When opportunity knocks, there are two vital keys that can unlock the proverbial door, and the
Cincinnati Chapter of the Black MBA Association is committed to providing its members with both.
With a shared commitment to education and business- the tools they deem essential to the economic development of the Black community- this local organization has set their sights on opening doors in Cincinnati that will provide greater opportunities for its members and for the benefit of the community as a whole.
Established in 1989, the local chapter of this national non-profit organization had become dormant until current President Michele Heath arrived on the scene two years ago. Having participated in chapters in Cleveland, Columbus, and Dallas before moving to Cincinnati in 2005, Heath was well aware of the professional, educational, and community benefits of the organization and began taking steps to bring the Cincinnati chapter back to life.
"When we began revitalization efforts two years ago, we had zero corporate sponsorship," says Heath, a Senior Program Leader for
Humana's RightSource Division. Much has changed since then, thanks to the determination and tireless efforts of a committed core group of advocates led by Heath.
Today their dynamic membership includes "over 100 MBA professionals representing a diverse range of industries," and fund-raising efforts have produced over $40,000 in local corporate sponsorships.
These membership and funding numbers are critical for the Cincinnati chapter to reach its outreach goals. In addition to sponsoring local scholarships for two candidates pursuing their MBA degrees and two graduating high school seniors, they also sponsor 5 to 10 students each year to partake in the local chapter's "Leaders of Tomorrow", the organization’s annual program designed to provide eligible high school students with "the tools necessary to be successful in their collegiate endeavors."
The
Cincinnati Black MBA Association is also working to raise additional funds to assist them in hosting this year's Mideast Regional Leadership Conference and Diversity Career Fair, to be held November 11-13 at the Westin Hotel. The conference will welcome more than 500 graduate students and professionals from over five states and one Canadian province to participate in leadership development and entrepreneurial workshops, networking opportunities, and a career fair destined to provide local corporations with a pool of top talent.
Though attracting "top professional talent" to Cincinnati is one of the many goals set by the dynamic chapter, Heath expressed the importance of developing and retaining that talent. "Our primary focus is to provide members with opportunities to get involved in the community, to network socially and to develop and strengthen their professional skills through leadership programs."
Membership is open to professionals with a graduate degree and those without a graduate degree but with extensive experience or entrepreneurial success, as well students enrolled in a graduate degree program. Executive Board meetings are held on the second Monday of every month from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the National College on Paddock Road.
Writer: Alyce Vilines
Source: Michele Heath, President of Cincinnati Black MBA Association
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.