W&M Washington Center Hosts Networking Reception Before 46th Annual NBMBAA Conference & Career Expo
The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) held its 46th Annual Conference & Career Expo from September 17-21, 2024, in Washington, D.C., marking the first time this event has taken place in the capital since 2008. With over 10,000 professionals, students, and entrepreneurs attending, the conference was a central hub for networking, professional development, and career advancement.
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business and the Graduate Career Management Center (GCMC) team proudly hosted a pre-event networking reception at William & Mary's Washington Center, where nearly 75 graduate business student attendees, numerous alumni, and several staff members came together to foster connections and set a positive tone for the rigorous days ahead. Roxane Adler Hickey, Director of the W&M Washington Center, and Whitney Lee, Senior Director of Regional Advancement, D.C. Metro, kicked off the reception.
The gathering held special significance due to the Center's proximity to W&M's main campus and the robust network of local alumni and employers nearby. Their presence enhanced the event and reinforced the Mason School's commitment to supporting national diversity conferences and career expos across the nation. As Niko Naranjo, MBA '25 and MBAA President, remarked, "NBMBAA has been an incredible opportunity for me to develop my mind professionally. Speaking to companies at NBMBAA allows us to express our skill sets and passions, helping us discover roles we might not have considered before."
One of the highlights of the reception was the panel discussion titled "Elevate Your Impact: Navigating the Career Expo with Confidence," moderated by Mike Ryan, Senior Director of Employer & Alumni Career Engagement for the Graduate Career Management Center. The panel featured notable industry leaders, including Akram Khan, President/CEO of Pantheon and member of the Business Analytics Advisory Board; Linda Nguyen, Assistant Manager of Talent Acquisition Programs - Early Careers at Navy Federal; and Rebekah Rubenstein, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Republic Services. The panelists shared valuable insights on navigating the Career Expo, effectively engaging with recruiters, and enhancing one's professional presence.
As Niko further noted, "The most important skill you can develop at NBMBAA is the ability to quickly and clearly communicate your skill sets and intentions. Networking is essential in today's world, and representing yourself well can open doors you didn't know existed."
The NBMBAA Conference is well-known for its diverse offerings, including educational workshops, keynote speeches, and leadership development sessions tailored to various career levels. The Career Expo, a central feature of the event, connects attendees with more than 300 companies eager to recruit top-tier talent. This year's theme emphasized a solid commitment to diversity and inclusion, focusing on supporting underrepresented groups. The conference provided an inclusive environment where professionals from all backgrounds could come together to learn, connect, and grow.
As the NBMBAA website highlights, the event is not solely about job searching; it is a platform for fostering excellence and empowering transformation. It's an event where participants can engage in meaningful connections, enhance their skills, and explore new opportunities in a supportive environment. Aishwarya Valli, MBA '25, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "Prepare for NBMBAA by creating a list of attending companies and understanding their culture and roles. Networking is key—connect with alumni and take notes on their insights to guide your job search." She also reflected on the Washington Center Reception, calling it "unforgettable," particularly the joy of meeting a fellow alum in person after connecting virtually.
Attendees widely regarded the NBMBAA 46th Annual Conference & Career Expo as a success. Lydia Nabuwufu, MBA '25, noted, "The NBMBAA conference is a unique opportunity to meet hundreds of recruiters and gain invaluable insights into the job market. It's also a place where you can really boost your confidence and communication skills." Pern Milliken, MBA '25, echoed this sentiment: "The W&M reception was a fantastic warm-up. The keynote speeches were encouraging and gave me confidence, which helped me connect more effectively with company representatives during the main event."
The collaborative spirit and collective commitment to professional development among participants contributed significantly to the event's positive impact. Additionally, the opportunity to host the pre-reception nearby added to the experience, further strengthening local connections and the sense of community. Jabari Clemons, MBA '26, shared, "During the conference, I had meaningful conversations that opened new career possibilities. Connecting with professionals from diverse industries was invaluable and helped refine my aspirations."
Established in 1970, the NBMBAA is a non-profit organization of Black business professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. With 40 professional chapters throughout the U.S. and 12,000 members, the organization represents a vast network of minority MBAs worldwide. Through national and local chapter activities, the NBMBAA provides continuing executive-level education to its members, outreach to students of all ages, support for small businesses, and exposure to the corporate community. The 47th Annual National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Conference & Career Expo, Transform 2025, will be held in Houston, Texas from September 23–27, 2025.
