Empowering the Future
NBMBAA empowers transformation during 46th annual conference and exposition.
Since its inception in 1970, the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) has been dedicated to enhancing and developing the educational and economic empowerment of African Americans. It is the largest network of Black professionals, with more than 11,000 members and 34 local chapters. Each year, the association hosts an annual conference and career expo. The 2024 event took place in the dynamic city of Washington, D.C. from Sept. 17–21, bringing together leaders, innovators, and aspiring professionals committed to shaping the future of the Black business community.
Dr. Tan Morales, chief learning officer of NBMBAA, recognized the significant impact the organization has on the Black community. “What I value most about the NBMBAA is our ability to empower and uplift Black professionals across all industries. We foster not only career development but also personal growth, creating a community where members can connect, collaborate, and unlock their full potential.”
The 2024 conference theme, Affirm, reflected the associationʼs ongoing commitment to fostering growth, adaptability, and the assertion of identity and purpose within the Black business community. “At a time when diverse leadership is more crucial than ever, we want to affirm the value that Black professionals bring to the table and ensure they feel empowered to own their narratives,” said Dr. Morales.
The conference featured several noteworthy moments, including an opening keynote by distinguished leaders such as Carla Harris from Morgan Stanley, who emphasized the significance of effective leadership. The career expo connected 9,000 members and non-members with companies seeking to recruit diverse talent.
Additionally, three inaugural events were presented. The Political Town Hall, featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Marc Lamont Hill, and NBMBAA CEO H. Beecher Hicks III, focused on policies affecting education and wealth-building in the Black community. The ERG Summit equipped employee resource group leaders with essential strategies to drive change, while the Sports and Entertainment Summit convened industry leaders like Will Packer and Marcus Scribner alongside conference co-chairs Jason Wright of the Washington Commanders and Danita Johnson of D.C. United.
Post conference, Dr. Morales recommended that attendees stay connected with the new contacts theyʼve made. “Relationships are key to professional growth, and the conference provides a unique opportunity to build a strong network. I also encourage members to apply what theyʼve learned from the sessions and workshops. Whether itʼs refining leadership skills or implementing new strategies at work, the true value comes from applying insights in real-world settings. Finally, getting involved with their local NBMBAA chapters can help keep the momentum going year-round.”
According to Dr. Morales, the feedback from this latest conference has been overwhelmingly positive. She said that attendees have praised the depth and diversity of the content, the quality of networking opportunities, and the overall experience of being part of such a dynamic association. “Moving forward, members can expect even more focus on leadership development, with our new Premiere Status program. We are committed to evolving and growing alongside our members and are excited to welcome everyone to Houston for our 47th Annual Conference and Career Expo, the year of Transform.”
