New African American student organization set to launch this Spring in The College of Business

By Samson Albert, Contributor

Recently, a University of Akron College of Business(CoB) student made a distressing observation about the makeup of their business course. As the student looked around the classroom, he realized that he was the only Black student in his class.

He didn’t feel comfortable and worried he might not be accepted by the other students in the classroom, who he felt were different from him. It turns out, he wasn’t the only one. Enter the AABA.

In collaboration with the Dean of CoB, R.J. Nemer and faculty and staff members, a group of students are es tablishing an African American Business Association chapter on the UA Campus.

This new chapter was developed to equip the sparse African American population within the College of Business with the resources, skills, and network needed to excel both academically and professionally in the business workplace. Through guidance, collaboration and networking, its goal is to cultivate a generation of diverse and innovative leaders who will shape the future of business and make a positive impact on society.

“Coming from a high school that had more African Americans than any other race, I also noticed that I was one of two African Americans in my class here at Akron,” senior financial management major and AABA vice president, Matthew Logan, said. “It was definitely a little awkward and took some getting used to.”

Feeling alone as an underrepresented group is a challenge that many students face, and it may affect their willingness to connect with others, get involved in student events, and find networking opportunities on campus, which will greatly assist them in the hiring process.

The African American Business Association is a brand-new student organization at the University of Akron that will act as a support system for UA’s Black student body who are interested in the world of business.

This student association allows Black students to feel comfortable among their peers and become closer to their own ethnic group while gaining valuable knowledge about business.

While the name of the organization is the African American Business Association, it will welcome all students with open arms, regardless of race or major.

The founding members hope it will be an opportunity for students to network not only with peers, but with many distinguished African American business professionals.

They plan to bring in several alums, senior leaders, and notable professionals to speak to the group, share their experiences, and answer any questions from members.

The AABA plans to connect with the broader African American community including faculty members from all over campus, Black undergraduates who are undecided on their majors, as well as other Black student organizations.

They want to offer networking events, keynote speakers, and local field trips to interested students.

Current member and first-year business student, Arlen Olds envisions the AABA meetings to be “collaborative, creative, and inspiring, as well as a safe space for everyone who decides to join.”

College of Business Alum and current Marketing Associate for Pfizer, Traiana Boyer, is looking forward to helping the AABA student members find success.

“As a company, we must represent everyone in the community, so it is important to have different perspectives to best serve the needs of the many people groups in the population,” Boyer said.

Like the founding members of the AABA, she also recalled being one of very few African Americans in her classes.

“Having a club like this gives Black students empowerment and a sense of community, and seeing successful leaders who look like them shows Black students that there are opportunities for them to thrive,” Boyer said.

The AABA faculty advisor Latoria Hamilton is an Associate Professor of Finance and Director of the Risk Management Insurance Program in the College of Business. She brings remarkable experience, knowledge, and mentorship to the organization.

As advisor, Hamilton feels strongly about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

“It fosters environments of respect, fairness and belonging, which in turn contributes towards the elimination of economic, social, and health disparities among minorities.”

The officers of the organization are excited to have Hamilton and feel she brings remarkable experience, knowledge, and mentorship to AABA.

“Responsibilities for members are to just be present and take full advantage of the organization,” stated VP Matthew Logan.

The AABA is open to everyone who is in good academic standings with the University. If interested, students can email me at sba24@uakron.edu and follow AABA on Instagram @ AkronAABA (https://www.instagram. com/akronaaba/).