The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), in partnership with Hennessy, has announced the fifth cohort of Hennessy Fellows, a landmark initiative designed to empower the next generation of Black leaders across the country that spans various industries. Since its inception, over 30 students have completed the innovative program which provides HBCU students with financial assistance, training and professional development and curated corporate development experiences.
Along with an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina for the boot camp, each fellow will receive executive coaching, a scholarship of up to $20,000 per academic year, a $10,000 annual stipend for other educational-related expenses and an opportunity to receive an additional grant of $10,000 for a community-related project.
This year's 2023 Hennessy Fellows include Tia Pope (North Carolina A&T State University), Ph. D, Information Technology; William Gaspard, Jr. (Southern University Law Center), JD Candidate; Morgan Newton ( Morgan State University), MBA Candidate; Hannah Bruns (Howard University School of Law) JD Candidate; Giordan Rose (Savannah State University) MBA Candidate; Latia Boney (Howard University), MBA Candidate; Brandon Moise (Clark Atlanta University), MBA Candidate; Karmyn Tatum (Florida A&M University), MBA Candidate; Cierra Robinson (Morgan State University), Ph. D, Higher Education Administration.
Dr. Harry Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, expressed his excitement about the announcement of the latest cohort of Hennesey fellows.
“Since 1987, Thurgood Marshall College Fund has equipped and empowered students at historically Black colleges and universities to thrive in the business sector,” Williams told EBONY. “When Hennessy approached TMCF with a ground-breaking idea involving HBCU graduate students, there was an immediate organizational alignment to improve the current landscape in Corporate America. together, and TMCF and Hennessy conceived the Hennessy Fellows Program.”
“We understand that ascending to the highest levels of corporate leadership requires having access to more than just an Ivy League education,” he added. “African American leaders need opportunities to learn development skills, build their network, develop business acumen, and gain tangible professional experiences which Hennessy Fellows provides. Now, in the fifth year, Hennessy Fellows has emerged as the preeminent fellowship program for HBCU students to unlock the C-Suite’s secrets to success.”
Jasmin Allen, Senior Vice President of Hennessy U.S., added, “Hennessy is proud to champion the next generation of Black leaders through our Hennessy Fellows Program. In partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, we have created a platform to provide HBCU students with the skills, executive coaching and networking opportunities to achieve their goals and secure positions across the corporate sector.”
According to McKinsey, Black employees make up 14 percent of the nation’s workforce but occupy only 7 percent of managerial positions. Additionally, the number drops to 5 and 4 percent in senior manager, vice president and senior vice president positions.
