NBMBAA unveils a transformative strategy to empower Black professionals through innovation, partnerships, and sustainable growth.
The attack on Black America is real—and we cannot continue to do things the same way. As we gather at this conference today, we must already be preparing for what comes next: NBMBAA 2.0.
For 55 years, the National Black MBA Association has been a powerful force with a rich legacy. As we look to the future, we must both protect our philanthropic foundation and expand our programmatic reach. The conference will remain a key contributor to our revenue, but our lines of business must be strengthened, diversified, and reimagined.
Leveraging Our Pillars for Revenue Diversification
The future of NBMBAA demands revenue diversification. We cannot rely on the conference alone. Each of our pillars—foundation, workforce, programs & services, and membership—must be managed as a business, with strategies that generate income while staying true to our mission.
Foundation Pillar: More than philanthropy, this pillar encompasses programs, service lines, and association membership. Together, these components provide stability and growth, funding initiatives that support our members and sustain our communities.
- Programs & Services: Expanding beyond the traditional career fair, our programs must focus on workforce development, executive readiness, and advisory services—helping members manage their careers with their community while advancing toward leadership.
- Membership as a Growth Engine: By nurturing association membership, we build a sustainable ecosystem that not only engages but empowers. Membership is not just about access; it is about belonging, development, and creating value across industries and generations.
Workforce Pillar: This pillar extends opportunity to all who are seeking employment. By leveraging our partnerships with PWIs, HBCUs, and the broader marketplace, we strengthen the pipeline of Black professionals while opening our reach to diverse talent. The workforce pillar ensures NBMBAA remains a central connector between employers and a wide, inclusive talent pool.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pillar:
Picture a Black Shark Tank, sourced from our ecosystem of 82,000 people. By fostering entrepreneurial incubation, we can create new pathways to self-sufficiency. Instead of launching multiple businesses ourselves, we will partner with organizations already doing this work—using our network to accelerate their impact and amplify ours.
This also means assessing our own AI literacy and readiness while tapping into experts who are already leading in this space. Today marks the launch of that vision.
When each pillar is leveraged strategically and run with intention, we create the financial strength necessary to broaden our impact, expand opportunity, and ensure a sustainable future.
Listening to the Voices in the Room
As Darryl Reed reminded us, timetables matter—and some of these initiatives will begin as early as tomorrow. Morris Clark of Cleveland raised a vital question: How do we build trust with the marketplace? The answer is clear: through partnerships and tangible results.
Chapters are asking about their role in this new vision. Let me be clear: You will be involved. Orlando has emphasized that as we pivot, the chapters remain central—engaging communities, rallying members, and fueling this transformation.
Expanding Our Reach
The future of NBMBAA is inclusive and expansive. We must open our doors not only to MBAs but also to graduates of PWIs, HBCUs, and those whose entrepreneurial drive and leadership potential align with our mission.
We must build stronger pipelines for entrepreneurs, incubate chapter-led initiatives, and mitigate risks through thoughtful growth.
The Vision of NBMBAA 2.0
Yes, there are skeptics. Change always carries risk. But this is a real vision for a future-forward NBMBAA—one that creates new paths, engages our chapters, and redefines what leadership and opportunity look like for Black professionals.
Work begins now. We are not simply preserving our history we are building the next chapter. Together, with our chapters, members, and partners, NBMBAA 2.0 will set the standard for how we educate, empower, and lead Black professionals into the future.” — Orlando
Pam McElvane, CEO, Author & Publisher, P&L Group
CEO | Master Coach | Board Governance Expert | Data Scientist | Strategist | Publisher
Pamela McElvane, MBA, MA, MCPC, is the CEO and founder of P&L Group, Ltd which has 3 key brands: Diversity MBA Media, 3I Research Institute & Diversity Learning Solutions, headquartered in Chicago, IL. Ms. McElvane has spent more than 25 years working with large and midsize companies providing insights and best practices, leadership and executive coaching, strategy, and organizational management.
Contact for public speaking, coaching and leadership training opportunities:
833-362-2100 ext. 700 (Main)
#NBMBAA #BlackExcellence #LeadershipInnovation
