NBMBAA 2023 Conference Guide - 66

Membership
Moments
Membership Through
Makayla's Eyes
By Makayla Johnson
How it Started
WHY
Membership
Matters
There is no denying that connections are the true cornerstones
of success. The National Black MBA Association® (NBMBAA®)
Is a beacon, fostering connections that transcend careers and
span lifetimes.
Here are three glimpses illuminating the profound impact
of membership seen through the lenses of a student member,
corporate partners, and two individuals who cherish not just
companionship but a sacred place to reunite in friendship
each year.
Beyond the career accolades and professional strides, these
Membership Moments truly encompass the virtue of what our
association is all about. The intangible yet immeasurable impact
of membership is not just on careers but also on the very fabric
of our human relationships.
66
I'm Makayla Johnson, a
rising junior at Georgia
State University majoring
in Computer Information
Systems, specializing in
cyber security. As you read
this article, imagine that
we are family or friends,
and I'm excited to share my
membership journey with you.
Life was never easy, but I
found solace in education.
School was the one place
where I could focus on excelling without any financial burdens.
Although I wanted to participate in sports and activities like other
kids, financial constraints held me back. Instead, I channeled my
energy into my studies.
The journey to where I am now has been filled with challenges,
but I've come to embrace each experience as an opportunity for
growth and learning. My struggles have shaped me into the person
I am today, and I'm eager to share all the wonderful things I've
accomplished and the exciting endeavors that lie ahead.
Discovering NBMBAA®
Last year, during one of my casual strolls on Handshake, I
stumbled upon this exciting event called the National Black MBA
Association (NBMBAA®) case competition. To be honest, I had no
idea what NBMBAA® was all about, and I didn't bother researching
it either. But hey, sometimes spontaneity leads to the best surprises!
I had this " pinch-me " moment when I arrived at the conference.
I mean, seriously, I felt like I walked right into Black Wall Street.
Everyone exuded such professionalism and success that I couldn't
help but feel a tad bit intimidated. You see, I've always been proud
of my Southern roots, but suddenly, I started questioning my accent
and whether I sounded too " ghetto " for this place.
The best part? When I found out that my aunt and uncle were
active members of NBMBAA®, I was floored! I mean, where had
my family been hiding this gem from me all this time? It was like
a revelation, and I knew in my heart that I had to be part of this
" Black Hollywood. "
NBMBAA 2023 Conference Guide

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