Scholar students participate in Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute

Four students from Alcorn State University attended the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute (TMCFLI) Friday, Oct. 26 through Wednesday, Oct. 30 in Washington, D. C. 

Moriah Batiest, Janine Hume- Dawson, Robert Tatum, Jr., and RaShunda Veals were among the 405 Leadership Scholars in attendance. The purpose of the Leadership Institute is to provide Historically Black College & University (HBCU) students the opportunity to network with fortune 500 companies while gaining essential leadership skills that will help them make connections and succeed in their careers.

During the four-day Leadership Institute, students attended several sessions where they learned how to enhance their leadership skills and received advice on how to excel and be productive after accepting a job.

Dawson, a senior psychology major, explained her experience.

"The Leadership Institute allowed me to connect and meet with esteemed African-American professionals in the corporate world. I received valuable advice regarding financial stability, curating generational wealth, the importance of code-switching in the workplace, and how to handle racism in the workplace," said Dawson.

Dawson elaborated on her interview with Georgia Pacific, which was one of the companies offering internships and job opportunities to the scholars during the event. 

"I was given the opportunity to interview with representatives with Georgia Pacific and walked away with a job offer. I was able to network with my peers and see Black excellence. I left humbled and grateful for the opportunity to attend."

The TMCFLI concluded with the 31st Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Anniversary Awards Gala, which is a time for celebration and for recognizing individuals who have a positive impact on his or her industry, as well as believes in education and the lives of students attending HBCUs.