The 10,000 Interns Foundation’s Post

Breaking News: Black United Body is Now LinkedIn-Official! Hello LinkedIn Community, Black United Body Bentley has officially touched down on LinkedIn, and we're here to bring a touch of professionalism with a dash of excitement to your feed. Who Are We? At Bentley University, we're not just an organization; we're a force of passionate individuals committed to educating and promoting black culture on and off campus. Our journey is all about diversity, cultural awareness, and academic success, and we're thrilled to share it with you on this professional platform! Why LinkedIn? As we take the leap into the LinkedIn realm, it's all about connecting with professionals who share our enthusiasm for BUB. This is the space where ideas meet opportunities, and we want you to be part of our professional journey. Connect & Collaborate: Whether you're a current or former member, a fellow enthusiast, or someone looking to delve into our initiatives, we invite you to connect with us. Follow our page for updates, insights, and to join the conversation. Stay in the Loop: - Follow us here: https://lnkd.in/ditqBHid  - Engage with our content - your insights matter! - Look out for upcoming events and noteworthy announcements. Thank you for being part of our LinkedIn debut. We're excited to build a community where professionalism meets passion. Let's connect, collaborate, and elevate together! #BlackUnitedBody #LinkedInDebut #ProfessionalJourney #diversityequityinclusion #studentengagement #studentleadership

👋🏿 Meet Kennedy Studdard, Director, MAIP Alumni & Education Programs. 🌟 A little known fact about me: I have a huge passion for food, cooking, and the culinary world. I've attended several food festivals and hope to get to more this year! Moreover, I'm hoping to start a garden 🌱 and grow my own produce starting this year. 🌟 Three words that sum up my experience in the industry: Memorable, Challenging, Impactful 🌟 Advice for my younger self: Your timing is YOUR timing, so bet on yourself the first time. Also everything will turn out just fine so trust the process! 🌟 What Black History Month means to me:  Black History Month is a celebration of culture, community, identity, creativity and joy. It's a month-long reminder of the pride and brilliance that comes with being Black. It's a reflection of our history, the good and the bad, and it encourages what's possible for the future. Black pride lives all year long. 🌟 How I would like the industry to recognize Black History Month: Honor and recognize those who embody this identity – elevate and raise them up; support, sponsor and provide access, resources and opportunities. This industry can do more, and it starts with inviting folks to the table (or letting them build their own and fully supporting that process). Invest in programs like 4A's Foundation MAIP and continue the commitment even after the summer ends – we can do so much more when unified! ✊🏿✨ #4AsBlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth

Celebrating Oliver Lewis: A Legacy of Resilience and Inclusivity 🏇🏾 This Black History Month, we pay tribute to an extraordinary figure in sports history, Oliver Lewis, and his landmark victory in the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. Riding Aristides to victory, Lewis's achievement is not just a testament to his exceptional talent as a jockey but also an enduring symbol of resilience and inclusivity in the face of adversity by African Americans. 🌟 Emotional Intelligence in Action Oliver Lewis's triumph represents a profound display of emotional intelligence (EI). Amidst the post-Civil War era's racial tensions, Lewis exhibited remarkable self-awareness, composure, and empathy. His ability to navigate a challenging social landscape, maintaining focus and grace under pressure, serves as an inspiring example of the power of EI in overcoming obstacles and fostering unity. 🤝 A Milestone for Inclusivity Lewis's win in the Derby, at a time when African American jockeys were both common and facing immense discrimination, highlighted the critical importance of inclusivity in sports and beyond. It reminded us that talent knows no racial boundaries and that achievements are possible through collaboration and mutual respect, transcending societal prejudices. As we reflect on Oliver Lewis's legacy, let's draw inspiration from his story to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of life. Let his victory remind us of the importance of embracing EI to navigate complex social environments and the transformative impact of inclusivity on achieving collective success. This Black History Month, let's commit to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of African Americans throughout history, and let's continue to work towards a future where diversity and empathy enrich every aspect of our society. #BlackHistoryMonth #OliverLewis #EmotionalIntelligence #Inclusivity #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership

Black History Month is like a fabulous fiesta of enlightenment and education, where we all gather 'round to celebrate the rich tapestry of the Black community's histories, traditions, and culture. It's like a month-long party where we shake off the shackles of ignorance and dance our way towards a future free of racism and discrimination. Sure, America has come a long way since the Civil War, but let's not pat ourselves on the back just yet. We still have work to do, my friends. We need to transform this country into an inclusive and safe haven, where people from all walks of life have equal access to opportunities. Black History Month serves as a gentle reminder that we can't rest on our laurels. We need to dig deep, learn about the true history of America, and strive for a better world. So, during the month of February, let's put on our thinking caps and dive headfirst into the past. Let's uncover the hidden gems and untold stories that have shaped our nation.

Join us as we continue celebrating Black History Month and honor the Black community's rich contributions, resilience, and achievements while helping to inspire inclusivity, diversity, and education for every student. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting our Board Members who are impacting Eastern Shore youth through their professional leadership and supporting the JA mission. Our next Board Member Highlight is Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Ed. D.! 💡 Professional Role: "Talbot County Superintendent of Schools" 💡 JA Role: "Caroline & Talbot County Board Member" 💡 Why did you get involved with JA?: "As a lifelong educator, the mission of Junior Achievement is extremely important to me. Teaching financial literacy and work and career readiness aligns with our educational standards. It provides the opportunity for our students to visualize their future as successful members of the local and global economic community." 💡 What does Black History Month mean to you?: "It begins with understanding the purpose of Black History Month and sharing it with our students, staff, and community. It was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans throughout history and today, and how this is embedded in the fabric of our nation. Our African American students need to see these contributions recognized and celebrated as they make decisions about how to approach their educational journey and opportunities. My hope is that they continue to be inspired and encouraged." 💡 How do you apply these sentiments to the JA mission?: "Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. I see Black History Month as an opportunity to inspire students to achieve, lead, and build their legacy to be celebrated now and in the future. Specific to African American students, I am hopeful they do see themselves as future business owners, presidents of corporations and one day being leaders in their communities and adding value to the global economy." 💡 What is one thing you are excited about in the future of JA?: "I am very excited about the learning opportunity presented by the Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center. This state-of-the-art facility will provide elementary, middle, and high school students the opportunity to learn about financial literacy, including personal finance and budgeting, and explore future careers in different industries. Exposing students to all of this will be truly transformative!"

What does Juneteenth mean for Destination Crenshaw’s Jason Foster? For Jason, the day serves as an inspiration to continue Destination Crenshaw’s efforts in preserving and celebrating Black culture and creating economic and workforce development opportunities.  Read more about what Juneteenth means to Jason, and learn why Black-owned spaces, including businesses, are important in supporting the prosperity of the Black community at: https://irvine.ly/3xxp2Af 

Meet Gabrielle Palmer CAGS, NCSP, who works in human resources at BMC as an organizational development and effectiveness trainer. This Black History Month, Gabby shares more about her role, how her background influences her work and why she is #BMCproud this month. 💭 What is your role at BMC? 🗣 I train our staff on various non-clinical topics, including cultural responsiveness. This training helps employees provide exceptional care by knowing their patients (“cultural competence”) and checking their biases (“cultural humility”). We're proud to say that in four months, we’ve trained almost 5,000 people who work in areas like ambulatory, nursing, pharmacy, food and nutrition, and support services. As employees, it is our job to build bridges to meet our patients where they’re at, not the other way around. I feel that after cultural responsiveness training, our employees are more likely to stop and ask, ‘What assumptions am I making about this patient? And how have they affected the care I am providing?’ It feels so good to know that by changing just one person’s perspective, I can improve hundreds of patients’ experiences. 💭 How does your background influence your work? 🗣 My mom immigrated from Guyana when she was 17 and has worked in education her entire life. My dad is from Jamaica, and he started out as a special education teacher. So, the importance of education was always instilled in me. I think about how I can make our content as trustworthy and accessible as possible for everyone, particularly folks who come from BIPOC backgrounds. 💭 What does Black History Month mean to you? 🗣 For me, it’s about building that critical consciousness to learn and understand. It’s a time to focus on icons of our history and monumental shifts in perspectives and a chance to really listen to the stories, lessons, and experiences of Black Americans. There’s a lot of power in just being heard and seen and believed. I hope that we get to a point in the near future where our focus on Black history is not catapulted by traumatic events. I have hope that as a society we will get there. I think we've been inching closer and closer every day. Black History Month is a time for reflection and celebration of the incredible contributions made by Black people. Black history continues to shape BMC Health System’s ability to close health disparities through our innovative and equitable care.

As Black History Month begins, I'm actively seeking ways to de-center my whiteness and translate learning into sustained action. Recognizing the triggering impact of performative gestures, I'm approaching this process with genuine commitment and self-reflection. This month, I'm challenging myself to move beyond "allieship," get my hands dirty, and embrace the role of co-conspirator, actively working alongside Black communities to dismantle systemic racism. Here are some initial avenues I'm exploring: ↗ Reading Ibram X. Kendi's book, "How to Be an Antiracist." ↗ Volunteering as a mentor with the Rhode Island Black Business Association | RIBBA. ↗ Seeking out and amplifying Black voices within my professional network and community. ↗ Creating space for uncomfortable conversations and actively listening to diverse perspectives. This journey is ongoing, and I believe collective action is essential. What actions are you taking to become an antiracist? What resources have helped you on this path? How can we support each other in holding ourselves accountable and creating lasting change?

Please check out this reflection on three incredible women who shaped my education and career!!

February is #UnitedBlackWorldMonth, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions and achievements of African Americans. At Ohio State, we are proud to support our Black students and alumni, who are oftentimes #firstgeneration students breaking new ground for themselves and their families. In fact, according to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, 59% of African American college students are first-generation*. As the first in their families to pursue higher education, these students exemplify motivation, courage and perseverance. Many have overcome significant obstacles to get to college and continue to face challenges of access, inclusion and affordability. The Ohio State Alumni Association is happy to celebrate these trailblazing first-generation Buckeyes. Their accomplishments are an important part of Black history in the making. I also want to reaffirm our commitment to expanding opportunity and supporting the success of all students, including those who are first-generation, and might need a boost. With that in mind, I would like to invite any first-generation students or alumni to share their stories with us using the link below. We want to highlight your achievements and experiences and amplify the voices of the modern trailblazers making a difference for their families and communities through the pursuit of higher education. We have more work to do to break down barriers to college access and degree completion. This United Black World Month, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come and the achievements of those who paved the way. Share your story: https://lnkd.in/dY6P-R4X *Source https://lnkd.in/dPdrsDXG