2023 October Intelligence

INTELLIGENCE THE

OCTOBER 2023 ISSUE

INROADS

RESPONSE TO SUPREME COURT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION DECISION

CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH:

BOLDLY MOVING FORWARD, JUNTOS

A PORTRAIT OF RESILIENCE:

INROADS ALUMNA SAAIMA KHALIQ

RISES IN PRIVATE EQUITY ARENA

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Supreme Court Bans Affirmative Action While America Still Grapples With Inequity Portrait of Resilience: INROADS Alumna Saaima Khaliq Rises in Private Equity Boldly Moving Forward, Juntos INROADS in the News

Our Past Events

Our Future Events

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2023 Benefit Gala Highlights

National Career Academy Hosts 500 Students in Atlanta College Links Yearbook

Partnering for Equity Share Your Alumni Story Alumni Spotlights

Join Your Local Alumni Chapter

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

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SUPREME COURT BANS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION WHILE AMERICA STILL GRAPPLES WITH INEQUITY Op Ed by Forest T. Harper, Jr. When it comes to racial equity, America still needs mandates The Supreme Court recently made a decision to reverse race-based affirmative action in the college admissions process.

As much as the Supreme Court wishes to leap America into an age where race and social status don’t matter, the reality is that it has always mattered.

For more than 50 years, INROADS has been a leading driver of equity in corporate America. When we were founded in 1970, Father Frank Carr saw a profound need to provide underrepresented youth with the training and relationships needed to access corporate opportunities and thrive. Today, there are more than 40,000 INROADS alumni globally.

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The Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action is evidence that the INROADS mission is just as necessary today as it was when we were founded.

Every metric relative to one’s participation in the American dream supports the need for us to do more work, not less, to advance racial equity in America.

Let’s look at homeownership. According to a 2021 study by Redfin, a leading residential real estate brokerage, the average value of a home in a predominantly Black neighborhood is $46,000 less than similar homes in a white neighborhood. According to the study, this discrepancy is the result of racist housing policies like redlining, continued racial bias in mortgage lending and appraisals, and inherent bias.

Let’s look at America’s racial wealth gap. According to a report published in 2021 by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the average Black and/or Latino household in America earns nearly half as much as the average white household in America.

In 2023, the American Bar Association published data that revealed that “in 2019, the median wealth for white households was $188,200, compared to $24,100 and $36,100 for Black and Hispanic households, respectively” (Butta et al., 2020).

Let’s look at venture capital. Being able to start a small business is a formidable pathway to success for many Americans. According to TechCrunch’s Crunchbase data, only 1% of all venture capital funding was awarded to Black startup founders in 2022.

Let’s look at life expectancy. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, structural racism influences how neighborhoods are designed in predominantly Black communities — often limiting access to healthy food and high-quality healthcare. As a result, life expectancy continues to lag for Black Americans when compared to white Americans. A 2021 study by the Commonwealth Fund reveals that health disparities among whites and people of color exist across all 50 U.S. states.

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Let’s look at career ascension. According to Fortune’s 2022 report, less than 1% of Fortune 500 companies have Black CEOs, even though data shows that appointing a Black CEO increases market capitalization by 3.1% (according to a study by the University of Georgia and the Stevens Institute of Technology).

Hopefully, you are starting to see the point.

Upon looking at the data, it’s difficult to argue against doing more work in America to advance racial equity. The Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action seeks to achieve this kind of magical reasoning by arguing that America has reached a point where race should no longer matter — at least in terms of college admissions.

Which brings me to affirmative action in higher education. According to a recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the practice of affirmative action continues to benefit white America. That study reveals that of the white students admitted to Harvard University, 43% receive an affirmative action–related preference for athletics, legacy status, being on the dean’s interest list, or being the child of a faculty or staff member. The study shows that without affirmative action, three-quarters of those students would have been rejected.

In my opinion, the Supreme Court’s decision to promote a race-neutral approach to college admissions was made prematurely — especially in an America that still grapples with inequity.

Nearly 20 years ago, I participated in a New York Times article that explored the need for affirmative action. It was 2003, and I am quoted in that article expressing optimism that in 20 years, America would no longer need mandates. Sadly, and not unlike the Supreme Court’s decision, my optimism was premature.

Much more work is needed today to advance equity in America. INROADS is more than willing to continue to lead that charge.

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A PORTRAIT OF RESILIENCE:

INROADS ALUMNA SAAIMA KHALIQ

RISES IN PRIVATE EQUITY ARENA At one point in her childhood, Saaima Khaliq survived on food stamps. Yet, today, she is the private equity CFO of a firm that manages $30 billion in private equity AUM (assets under management).

We had the opportunity to sit down with Saaima and learn more about her life story. She shared how her family’s spirit of resilience and an appreciation for every opportunity helped her achieve incredible success.

Tell us about your life growing up.

I was born in Massachusetts but spent the first 10 years of my life in Pakistan. My father received an opportunity to teach and went back to Pakistan with my brother. My mom was pregnant with me at the time, and even though she wasn’t an English speaker, she stayed behind with my sister until I was born. I come from a background of very resilient women, even before birth. Right after I was born, my mom flew all the way to Pakistan with me and my sister, then came all the way back to the United States just to get my passport, and then went all the way to Pakistan again. To me, this was huge. For my mother to have done that for me just so I had citizenship is very special to me. I am where I am today because of her resilience and sacrifice.

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Saaima as a newborn en route to Pakistan with her mother.

What was it like moving to the States?

One of the main reasons we moved back to America was education. I grew up in Fairfield, CT, and was fortunate to be in a town that had great public schools. My mother believed we would have a better education in this country, even though it meant moving into a really small house with seven people. Moving here and having to share one bathroom with seven people was an interesting dynamic. I thought, “Wait.

We had so much in Pakistan and now we have so little.” We were living on food stamps at one point. I still remember Saaima graduating from high school giving my blue colored food stamp to the cafeteria workers in the lunch line at school. Other children were buying their lunch, but I had to give this little ticket. Even though I did not speak one word of English, it made me feel embarrassed and that there was something different about me. There was even a point where we were getting canned foods delivered to us because my father was sick and had lost his job. Those were the beginnings of my life here. Still, we were all very motivated to get a great education.

How did you start your career in finance?

I did not grow up with much of a business background. My first job was cleaning the house of my landlord, making $5 an hour when I was 11 years old. Since then, I’ve been a barista, worked in offices, been a restaurant hostess, worked at Bob’s Store for clothing, and I even worked at pool halls.

I had a vast variety of jobs, but when I started college, I knew that in order to make it, I needed more. I felt like my peers had an edge over me in terms of the business world. But I was good at math and working with numbers. It was something that came naturally to me. Yet, I wasn’t familiar with the actual business world. That’s when I started researching how I could get better exposure to business and how I could learn about this world on my own. Then, I landed upon INROADS. I was a sophomore at the University of Connecticut at the time. I thought, “This is fantastic! This organization is geared toward youth like me who come from underrepresented backgrounds.” They would give us career training and help us get an internship. The internship was important for me. I wanted to complete it during my sophomore year as opposed to junior year because I felt like I had to learn a lot more.

What was your experience like with INROADS? It was the best experience. My journey with INROADS was the start of my business career.

I received training in terms of business etiquette and knowledge about different career opportunities. INROADS matched me with Arthur Andersen for my internship, which was a public accounting firm. The training was great, and meeting other people like me was a very interesting experience. I’m still friends with a lot of those same peers who are now very successful in different organizations. Meeting these very motivated individuals who had the same goals, whether they’re trying to go in business or other fields, motivated me even more to do better and better. I loved the connectivity that we had with other students, mentors, and managers who supported me along the way. They taught me how to build my resume and interview with Fortune 500 companies.

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Tell us about your internship with Arthur Andersen.

It was not very traditional. Normally, you work with clients as an intern in public accounting.

However, because I was a sophomore, I worked in the HR department, looking at resumes and completing administrative tasks like filing. I was happy with that and had no issues with it. I didn’t think, “I’m in accounting. I should be doing accounting and have client-related work.” I was much more focused on getting my foot in the door and getting exposure and experience. INROADS helped me get that and I was going to make the best of it. So, I developed relationships with HR individuals and even with people in the filing department. I even covered the reception desk and answered phones.

One of the things about my success is that I never felt too good to do something. It just didn’t exist because I was very happy to do all of it. For people who have come from a background like mine, I think we have this extra feeling of being blessed and fortunate to be given opportunities that may not have existed for our parents. As long as I felt my work was meaningful and I worked with good people, it was worth it. I believe that’s a big lesson.

So, I did really well during that internship and they brought me back again for a second summer.

I was provided some of the best clients such as Foxwoods, Mohegan Suns, and Starwood Hotels because I had done a great job in my first internship, even doing non-accounting work. People knew me because I worked as that receptionist. This led me to better opportunities. If I had been someone who felt too egotistic to sit behind a desk, I may not have landed the clients I did.

What were three important things you learned through the INROADS Internship Program?

One of them is actually a funny one – I didn’t know how to have a business meal. I didn’t grow up in a household where we had formal meals with lots of different types of dishes, spoons and so many glasses. So, one of our training courses was on the etiquette of going to business lunches and dinners. When you come from an underrepresented background, there’s an extra pressure that you must be really good. The last thing I wanted to do was look like a fool or draw negative attention because I’m using the wrong fork or the wrong knife. There were many training courses, but that one stood out to me because it was a completely new experience.

Another thing about INROADS that stands out is the network building. As I mentioned earlier, through INROADS, I met some of the most intelligent, hardworking people who are very successful in some of the top organizations out there. I still have that network 20 years later. INROADS alumni have a special bond – we went through the same journey. When you need another INROADS alum, they will be there for you.

The third one would be having a mentor. My mentor was my manager, Phil. Having a mentor who was in business, and who’s there to stand by your side, is a special experience for someone so young and in college. My dad had passed away when I was a teenager, and my mom did not have that type of exposure as she was a nanny. She wasn’t able to help me navigate different business situations. So, I had my mentor whom I could talk to about anything related to work.

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What inspired you to choose a career in private equity?

When I was auditing clients for Arthur Andersen, I worked on some very large engagements. My first client was a private equity firm called Saugatuck Capital. I worked very closely with the controller, and I really enjoyed it. I’m still in touch with him today, which goes to show how networking and relationships are so important. Private equity and business building were very intriguing to me. I was very young at that time and this was my first job out of college. And I said, “I want to be in private equity. That’s what I want.” From that point on, I started raising my hand to work exclusively on private equity and haven’t waivered.

How did you end up at New Mountain Capital where you work today?

The person I report to now at New Mountain Capital worked with me at Deloitte. This is another example of how networking and relationship building contributed to my career growth. He reached out about an opening at New Mountain Capital. I was not in the market looking for a job, but he reached out to me because of my reputation of being a hard worker and my experience in private equity. I’ve had several promotions and was made CFO of Private Equity Operations a year ago and currently the private equity business at New Mountain Capital manages $30 billion in private equity AUM (assets under management).

Every day I feel humbled and blessed to be in a position where I live in New York City and can do what I’m doing.

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What legacy would you like to leave behind?

I want to help. I was the first female of color promoted to Managing Director at my firm. I’m helping develop and grow women at the firm professionally. I’m also involved in organizations outside of the firm, such as Women in Fund Finance. Being a woman and a woman of color, as well as having a daughter, it has become a focus of mine to help other women get into finance and stay in finance.

I want to leave behind a world where my daughter has a lot of opportunities and where she is treated equally. I don’t want her to work extra hard compared to someone else. That’s how I felt 20 years ago. I was growing up, and people of color had to work extra hard. I don’t want that world in the future. My daughter should not be viewed as a person of color, a person of a different religious background, or as a female. Her success should be defined by her talents.

So, I really want to get more involved in this movement and make sure that I leave a world behind where it’s about talent and there is no unconscious bias.

Saaima’s daughter overlooking New York City.

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FILL YOUR SUMMER 2024 INTERNSHIP POSITIONS NOW!

hireanINROADSintern@INROADS.org to submit your job descriptions THE

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BOLDLY MOVING FORWARD, JUNTOS

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, INROADS is celebrating our Hispanic interns, alumni, and team members who are taking bold steps toward building a more vibrant future.

Learn how their heritage, culture, and values are inspiring them to create an impact on their families, careers, and communities. They also share how their INROADS experience is helping them build a legacy that will positively impact future generations.

READ THEIR STORIES AT

INROADS.ORG/Hispanic-Heritage-Month

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INROADS INROADS COLLEGE LINKS PROGRAM ARRIVES IN BIRMINGHAM, FOCUSED ON HELPING YOUTH PREPARE FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS The INROADS College Links program is launching in Birmingham, Alabama, in conjunction with the fall 2023 school year. See More...

INROADS ANNUAL BENEFIT GALA TO BE HOSTED BY SYMONE SANDERS-TOWNSEND OF MSNBC Celebrating and inspiring support for our next generation of diverse leaders INROADS will hold its annual fundraising Benefit Gala, presented by Procter & Gamble, on May 3, 2023, at 6:30pm EDT at Union Station in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is Breaking Barriers and Making History, which is fitting to recognize the accomplishments of individuals and corporate partners. See More...

TONYA BRYANT OF SOUTHERN COMPANY JOINS THE INROADS NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tonya Bryant, Vice President of Technology Services at Southern Company, joins the INROADS National Board of Directors. ​​She leads the Technology Services organization at Southern Company, one of the largest producers of energy in the United States. See More...

INROADS APPOINTS AL JOHNSON AS LATEST MEMBER OF ITS NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS INROADS, a nonprofit organization with the mandate to create career pathways for diverse high school and college students, recently named Al Johnson, Vice President, Supplier Management at Grainger, as the latest member of its National Board of Directors. See More...

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in the News INROADS, PNC FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION GRANT TO BENEFIT UNDERREPRESENTED METRO DETROIT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INROADS and PNC Foundation announced today that the College Links program will expand to Metro Detroit this fall for the local launch of its successful blueprint designed to help prepare minority high school students for college and successful careers. Funded by a $1 million grant from the PNC Foundation, INROADS will teach local students valuable leadership skills and provide professional development opportunities while addressing the racial and wealth gap in the United States. See More...

INROADS GIVES 500 DIVERSE STUDENTS THE SKILLS NEEDED TO BUILD GENERATIONAL WEALTH For the first time, after being virtual for several years, the next generation of corporate leaders will attend the INROADS College Links National Career Academy (NCA). NCA is a conference that unites high school scholars from across the nation for career exploration and skills development. INROADS College Links participants will spend three days immersed in interactive learning that allows them to explore careers in STEM while continuing to develop leadership skills. See More...

OVER 500 STUDENTS PREPARED TO BE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS IN THE WAKE OF THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION RULING INROADS is steadfast in equipping scholars with the essential tools required to thrive in a world that has transitioned beyond affirmative action.

As part of this commitment, on July 20-21, INROADS proudly presented its highly anticipated 2023 National Conference, Leadership. See More...

DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP BREAKS BARRIERS FOR UNDERSERVED SALT LAKE CITY STUDENTS PROVIDING PATH TO LEADERSHIP Students in Salt Lake City will soon have early exposure to mentorship, college preparation, and career exploration opportunities through the INROADS College Links program. With generous support from the NBA Foundation, College Links will empower the next generation of changemakers through programming that equips them with essential professional skills that foster leadership. See More...

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Our Past Events

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Our Future

Events

Benefit Gala

SAVE THE DATE May 2, 2024 7:00 P.M. UNION S TATION WASHINGTON, DC

INROADS.org/BenefitGala

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Benefit Gala presented by

BREAKING BARRIERS AND MAKING HISTORY

INROADS celebrated its annual Benefit Gala on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Presented by P&G, the black-tie affair recognized visionaries and leaders who are fulfilling INROADS founder Frank C. Carr’s dream to achieve opportunity for all. The event featured Master of Ceremonies Symone Sanders-Townsend, host of “SYMONE” on MSNBC, and Awards Presenter Angela Hill, INROADS Alumna and Senior Producer at The Washington Post. A special thank you to all those who attended and supported the event, helping us transform the lives of students while building a community of diverse business men and women around the world. To learn more about this year’s award recipients and see more pictures, visit INROADS.org/BenefitGala.

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NCA 2023 RECAP

INROADS empowers 500 DIVERSE STUDENTS to build generational wealth through the INROADS College Links National Career Academy

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he Minority Serving Institution (MSI) of Kennesaw State University, in Marietta, GA, was alight with growth and potential as INROADS College Links participants gathered for a transformative event. The INROADS College Links National Career Academy (NCA) unites INROADS students from across the country for career exploration

and skills development where they participate in interactive workshops aimed at developing essential skills for college, careers, and life, laying the foundation for their future success. The program’s dynamic workshops and exciting extracurriculars, like the Atlanta Braves baseball game and the heartwarming dinner banquet, enhanced the students’ overall experience, solidifying their sense of belonging and setting them up for unparalleled achievement.

Read about program highlights below:

A Visionary’s Insights Founder, CEO, and author Justin Jones-Fosu delivered an inspiring speech at the conference, emphasizing the power of an alternative approach to life and finding purpose. He introduced the Three Rhythm Model: Perspective Rhythm (how you choose to see things), Task Rhythm (what you choose to do), and Relationship Rhythm (with whom you choose to engage).

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NCA 2023 RECAP

Pioneering the Future INROADS CEO, Forest T. Harper, challenges students to envision a diverse future and celebrates their potential, mirroring the diverse makeup of INROADS participants.

He urges students to give back to their communities and support each other in their pursuit of greatness.

Innovation at Work: Tackling “Texting Neck” Students participated in a Stem Exploration Project to tackle the issue of “texting neck,” which is caused by excessive device use. Divided into teams, they designed a prototype phone stand to alleviate discomfort. Requirements include using CAD software or handdrawn designs, employing Legos for the prototype, and addressing neck pain in their designs.

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Incubator Competition Inspired by Budding College Links entrepreneurs had the chance to present their ideas to compete for monetary prizes.

The winners were: 3rd Place $750 Students: Elijah and Caleb Carter Hometown: Washington, D.C. Business Idea: Building African American Entrepreneurship Through a Profitable Cookie Business.

2nd Place $1,000 Students: Taylor, Aryanna, Charissa, & Bella Hometown: San Antonio Business Idea: Making Women’s Toiletries More Accessible to Women’s Shelters.

1st Place $1,200 Students: Layo, Lolu, & Josh Hometown: Minneapolis Business Idea: Teaching Youth About Generational Wealth.

Enjoy a video recap and additional photos at INROADS.ORG/NATIONAL-CAREER-ACADEMY-2023.

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NICHOLAS ABRAM

DIVINE AFUKE

KALILAH AKBAR

DALLAS Attending Howard University

HOUSTON Attending University of North Texas

NEWARK Attending Northwestern University

LIZBETH ALVAREZ

ALIYAH AMBACHEN

NICHOLAS ANAGBOGU

SAN ANTONIO Attending St. Mary’s University

NEWARK Attending University at Buffalo (accepted into Honors Program)

HOUSTON Attending San Jacinto College

NAJII ANDERSON

MARLON ANDREWS

MICHAEL ANDREWS, JR.

HOUSTON Attending the University of North Texas at Denton

WASHINGTON Attending University of Maryland

ATLANTA Attending Georgia State University

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GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

MALAIKA APHIRI

JUSTIN ASKA

BETEL ASMELASH

OAKLAND Attending Mount Saint Mary’s College

NEWARK Attending George Washington University

OAKLAND

JAY AVERY

JASMIN AZAN

ADITYA BALAN

BIRMINGHAM Attending University of Houston

WASHINGTON DC Attending North Carolina State University

ORLANDO Attending Purdue University

GABRIEL BEIDLEMAN

YVONNE CAMILLE BELL

AIDEN BENSON

NEWARK Attending Howard University

SAN ANTONIO Attending Texas A&M

DALLAS Attending Oklahoma State University

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MARKEL BOOKER

KYRA BROWN

JAIDYN BUNCH

CHARLESTON Attending Marshall University

CHARLESTON Attending WVU Tech

CHARLESTON Attending West Virginia State University

TIALAIA BURK

AVERI CALLOWAY

JESSICA CAMERON

CHARLESTON Attending West Virginia State University

ATLANTA Attending University of South Carolina

ATLANTA Attending Georgia State University

CAMRYN CASON

COLLIN CHESTER

ALEX G. CLARK

ATLANTA Attending Hampton University

NEWARK Attending Howard University

WASHINGTON Attending Delaware State University

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GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

WILL CLARK

ZACHARIAH DAVIS

JADE DEFRANC

WASHINGTON Attending Morehouse

CINCINNATI Attending University of Cincinnati

WASHINGTON Attending New York University

CHAIS DICKENS

CORI DUVALL

LAURYN DUVALL

DALLAS Attending University of Texas

ATLANTA Attending Alabama A&M University

ATLANTA Attending Alabama A&M University

ALEX EDWARDS

DONOVAN FRANCOIS

ALAN FREEMAN

WASHINGTON DC

ORLANDO Attending University of Florida

HOUSTON Attending Lone Star Kingwood College

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BRIANA GEE

ALEXA GERALD

JULIANA GOLDEN

HOUSTON Attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

WASHINGTON Attending Cornell University

BIRMINGHAM Attending Jefferson State Community College

HUNTER GRAVES

LYRIC GREEN

MIKAYLA GREEN

ATLANTA Attending Howard University

CHARLESTON Attending North Carolina A&T State University

NEWARK Attending University of Hartford

ZION HARRIS

ERIN HOWARD

ELIJAH INMAN

ORLANDO Attending North Carolina A&T State University

OAKLAND Attending Wellesley University

CHARLESTON Attending Concord University

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JAYSON IRRIZARY

AQAWDALIS JONES

MARLON JONES

OAKLAND Attending California State University - Chico

ATLANTA Attending Kennesaw State University

OAKLAND Attending San Jose State University

ROBERT LUCKY JR.

CHRISTIAN MCADAMS

MORGAN MCDONALD

ORLANDO Attending Morgan State University

OAKLAND

NEWARK Attending Pomona College in California, Studying Neuroscience

CHELSEA MENDES

CANDII MENDOZA

ADRIANNA MORTON

ORLANDO Attending Spellman University

NASHVILLE Attending Lipscomb University

WASHINGTON DC Attending Spelman College

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JAYDEN MUSCO

RYAN MUNUVE MUTUKU

CATHERINE NOLLIE

DALLAS Attending Hampton University

WASHINGTON Attending Towson University

ORLANDO Attending Columbia University

UKEME OFFIONG

JACOB OWENS

ALAINA RICKMAN

DALLAS Attending Hampton University

SAN ANTONIO Attending Texas State

DALLAS Attending Prairie View A&M University

JAMES RILEY III

JAYDEN RIVERA

DESTINY ROBINSON

ATLANTA Attending Hampton University

ORLANDO Attending Florida A&M University for their Pre-Physical Therapy Program

CHARLESTON Attending Albany State University

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GESSELLE SANCHEZ DE LARA

KADEN SESAY

ELLA SHARKEY

SAN ANTONIO Attending University of Houston

HOUSTON Attending Florida A&M University

NEWARK Attending University of Virginia

JOSHUA SMITH

GRAYSON SONGUI

ZIADA SOUMANOU

ATLANTA Attending Tennessee State University

ORLANDO Attending Florida A&M University

CHICAGO Attending Grand Valley State University

AARON SPANN

TAYLOR STEVENS

OLIVIA STEWART

HOUSTON Attending Howard University

NEWARK Attending University of Michigan

WASHINGTON Attending University of Virginia

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BRANDON STROUD

BRYSON SUTTON

PEYTON TERRY

HOUSTON Attending Rice University

DALLAS Attending Oklahoma State University

CHICAGO Accepted University of Missouri

CHAYIL SPENCERTHOMAS

HILLARY THOMPSON

MYA TOOMBS

DALLAS Attending Alabama A&M University

CINCINNATI Attending Miami University of Ohio

CHARLESTON Attending University of Charleston

JACLYN TORRES

LILIANA TOVAR

MADISON VANDERBILT

SAN ANTONIO Attending Texas A&M University College Station

SAN ANTONIO Attending UT Austin

CHICAGO Attending University of Chicago

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LOGAN WALKER

JIMMY WENG

DAVID WILSON

ORLANDO Attending North Carolina A&T University

OAKLAND Attending UC Berkeley College

HOUSTON Attending Texas A&M University College Station for Civil Engineering

TYLER RHODES-WOOD

CALEB WORKENEH

CHRISTOPHER WYCKOFF

NEWARK Attending NJ Institute of Technology (NJIT)

HOUSTON

ATLANTA Attending Hampton University

MICHIYA YOUNG HOUSTON Attending Texas Southern in the Fall

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GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

Congratulations &

Best Wishes!

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PARTNERING STRENGTHENING DEIA EFFORTS

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XIM has been empowering U.S. companies to confidently enter new markets, win deals, and add jobs for more than 80 years.

By equipping businesses with tools like export credit insurance, working capital funds, and loan guarantees, EXIM levels the playing field for American exporters. While 90% of EXIM’s customers are small businesses, no transaction is too big or too small.

In recent years, EXIM has supported millions of good-paying U.S. jobs while generating billions of surplus dollars for American taxpayers. By supporting American exporters to reach new frontiers, EXIM fuels job growth, strengthens communities, and contributes to a strong, durable national economy.

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INROADS is proud to now partner with EXIM to help strengthen their DEIA efforts and support their commitment to hosting diverse college students as interns. INROADS CEO Forest T. Harper, Jr. joined EXIM for an MOU signing in May 2023, and this past summer, a group of INROADS scholars interned at the EXIM office in Washington, D.C.

WE ARE THRILLED BY THIS PARTNERSHIP, WHICH HELPS INROADS STUDENTS ATTAIN EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE WHILE CONTRIBUTING POSITIVELY TO EXIM’S MISSION OF STRENGTHENING DEIA EFFORTS.” — Export-Import Bank of the United States, LinkedIn

INTELLIGENCE

FOR EQUITY As part of its commitment to building pathways to equitable educational opportunities and workforce development, Dollar General Corporation made a major investment in INROADS to scale programs and strengthen infrastructure.

Dollar General’s holistic approach to corporate partnership enabled INROADS to grow smartly, delivering thousands of highly trained and diverse scholars into America’s workforce. By growing together, we are leveraging our expertise and creating a more equitable and diverse workforce at Dollar General and across the country.

DOLLAR GENERAL IMPACT Nashville 62 High School Students

Houston 50 High School Students

Birmingham Launch

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DOLLAR GENERAL INTERNS ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS

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INROADS ALUMNI ARE DOING GREAT THINGS! We want to highlight you on our website, social media, and future issues of The Intelligence magazine.

TELL US YOUR STORY!

Complete the alumni stories form at

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VOLUNTEER WITH INROADS Share your professional expertise and help prepare the next generation of leaders.

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ALUMNI Kelly Jackson graduated from Northern Illinois University and currently works as the Vice President People and Culture Capability. Named to Crain’s Chicago list of notable HR/ DE&I executives, she continues to excel in her field. Jackson’s first internship with InRoads was for Zurich American Insurance designing brochures as a Sophomore. When asked about her time at InRoads, this is what she had to say:

KELLY JACKSON Vice President People and Culture Capability

“Inroads had a profound impact on my professional career. The Inroads experience provided me with exposure, experience, and knowledge to navigate the corporate landscape. I loved the friendship and connections I made throughout my Inroads experience, but I am extremely grateful for the corporate training and knowledge that was imparted on me. Having not worked in a corporate environment, Inroads equipped interns with the key skills needed to be successful.

Take advantage of the workshops and developmental offers Inroads provides. During your internship experience, take on added responsibilities, develop your skills, and most importantly make a name for yourself. Ensure you focus on getting to know those leaders that can support your growth and success.”

Mark Wilson graduated from the University of Southern California in 1996 and currently works on the Board of Directors. His first internship with INROADS was as a Financial Analyst at The Walt Disney Company, budgeting for the Worldwide Consumer Products Division as a Sophomore in 1994. This is his Inroads story:

“As the son of immigrant parents, I had very little resources in the form of professional networks or mentorship when trying to begin my career in corporate America. INROADS taught me how to interview and dress for a professional career, how to improve my resume and communication skills, and, most importantly, to put in as much as I hoped to get out of the program. My corporate sponsors and mentors also invited me to aspire to even higher education, encouraging me to eventually earn an MBA.” Now, I do my best pay it forward to future generations of immigrants, refugees and underrepresented professional candidates. Through my board roles, I hope to encourage organizations to foster a more inclusive professional culture that recognizes the contributions of all individuals. In doing so, I hope to do my part to create a more equitable and prosperous community.”

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MARK WILSON

Brand Strategist, Multifamily Property Manager, Board of Directors of St. Francis Center

SPOTLIGHT Amelia Hardy got her start as a Marketing and Finance Intern for Sprint in 1992. Six years later she was a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana. Currently, Hardy is the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Best Buy.

“INROADS provided me with a strong foundation by teaching me public speaking, how to write a resume, how to dress for success and many other critical business skills.

My internship gave me insight into how Corporate America works and how to seek out mentors and supervisors to help navigate your career experience. Most of all, I made many life long friends that share memories of our INROADS journey. My experience was so positive that I encouraged my oldest daughter to join INROADS Minneapolis-St. Paul and it is great to see her in the College Links program!” -

AMELIA HARDY

Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Best Buy

Amelia Hardy

Takisha Cabknor Lovelace had her first InRoads internship in 1992 for Bridgestone/Firestone in Nashville, TN as the Marketing Intern for their Off the Road (OTR) Department. She is currently the Vice President/COO at Affinia Healthcare in St. Louis, Missouri.

TAKISHA CABKNOR LOVELACE Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Affinia Healthcare

“INROADS impacted my career journey by providing me with a foundation for success in not only my professional life but my personal life also. My pre-college and college experience is something that I look back on fondly because it shaped me during my formative years around what it meant in my mind to be successful. They covered public speaking, dressing for success, interviewing skills, the importance of mentorship and so much more that I have carried with me throughout my adult life. These things are all skills that are needed for any young adult with aspirations to succeed in life.

I love INROADS because they became a family of sorts as well as a place that allowed me to define and visualize what success looked like specifically for me as well as the tools on how to get there.”

I would advise any youth who have professional aspirations in any industry to never underestimate the importance of mentorship. Gaining advice and guidance from someone who is can provide professional and high-quality feedback is invaluable. It will set you on the path to success because you don’t have to go it alone. Seek out advice and assistance from those who have already tread the path before you. There are people out there who want to help; utilize them!”

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Join A Local 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

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Alumni Chapter NEW JERSEY CHAPTER

NEW YORK CHAPTER

YUVI SINGH

BENJAMIN LIOUE

newjerseyalumni@INROADS.org

nycalumni@INROADS.org

Data Scientist at Slalom Consulting

Audit Manager at The Clearing House

RALEIGH, DURHAM, CHAPEL HILL CHAPTER

ORLANDO CHAPTER

Principal Consultant & Chief Strategist at Solutions Consulting Services

orlandoalumni@INROADS.org

nctrianglealumni@INROADS.org

TAMPA CHAPTER

WISCONSIN CHAPTER

NIKKI GASKIN-CAPEHART

DALE GILLIAM

DEWARREN LANGLEY

Senior Coach, The NGC Team Network of Gifted Consultants

President at GBG Insurance Agency

tampaalumni@INROADS.org

wisconsinalumni@INROADS.org

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INROADS.org 10 South Broadway, Suite 800, St. Louis, Missouri 63102