanted to be a partner,” he said. “I never imagined I would be managing partner. It’s still surreal as I sit here in the role and can’t believe that I’m doing it.”

His ascent to the top of the organization began with the lessons he learned working with his father, E.C., as a kid and the opportunities he found at UMSL. E.C. owned and operated a drapery installment business in north St. Louis County, and Harris watched his father – his first mentor and best friend – build the business while working with him on weekends and during summer vacation. To this day, he remembers his father’s commitment to service. “It really started with learning from him on how to treat people like people, build a great network, try to do a quality job and good things happen,” he said. “I spent a lot of summers working with him. He’s gone now, so I wouldn’t trade any of that for the world.” Harris had several options after graduating from Normandy High School. He could have gone to the University of Missouri–Columbia or out of state to the University of Michigan, but he decided to stay close to home and attend UMSL. It’s one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

Initially, Harris intended to study engineering but changed course after taking several accounting classes with Dave Ganz, then associate dean and director of undergraduate studies in the College of Business Administration.

However, the learning process has been ongoing over the course of his career. When Harris became a partner in 2010, there were aspects of the senior leadership position he had to master.

“The way Dave would explain it, he would take real-life scenarios and just bring them to life,” Harris recounted. “You’re working on math, but you’re really working through a real-life scenario, which is really, really special.”

“No. 1, I had to learn I had to be vulnerable,” he said. “There’s a significant level of leadership trust that goes into growing an organization, and leadership trust, to me, is when people trust you to make good decisions that are in the best interest of the firm. That starts with you being vulnerable and being transparent about who you are and what you do.”

While Harris had a talent for the mathematics involved in engineering, he was drawn to the team dynamic of businesses and the problem-solving he encountered in Ganz’s classes. It led him to a profession he never knew he would enjoy so much. In addition to his studies, Harris worked full time in catering and banquet setup at the Marriott St. Louis Airport, a flexible job perfect for a college student. While Harris juggled school and work, he still made the most of his time at UMSL. He credits his positive experience to UMSL’s devoted academic advisors and the lifelong friends he made in the College of Business Administration. “I got everything I could out of those years of my life,” he said. “I did everything and had no regrets because that whole experience was great. I would tell anybody, ‘If you want a team member in your organization who’s willing to work hard and give you 150% – not only in what they do for the organization but what they do for the communities they live in – hire a UMSL student.’” After Harris completed his internship, RubinBrown hired him as a staff accountant. Early on at the firm, he benefited from several mentors such as Steve Hays and John Herber, who showed him the ropes of the profession. At first, he received a lot of tough love and frank feedback, but it helped him grow into the leader he’s now become. “The mentors that I had the pleasure, and privilege, of working with at this organization transformed my life in so many ways on both the professional and personal side,” he said. “My mentors taught me how to be a professional. Watching them also taught me how to be, not just a great professional, but be a professional that’s also a father, husband, and all those things.”

The concept of servant leadership has been valuable as a leader at RubinBrown. Harris believes humility and empathy are the keys to putting that philosophy into practice. To build a collaborative organization poised for growth, it’s important to make sure the needs of others are met first before thinking about yourself. “I thank my mother for that,” Harris said. “She instills that into me even to this day. I just understand the value of being humble about what you do.” Harris is currently transitioning into his role as managing partner. The person who held the seat before him is still involved in the firm, so he’s had the opportunity to ask a lot of questions and receive guidance. One of the major challenges has been adjusting to the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. The issues the managing partners faced three years ago have changed, and now Harris is examining how to engage team members, compete in the marketplace, and attract talented new people to the profession in the aftermath. He’s also concerned with continuing to grow an organization that now has 750 employees and offices in Chicago, Denver, Nashville, Kansas City, and Las Vegas. Though at the end of the day, these are good problems to have for Harris, who strives to enjoy each and every turn his career path has taken. “The most important thing I had to learn is you must have fun along the way,” Harris said. “You have to put energy into everything that you do and own it. Have fun and leave everything you touch better than the way you found it.”

SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS WITH A CHARITABLE GIFT TO INROADS $300K

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*Fiscal Year 2023: Sept. 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2023

Office of

Alumni Relations Greetings, INROADS Alumni, First, let me express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your dedication to INROADS. As alumni, your support and commitment to our organization allow us to continue to uplift students across the nation. INROADS could not shine without you. We have had a very successful fiscal year in 2022. Your generous donations enabled INROADS to raise more than $150,000! These contributions have an astonishing impact on the lives and success of our youth, from college preparedness to career readiness. We are grateful for all that you do. As always, we do not want to simply thank you, but share your stories and impact with our community. We want to hear all about your INROADS journey and what it has meant to you both personally and professionally. We would love to highlight your success story on our website and social media and hear about what INROADS has done in your life! Please email alumnirelations@INROADS.org for more information. INROADS is a tight-knit community, and we want to hear from our alumni. Your voice matters to our organization and we always appreciate your feedback on what we are doing, what we can do to improve, and what we can do to increase our positive impact. Your thoughts and perspective are valuable, so please share them freely at alumnirelations@ INROADS.org. As we move into the holidays, I hope you and your families have a memorable holiday season full of rest, safety, and prosperity. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year at our upcoming events. Thank you for being a part of the INROADS alumni family. Happy Holidays! Sincere regards, Devin White National Director for Alumni Affairs INROADS

Join A Local Alumn Connect with your local chapter president. Can’t find your city listed below? Find out how to launch a chapter near you. Contact: alumnirelations@INROADS.org / 888-520-8691

ATLANTA CHAPTER

BOSTON CHAPTER

IRVING ROMAN, JR.

KHALID UMAR

Senior Manager at EY

Senior Program Manager at BAE Systems

atlantaalumni@INROADS.org

bostonalumni@INROADS.org

CHARLOTTE CHAPTER

CHICAGO CHAPTER

THESHA WOODLEY

JUSTIN COTTRELL

Director of Alumni Engagement at Winston-Salem State University

Senior Management Consultant at KPMG

charlottealumni@INROADS.org

chicagoalumni@INROADS.org

DALLAS CHAPTER

DC, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA CHAPTER

CHRISTOPHER PLUMLEE

JOSETTE TOWLES

CEO/President at Catholic Charities, Fort Worth

Head of Digital Business Transformation at BITHGROUP Technologies

dallasalumni@INROADS.org

midatlanticalumni@INROADS.org

HOUSTON CHAPTER

PERCILL GRIFFIN

Regulatory Audit Coordinator at Shell Exploration & Production houstonalumni@INROADS.org

ni Chapter NEW JERSEY CHAPTER

NEW YORK CHAPTER

YUVI SINGH

BENJAMIN LIOUE

newjerseyalumni@INROADS.org

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ORLANDO CHAPTER

RALEIGH, DURHAM, CHAPEL HILL CHAPTER

JHONNY DIAZ

DEWARREN LANGLEY

Data Scientist at Slalom Consulting

Audit Manager at The Clearing House

Portfolio Consultant at Siemens

Principal Consultant & Chief Strategist at Solutions Consulting Services

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TAMPA CHAPTER

WISCONSIN CHAPTER

NIKKI GASKIN-CAPEHART

DALE GILLIAM

Senior Coach, The NGC Team Network of Gifted Consultants

President at GBG Insurance Agency

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Volunteer Opportunities THE MISSION OF INROADS IS TO DELIVER INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT IDENTIFY, ACCELERATE, AND ELEVATE UNDERREPRESENTED TALENT THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS. Please click here to complete the volunteer registration form to officially opt-in to support area(s) of interest. Volunteers will be contacted based on need. Questions – email alumnirelations@INROADS.org

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW and/or CASE STUDY INTERVIEW WORKSHOPS Conduct 1-hour training sessions on how to successfully execute/implement effective techniques around Technical and/or Case Study style interviews.

VIDEO MOCK INTERVIEW REVIEWS Review video mock interviews submitted by INROADS candidates and complete evaluation form using rating system and provide feedback (training provided).

RESUME REVIEWS Review candidate resumes against INROADS template and suggest edits. Engage directly with candidates assigned by INROADS Talent Management Team (training provided).

ASK INROADS LIVE (AIL) Facilitate student-centric topic to the general INROADS candidate pool to increase student engagement. Topics are open and should be in the realm of professional leadership/career development. AIL occurs Friday from 3:00 – 5:00pm EDT. 42

Please click here to complete the volunteer registration form to officially opt-in to support area(s) of interest.

STUDENT SUCCESS WEBINAR SERIES Facilitate student-centric topic to the INROADS candidate pool based on year in school. This series has various dates/times and can be scheduled based on facilitator availability.

MENTOR MATCHING PROGRAM Provide guidance to INROADS candidates based on career interest and/or area of expertise. Ex: If you are a Marketing professional, we will direct marketing candidates seeking career advice to you as a resource for guidance.

COORDINATE GIVING CAMPAIGN Coordinate a recurring or one-time giving campaign within your organization to help support operations (can include non-Alumni).

IN-KIND MARKETING SUPPORT Design professional artwork and/or graphics that INROADS can use on social media platforms and for distribution involving various initiatives and campaigns.

PROJECT-BASED VOLUNTEERS Participate in project-based initiatives and activities that require support. Ex: Virtual Career Expo Committee, Force For Good Committee, etc.

RECRUITING Support recruiting activities and events where needed. You can also introduce connections to professional groups, student organizations, and/or campus contacts with Colleges/Universities to help recruiting objectives (training provided).

INTERN TRAINING FACILITATOR Support intern-related training activities and events between the months of May – July. Topic, material, date, and time provided (training provided).

EVENT SPEAKER Feature as a keynote, motivational and/or inspirational speaker at INROADS events and/or intern-related activities/events and engagements.

NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE COORDINATOR Lead coordination of volunteer activity for interns and/or provide volunteer opportunities for interns to gain their 24 volunteer hours.

JOIN INROADS ALUMNI CHAPTER Join local alumni chapter and get involved in local initiatives.

To learn more, visit INROADS.org/sponsorship-volunteer 43

Did you know? INROADS College Links is now in 14 cities? Striving for 25 in 2025.

INROADS alumni outpace the national average in home ownership? 76% are homeowners.

INROADS Professionals (iPROS) connects INROADS alumni to top companies nationwide in support of their job search?

INROADS Alumni Association has 13 chapters nationwide?

YOUR AD HERE Reserve a spot for your company ad in the next issue of THE INTELLIGENCE! Contact Devin White at dwhite@INROADS.org for details.

CAREER TIPS

Pieces of Career Advice for Every Business Leader

Avoid Being Paralyzed by Fear Everyone has aspects of their careers that scare them or make them uncomfortable. The key is learning to adapt and face those challenges head-on rather than avoiding them. Don’t let your fear stop you.

2 Have a Path, But Be Flexible Having an idea of where you want your career to go is effective for making goals. However, be willing to accept challenges even if they may lead you down a different path. You never know where those may lead. 46

5 PIECES OF CAREER ADVICE EVERY BUSINESS LEADER RECEIVES

Learn Something New Your brain needs exercise as much as any muscle to stay fit. Seek new knowledge and become a student of the industry you serve. You never know what you may learn.

4 Don’t Be the Smartest One in the Room Good leaders may need to be the smartest in the room, but great leaders surround themselves with people who are willing to challenge ideas, bring new perspectives to the table, and drive innovation.

Live Your “Why” There will always be aspects of your career that are difficult, so it is important to remember your reasoning and purpose behind what you do. If you can think of anything else you would rather be doing with your time, then what you’re doing today is not right. When you commit to your “why,” the grind is just part of the game.

Why Double Down on Internships During a Recession? From TechBullion.com

Internships are cost effective It’s common knowledge that hiring new employees is expensive compared to promoting from within. When employees are fired or quit, losses add up and both productivity and company morale take a hit. Gallup reports that U.S. businesses lose a trillion dollars annually to voluntary turnover, and each lost employee costs between 50% and 200% of their annual salary. During the Great Resignation, the amount of turnover skyrocketed and is now top of mind for companies. On the bright side, employees who begin their journey as interns at a company are more likely to stick around than those who never interned or did so elsewhere. That means less turnover and less cost. Plus, it reduces “mishires,” which makes a lot of sense: After an internship program test run, if both the individual and company want to continue the working relationship, it stands to reason that that person is a good fit for the company culture.

These programs are an important factor in increasing workforce diversity Reaching out to the new generation of workers by offering internships also allows a company to take a more conscious effort to diversify its workforce. Recruiting underrepresented and marginalized populations that have had difficulties accessing these types of opportunities is a force for good in the world, and social impact is one of the top 5 values early career candidates are looking for in their place of work. Diversity strengthens an employee base through the introduction of people with a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints. This strength could be a significant competitive differentiator during a recession when any advantage is welcome. Consider the factors you could implement in an internship program to make it accessible to as many people as possible. Offering partially or fully remote internships will open your doors to talent that lives anywhere in the country (or world) or that simply can’t manage the travel. Paying interns makes your program much more attractive and accessible; not everyone can afford to take months or a year off of a paying position to intern. Make sure you have clear guidelines for your recruitment teams on your diversity and inclusion goals when hiring interns. And don’t let that commitment to diversity end once the program starts; offer seminars or resource groups to allow interns to share their unique backgrounds, reflect on their experiences in the program, and grow closer together.

Internship programs are forward-looking Keep in mind that we won’t always be in a recession. When we bounce back, will your team be ready and have a strong pipeline of leaders and managers climbing the ranks? If you halt your internship program during a competitive labor market, your company could miss out on cultivating future leaders. Twenty percent of baby boomers will retire in the next decade, and Gen Z workers will comprise over a quarter of the global workforce by 2025. Your internship program is critical to a healthy talent acquisition strategy; treat it as such and your organization can weather these workforce shifts and have a steady source of human capital to keep operations thriving. The future will require young workers who understand the wants and needs of younger generations. The technology of work also changes rapidly, and not bringing in individuals with the latest digital skills will only put organizations behind.

Link Index

List of links referenced in this publication General Information INROADS.org

Career Opportunities INROADS.org/history-mission/join-our-team/

Donate

INROADS.org/support-INROADS

Visiones Recap INROADS.org/visiones/

Apply for Internships INROADS.org/internships-program

INROADS in the News INROADS.org/latest-news/

HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative hbcusci.org

Share your Alumni Story wkf.ms/3MB8uuy

Volunteer

INROADS.org/sponsorship-volunteer 50

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View career opportunities and apply at INROADS.org PRESIDENT & CEO FOREST T. HARPER, JR. 51

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