WGC

The WGC Leaders of Tomorrow Mentoring Program mentors were honored as part of the 2012 Mentoring Institute of the United Way Coastal Fairfield County's Annual "Thank You to Our Mentors Dinner". If you are interested in mentoring or volunteering your time in any way to positively impact the life of the young people in our community, please 

Click Here for LOT Overview Document

Click Here for Mentor Application

Click Here for Videos for our LOT Program

E Mail: lot@nbmaba-wgc.org

"Picture features Program Directors from the Mentoring Institute's
Program Members"

 By Ny-Aja Boyd, 10th grade

Waking up for an average high school student is hard, let alone on winter break to attend college tours.  However, on March 23, 2011, a group of the National Black MBA Association LEADERS OF TOMORROW (LOT) students did just this!  I, Ny-Aja Boyd, was among these students.  As we departed from the parking lot of Norwalk Community College, I pulled out a pen and paper to take notes on my future schools.  About thirty minutes later, while walking among the buildings of the University of New Haven, I realized that in just a few years this could be my reality.  I would soon have to deal with the challenges, excitement and benefits of being a college freshman.  Thankfully, I am part of programs like LOT which has prepared and set me on the right track with college preparation tools and information.

I found the tour of the University of New Haven very informative.  It helped me realize just what kind of college I would plan on attending.  See, the University of New Haven is a small college with 35 buildings and a 15:1 student teacher ratio; perfect for a student like me, that needs alone time with her professors.  I also thought it was in a perfect area - since this would be my first time away from home and it’s not too far for a weekend visit.  The college also had diversity which is good for meeting all types of new people and networking.  Overall, I felt this school was a good one to keep on the college list for a potential school or backup. 

Upon completing the tour of University of New Haven, we then continued on to Wesleyan College.  At this school we were able to experience real college food.  I must say, it is not like your mother’s cooking, but you can certainly reach your goal of the freshmen 15!  Wesleyan College is a Liberal Arts school, which means that students are welcome to explore outside of their ideal majors.  Although I am not sure if this school is the right fit for me yet, many students interested in Wesleyan College would very well be attracted to its 46 majors and its diversity of over 60 countries represented.  The tour of Wesleyan College did excite and encourage me to look into other liberal arts schools similar to its structure.

Overall I felt the college tour was a great experience for students like me to be able to look at colleges and see which one they feel they belonged at.  Many students are not aware of the college process and what it takes to get there, therefore programs like LOT are able to further enhance student’s leadership skills and prepare them for the next step, college.

The goal of the WGC Member-Mentor program is to give every member of the WGC chapter an opportunity to connect one-on-one with another member through a structured process for personal and professional development.

The program is intended to foster deeper and more meaningful relationships between those who need guidance in professional development and those who can guide appropriately. Guidance covers areas such as career success; professional development; skill evaluation and development; career insight, access and change; and life and attitude success.

 On March 17^th the WGC met at the Holiday Inn Select in Stamford, CT to present the program and provide details on how to get involved.  Leading the evening was Michelle Portia.  Michelle is a facilitator, coach, speaker and author. She is the owner of inner    dimensions, llc which has the overall vision of empowering organizations and people to identify their own goals, create their own plans and paths, and maximize their own potential.  They provide unique business techniques that include using one-on-one, small and large group sessions to teach managers and employees how to develop communication skills and how to increase personal and professional effectiveness. 

Before and after the seminar and program, participants had a chance to network, enjoy refreshments and get to know each other.  In true WGC fashion, connections were made and members were enlightened about all the exciting resources the WGC has available to support our members. 

By Chris Price, Membership Chair

New Membership Chair:

                 Christopher Price is the new 2011 Membership Chair.  Chris has been a member of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) since 2007, and was selected to chair the 2011 Westchester and Greater Connecticut (WGC) chapters Membership Committee in the fall of 2010 where he currently serves.

                 Chris is a dynamic young professional and emerging talent at the world’s largest privately held and top 15 overall pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI).  As a respected BIPI employee with 7 plus years of successful results oriented performance, Chris brings with him several areas of expertise and tremendous business acumen.  Chris is building a successful career taking on various roles of increasing responsibilities in successful multi-functional project, program, operations, and financial management experience.

Chris hales from Danbury, CT, by way of Greensboro, NC.  He graduated from Danbury High School where he was a stellar student-athlete, earning several honors, including All-American honors in track and field and several other notable track and field and football honors.  Chris continued his education, and his athletics at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY where he received a BA in Communications and Public Relations.  When Chris wasn’t excelling in the classroom, he was dominating on the football field, where he was a Football Sub-Division (formerly Division 1AA) All-American running back in 2002.  Chris has a Masters Certificate in Applied Project Management from Villanova University, and received his MBA in Health Care Management from Capella University.

Thank you for attending our 5th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala:

Thank you to everyone who attended the WGC 5^th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala at the Stamford Hilton. We invite you to share in the memories and invite you to visit our photo gallery on our website for great images from the Gala.  Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for the upcoming 2011 Membership Meeting, June 16th.

Membership Survey:

Our 2011 Membership Survey will be distributed in Q2 to all members to collect essential feedback from you on your membership and how we as a chapter can maintain or enhance the value of your membership and your overall experience.  It is important that you participate in this process as our goal is 100 percent participation. Please spare a few moments to complete the survey and help our chapter continue to grow and improve the value to our members and corporate partners.  The deadline to complete this survey is May 18, 2011.

Click here to take the survey

by Tamika Pettway

State Farm has been a sponsor of the National Black MBA Association Westchester/Greater Connecticut Chapter since 2008.  We have proudly earned the “Corporate Sponsor of the Year” award, as well as the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for State Farm Agent George Boyce. 

                 Recently we attended the Chapter’s Annual Scholarship Awards Gala.  As usual, we heard from a riveting guest speaker and networked with many engaging people.  It is always a pleasure to celebrate with chapter members who receive recognition for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. 

Being a corporate sponsor of the WGC Chapter has been, and continues to be, a great value for the State Farm Agency Recruiting Department, especially with the chapter’s focus on entrepreneurship.  This partnership allows us to introduce NBMBA professionals to what State Farm offers holistically and to our agency opportunity in particular.  We know our dollars go to a great cause – to support local youth and upcoming leaders in attaining their collegiate dreams.

What about their dreams after college?  Being an entrepreneur can be a risky endeavor in today’s economy, as the cost of supplies, personnel and facilities continue to escalate.  The trick is to find a strong backer.

This is where State Farm agency shines as a safe way to launch and own a business.  As an independent contractor, you set your own goals, hire your own staff, build your own customer base… but you do it with the support of the largest auto and fire insurance company in the country.  It’s the best of both worlds!

“State Farm is always looking for successful people to become agents,” says Agency Recruiter Tamika Pettway.  “We need men and women who want to be leaders in their communities with the backing of a premier company and its full array of products to protect the finances of everyday households.”

As a State Farm agent, you are a trusted resource for people seeking financial security and insurance protection for their families. Being a State Farm agent is about more than just hard work; it’s commitment to your policyholders and the community at large.  Here’s what we do to get you there:

· Paid training and side-by-side mentor agent coaching

· One of the most attractive incentive and rewards program in the industry

· A work environment that allows you control over your time

· Opportunity to represent a full range of insurance and financial services products

· National marketing and advertising support

· The highest retention rate of agents in the industry

Do you want the opportunity to lead your own State Farm agency, make some money, and help people manage the risks of everyday life and realize their dreams?

“You’re helping people,” says Agency Recruiter      Michelle Hare.  “If you want to make a positive impact in your community, this is a wonderful opportunity for you.  Agents are role models and community leaders who thrive in that influential role.”

State Farm has been selling insurance and financial services for more than 80 years.  The company prides itself on being there for its customers during times of great need and helping them recover from the unexpected.  The top auto and fire insurer in the nation, State Farm also offers banking, investment products and other financial services.

“It’s running your own business with the backing of a giant corporation,” says Pettway.  “If you’re ready for a change and want to make a difference, this may be just what you’re looking for.” 

State Farm thanks the NBMBA for a rewarding partnership and looks forward to ongoing work with the WGC chapter.  For more information about the State Farm agency opportunity, please contact:

Tamika Pettway

 Tamika.pettway.mgvx@statefarm.com    

 203-314-1516

  by Nicole Campbell, Programs Chair

On December 16, 2010, the NBMBAA-WGC Chapter celebrated the holidays at The Ritz Carlton, in downtown White Plains, NY.  Members, corporate partners and friends enjoyed a festive evening at the very top of the Ritz at Restaurant 42’s Sky Club. Guest had spectacular and panoramic views of White Plains, while dining on appetizers, dancing and taking pleasure in the evening.
In the spirit of the holidays, our generous members gave an unwrapped toy to be donated to the Blythedale Children's Hospital, in Valhalla, NY. The hospital is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis, care and treatment of children with complex medical and rehabilitative needs. The evening ended with a raffle where guests received various gifts ranging from personal stereo speakers to wine and other spirits.
Please visit our website at www.nbmbaa-wgc.org and view our calendar for upcoming events in 2011. Hope to see you all soon.

2011 PROGRAMS

(Subject to change please review details on the  website calendar:  www.nbmbaa-wgc.org)

Monroe College Event - 5/2

Salsa & Soul Event - 5/19

Career Fair/Business Expo - 6/14

2nd Quarter Membership Meeting – 6/16

National Case Competition - 6/23 to 6/26

Family BBQ - 7/16

Professional Development Event - 7/28

Diageo Event - 8/17

Health & Wellness Summit - 9/10

3rd Qtr. Membership Mtg. - 9/29

National Conference, Atlanta –10/4 to 10/8

CEO Panel - 10/20

Leadership Development Summit – 11/3

4th Quarter Membership Meeting – 11/17

Holiday Party - 12/15

by Nicole Campbell, Programs Chair 

On February 19, 2011 at the Stamford Hilton, in Stamford, Connecticut, the NBMBAA-WGC chapter held its 5^th annual scholarship and awards gala. This year’s theme, “We are the Change we Seek: Overcoming Obstacles to Celebrate Achievements” was chosen to encourage our members and partners  that in order to rise above the challenges we face in our lives, we as individuals have to be the driving force to change our circumstances and achieve what we want in life. The chapter was also acknowledged as having won Chapter of the Year for 2010. This distinction is due in part to the support of our members, corporate and community partners and the dynamic leadership of the WGC. Mr. Michael McNeil, Immediate-Past President was also recognized and honored for his dedication and outstanding leadership to the chapter.

This year the WGC, awarded over $49,000 in scholarships to our Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT), undergraduate and graduate students.  The awardees were as follows: LOT Students: Chad Ennis, Khea Gibbs, Deandre Horton-Williams, Dane Mellad, Joshua Oliver, Jessica Romeus, Brandon Simmons, Fabienne Tassy, Wyseleen Valcourt, Colin Walters, Jerome Dallas, Shantasia Best, Marc Civil; 2011 Undergraduate Award Recipients: Brittany Blount,Tamara Carson, Ashlee Dubois, Lyneisha Dukes, Justina Ejiofor, Tatiana Flowers, Anika Hall, Ricardo Hernandez, Brandon Homer, Amber Jones, Alexandra Knight, Cinnamon Lewis, Carla Primus, Schikella Redhead, Ericka Somerville, Renee Sweeney, Liang-Jian Wu; 2011 Graduate Award Recipients: Stacy Cabrall, Ricardo Baez, Ilene Raymond.

The chapter also gave 6 awards to individuals and organizations that have helped make the WGC Chapter of the Year. The winners were as follows: MBA of the Year, Benjamin Jackson; President’s Award, Andrea Carter; Community Partner of the Year, The Boys and Girls Club of Stamford, Mike Cotela; Educational Institution of the Year, Dr. Roberta Harris; Corporate Partner of the Year, Pepperidge Farm and Entrepreneur of the Year, Jere Eaton.

Our corporate partners were also in attendance. The generous support and contributions from our wonderful corporate sponsors have contributed to the success of this amazing chapter. Our sponsors included: Praxair, Diageo, GE, Pitney Bowes, Boehringer Ingelheim, Erie Insurance, Pepperidge Farm, Purdue Pharma, Starwood Hotels, State Farm, UBS and Prudential.

The WGC was also presented with several proclamations from many distinguished dignitaries from Westchester County, New York and Connecticut.  The dignitaries included, Congressman Jim Himes of the 4^th Congressional District of Connecticut, presented by Services Director to Representative Himes, Shante Hanks; from the office of Westchester County Executive, Robert P. Astorino, Communications Director Ned McCormack and Assistant to the County Executive, Joseph Kenner; Mayor Michael Pavia, Stamford CT; and from Westchester County Board of Legislators, Lyndon Williams of 13th Legislative District in Mount Vernon, New York.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Emmy award winning broadcaster, Mr. Ed Gordon who gave an inspiring speech and encouraged our youth to be the catalyst for change. Our audience was truly enlightened and uplifted by his speech and presence.