National Black MBA Association Conference Reignites Student’s Ambition
Daniels supports online, part-time and full-time MBA students with funding to attend professional conferences, participate in case competitions or take Daniels travel courses.
Originally published Feb. 4, 2025, at daniels.du.edu/blog.
Eboni Williams
Just before the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Conference in mid-September, Eboni Williams had a moment of doubt. Attending the conference meant flying from her small South Carolina hometown to Washington, D.C. After attending Clemson University for undergrad, traveling to a large city to attend a conference by herself while pursuing her MBA remotely through the Daniels College of Business was out of Williams’ comfort zone.
There’s a reason Daniels students learn to push themselves beyond that zone, however. It’s necessary for growth.
Williams already has a job lined up as a management consulting analyst at Accenture after she graduates next summer, but she recently found herself thinking, “What else?” Like so many twentysomethings preparing to venture out into the world, Williams had been wondering if she was on the right path, and what more she could do to give back to her community.
She learned that Daniels supports online, part-time and full-time MBA students with funding to attend professional conferences, participate in case competitions or take Daniels travel courses. If the student’s request aligns with educational and professional development goals, the College will reimburse out-of-pocket registration, travel and lodging expenses up to $1,000.
Williams said the NBMBAA Conference sparked her interest. It was aptly organized around the theme: “Driving Excellence, Empowering Transformation: AFFIRM 2024.”
The organization’s mission is to “foster economic equity and career advancement for historically underrepresented professionals and aspiring leaders through transformative educational opportunities, robust professional networks, and actionable advocacy for wealth creation and inclusion.”
Williams thought attending the conference would be a great opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and connect with like-minded business professionals.
“I’ve always been a little more reserved,” she said, “but I wanted to hold myself accountable to something that I knew would be good for me, even if it was uncomfortable.”
Although students in the Daniels Online MBA program attend class virtually, the program is not exempt from the College’s “strong focus on experiential learning,” said Ruby Pierce, assistant director of MBA programs.
“We want our students to have exceptional experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom. That means increasing access to networking, conferences and other professional development opportunities,” Pierce explained. “There are some things that can only be learned from mentors, industry peers and folks who share your life experience.”
The uncertainty Williams was experiencing about her path and her connection to community came into focus during the weeklong conference. A pivotal moment, she said, was hearing Wells Fargo Executive Vice President Windy Oliver share wisdom from her career journey.
During the session, “Building a Strategic Mindset: Cultivating Habits and Practices for Effective Strategic Thinking,” Oliver spoke about taking risks in her career, which catapulted her onto the global stage as a young leader and mentor.
“Hearing her story, especially as a Black woman—I don’t know a lot of people that look like me or have a similar background as me, and that alone really inspired me,” Williams said. “It also helped me to remember that I know wholeheartedly my purpose on Earth: I’m very passionate about helping people.”
Months after returning from the conference, Williams reflected on the way she achieved her goal of pushing herself into discomfort, while reigniting her professional aspirations.
“This conference reassured me of my potential and how my ambition and goals also amplify those who look like me and need representation to be in the places they want to see themselves in one day,” she said.
Williams said the job fair, networking opportunities and keynote sessions provided “a well-rounded way of getting young Black professionals together to connect with older, more polished professionals” and was “an impactful moment” in her personal, academic and professional life.
Williams looks forward to mentoring other young Black women as she grows in her consulting career. And, in the future, she hopes to return to academia to help other students in their personal and professional development. Additionally, she dreams about owning a bookstore someday.
“When students take advantage of everything we have to offer, they position themselves for success,” Pierce said. “Eboni is a delightful person and a deeply engaged student. I know she will see that tenacity pay off down the road.”
This program is sustained by the MBA Gift Fund. It is “an excellent way for alumni to give back to Daniels and help provide these professional development opportunities for the next generation of MBA students,” said Suzy Lindley, senior program director for MBA programs. Learn more at daniels.du.edu/invest-in-daniels.
