Leadership traits; guiding or taking charge are attributes available to people of all ages, races and sexes. The National Black MBA Association, Inc. Pittsburgh Chapter is looking for people with such traits interested in becoming leaders.
“If you are looking to build your professional skills, network and contribute as a leader within the community then our Dec. 17 Open House and Networking Session is for you,” says Lachelle Binion the groups’ vice president of operations. The event taking place at the Highmark building, 120 Fifth Ave. is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Recognizing established area community leaders and awarding potential leaders with scholarships, the group recently held its 30th Annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala. Commending the Pittsburgh chapter on their successes, Kim Wilson, vice president of strategic initiatives of the National Black MBA Association pointed out that the Chapter is truly an example of the National Black MBA Association at its best.
“You will only get to celebrate your 30th year anniversary one time inclusive of 30 years of stewardship, 30 years of investing in the next generation of leaders and 30 years of vested interest in bringing about lasting change within our communities.”
She encouraged the scholarship recipients to dream big, reminded them that it is ok to let people challenge their thoughts but not to challenge their beliefs, to surround themselves with the right people and to be a leader that dares to walk in deep water. She also pointed out that to experience true success one must go beyond what is expected and pay it forward by reaching back for others.
Keynote speaker Shawn Harper addressed the topic of, The Blind Sight of a Visionary. “Never let anyone deter your dream,” he stressed. “But first you have to have a dream. Everything around you is a product of a dream.”
He identified his dream as always wanting to play college football and playing for the NFL despite being diagnosed with four learning disabilities, possessing the lowest GPA in his high school class and the inability to complete a sentence.
Determined to overcome the negative aspects of his life Harper attended North Iowa Community College and graduated from Indiana University. Placing the letters NFL on the headboard of his bed all throughout his college years, he said, “Every day when I woke up and went to sleep that’s what I saw, NFL. I had a plan and focused on it.”
Tying his presentation into what it takes to be a leader, Harper said it is necessary to have a dream. “Write it down and focus on it. When you write it down, when you focus on it you step out of creation and you move into manifestation.” He also mentioned that it takes passion, choices and an attitude of gratitude to make it and to be a leader.
In his opinion, vision is seeing what others don’t and going where others won’t. “Most people see to believe. Visionaries believe to see. Once you cast your vision you are able to triangulate your life,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Harper pointed out that in leadership you have to be willing to step up and step out. Recognizing that we are all here because of our accessory that we also have to reach back to help others and to pass the baton. “We are here to plant seeds under the shade trees that we will never sit under and will bear fruit that we will never eat. We are here to empower and to equip to plant seeds and to break chains for the younger generations.”
Harper, a native of Columbus, Ohio is the owner of American Service Protection, a security firm and a former college and NFL player that classifies his self as a life coach, motivational and inspirational speaker. His mission is to build bridges to people’s dreams, goals and destinies.
Each year during the gala students are awarded scholarships sponsored by the group’s corporate partners and community leaders are awarded in the categories of emerging leader, lifestyle, community, education, entrepreneurship and partner of the year.
Scholarship award recipients were undergraduates; Joshua Abah; Carnegie Mellon University, Dayshawn Alexander; University of Pittsburgh and Jaron Moore also from the University of Pittsburgh.
Graduate students were Monique Manning; University of Pittsburgh, Christopher Mensah also from the University of Pittsburgh and Kamryn Thorpe who attends Duquesne University.
Other award recipient categories were emerging leader, lifestyle, community, education, entrepreneurship and partner of the year. Emerging leader; Tyra Good, PhD is founder and education consultant with Good Knowledge Connections, LLC, Lifestyle leader is Orange Arrow; Entrepreneurship Leaders is Nate Mitchell; owner of the Natural Choice Hair Salon and 720 Music Clothing Café, Education Partner is PNC Bank and UPMC is Partner of the Year.
The National Black MBA Association, Pittsburgh Chapter has existed since 1984. Its current membership of 300 consists of MBA’s, business students, entrepreneurs and other distinguished leaders in business, education, and other sectors in the community. Executive board members are: Jeanine Blackburn PhD, president; Lachelle Binion; vice president of Operations, Lisa Garland; vice president of Administration and Tamika Riley,treasurer.
Chapter directors are Leslie Brandon; education, Shelly Hogans; PBSN programs, LaTrenda Leonard, public relations and communications and Kyshira Moffett; director of membership.
