HBCU SOCIAL IMPACT LEADERS FORUM
The inaugural two-day HBCU Social Impact Leaders Forum in New York City brought together over 20 HBCU students and engaged program partner MCW Global, alongside global business executives from Henry Schein, Inc., Citibank, and Nasdaq. This invitation-only event featured industry talks on finance, social entrepreneurship, corporate responsibility, and social impact investing.
.jpg)
As part of Shared Interest’s 30th Anniversary Voices of Change Campaign, the forum also commemorated Juneteenth in the US and Youth Day in South Africa. Together, students and guests amplified the voices of those investing in and empowering the next generation of Black social impact leaders and entrepreneurs in the US and Southern Africa
"The nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities have an outsized impact on the development of successful Black professionals in all fields. Shared Interest launched the HBCU Social Impact Leaders Forum to encourage more students to pursue careers in finance,
entrepreneurship, and impact investing that can advance inclusive and sustainable development in Black communities nationally and globally,” said Ann McMikel, Executive Director of Shared Interest and proud alumnus of Spelman College. “Shared Interest is committed to fostering the development of the next generation of social impact investors, financial leaders, and entrepreneurs who are critical to driving sustainable development campaigns and solutions for addressing climate change, gender equality, food security, affordable housing, and the digital divide in their communities."
MCW Global
Leadership Interactive
The two-day event began with an engaging discussion hosted by MCW Global and its Executive Director Khalid Elachi. Guest speakers Dr. Charles Robbins (Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of the Undergraduate Colleges at Stony Brook University), and Eddie Bergman led an interactive session on youth leadership and styles.
Click and Download Photos Here
CITI COMMERCIAL BANK NONPROFIT GROUP HOSTED BREAKFAST
On the second day, Citibank hosted a breakfast that included a Diversity Panel Discussion with corporate leaders discussing Citibank’s commitment to diversity, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities for Black emerging professionals.
Click and Download Citi Photos Here
Nasdaq Ceremony and Bell Ringing
Nasdaq hosted the culminating Shared Interest HBCU Social Impact Leaders Forum and Closing Bell Ceremony, thanks to generous program support from Henry Schein, Inc. The event attracted approximately 80-100 attendees, including the Bergman Family, SI staff and board members, Henry Schein, Inc. and Google executives, donors, and community partners. Guest speakers included HBCU student ambassadors, David Kochman (Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Deputy Chief of Staff at Henry Schein, Inc.), Selena Singleton (Head of Strategic Development of Nasdaq Corporate Platforms), and keynote speaker Courtney Wicks (Executive Director of Investor Advocates of Social Justice).
Click and Download Photos Below
Nasdaq Live Broadcast
Click the videos below to view live footage
The event received media coverage, being covered on reputable platforms such as CNBC, Fox News, and CNN, raising awareness about the importance of empowering the next generation of Black social impact leaders.