Revived here, National Black MBA Association chapter proud to host regional conference
Michele Heath is elated about a business conference in November that’s expected to attract 500 professionals and graduate students to the Queen City.
The Cincinnati chapter of the National Black MBA Association is hosting the conference. Heath, president of the association’s Cincinnati chapter since March 2007, has spent seven months working with past chapter president Veronica Chapman and national representative Terry Bankston planning the event.
Heath says the conference is important for the Cincinnati chapter, which was inactive from 2004-07. The theme is: “Mideast Regional Leadership Conference and Diversity Career fair, Change, Challenge and Opportunity: Investing for the next Decade.” it will be held Nov. 11-13 at the Cincinnati Westin Hotel downtown with a job fair, leadership development and entrepreneurial workshops and networking opportunities.
Heath is a program leader for West Chester-based Humana RightSource, the firm’s pharmacy division. she talked to Enquirer reporter Jeff McKinney about the November event.
WHEN WAS THE local Black MBA chapter started and why did it shut down?
The chapter was started in 1989. it went inactive from 2004 until 2007 because of a lack of corporate support and the inability to keep and attract black MBAs to the city. most black MBAs spend two to three years in Cincinnati to gain work experience, and move to a bigger market that provides more social networking opportunities for minority professionals.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED to membership since the local chapter started up again?
It has grown steadily from 65 members in 2007 to 115 now, including lifetime members. we attribute the gain to corporate sponsors getting back involved with the chapter and our group increasing the number of events and activities for members. We’ve also been able to attract more high school students with the Leaders of Tomorrow Program. (That program provides mentoring, cultural awareness and other services to help minority students with strong potential to become successful professionals.)
WHY IS THE upcoming regional conference important for the chapter?
It’s key because it means the Cincinnati chapter will host the third annual conference for the Black MBA’s Mideast region. The event is expected to attract black MBA professionals from five states stretching from Kentucky to upper New York. so for the Cincinnati chapter to be the host selection for this year’s conference shows that the chapter is well on its way for a great comeback.
WHAT TYPE OF participation is expected at the job fair from employers?
Thus far we have about 20 corporations and institutions signed to participate, including Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Hospital Center, Meridian Bioscience, Walmart, Humana, Xavier University and University of Louisville. They will be trying to fill jobs in many areas, including accounting, finance, human resources and operations. Given the recession and the weak job market, we hope this job fair will bring more diverse talent into Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
WHY IS IT important for the local Black MBA chapter to maintain a presence?
Black MBAs are important for the Cincinnati market to develop leadership and professional talent at its businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups. these professionals also have a positive impact on the region’s economic well being based on their incomes. Finally, we need the organization to help bring more diversity to local corporations.
Jeff McKinney
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