The 40th Annual Howard E. Mitchell Memorial Conference – Black Wharton Undergraduate Association

As one of BWUA’s flagship events, the Howard E. Mitchell Memorial (HEMM) Conference is a premier gathering focused on academic growth, professional development, and community building for Black students. This year’s theme, “Culture as Capital: Owning Our Narrative, Owning Our Future,” emphasized the value of cultural identity in career success. The day included keynotes, panels, interactive workshops, and a career fair with leaders from business, healthcare, finance, and technology. I attended as a participant to learn from industry leaders, network with professionals, and strengthen my understanding of how culture impacts leadership and career advancement. The event helped me gain insights on effective networking, leadership, and leveraging my identity and experiences for professional growth. Sponsored by the Black Wharton Undergraduate Association, this event contributes to both my professional skills and broader understanding of diversity in business leadership—with skills and perspectives that directly relate to my MIS coursework on leadership, communication, and diversity in organizations.

