More Than Just Business
The Black Business Society develops professionals of all academic and ethnic backgrounds.
After completing her freshmen year at SDSU, Gabby Gray began her sophomore year wondering where she fell within the College of Business Administration. Feeling as if she did not have a place, she made a home for herself and other students who could relate — the Black Business Society.
Founded in November 2013 by Gabby, with the help of SDSU alum Jordan Harrison and Tita Gray, assistant dean for student affairs management, the Black Business Society strives to create an arena for minority students to focus on academic success and professional development.
“I felt like there was a discrepancy between minorities and other students within the College of Business” said Gabby, who wanted the society to provide a community outside of the large College of Business.
Building a community
A typical Black Business Society meeting begins with a welcome and an ice breaker, encouraging members to get to know each other. “What sets the Black Business Society aside from most organizations on campus is the atmosphere," said Elias Lopez, an entrepreneurship student. "You immediately get a genuine sense of community, there's nothing synthetic about it.”
Each meeting focuses on different aspects of business, helping members build themselves, and each other, up. In one meeting, Tita hosted a workshop where she spoke to students about fear, saying “The most effective way to dissolve fear is to confront it.
Organization culture
Members of the Black Business Society come from many ethnic backgrounds including black, Filipino, Hispanic and white. Though the organization centers around business majors, multiple colleges have been represented including anthropology, kinesiology and psychology.
The Black Business Society has also presented guest speakers from a myriad of industries including:- Senior Vice President of Union Bank, Frank Robinson
- Former President and Cheif Operating Officer of Brite Smile, Linda Oubre
- Youth Development Program Coordinator for the City of San Diego, PatRose Dewar
- CEO of Cal Coast Credit Union, Todd Lane
Professional development
To continue its mission of promoting professional development and academic excellence within the College of Business, the society hosts “Taking it to the Next Level,” a signature event bringing black professionals from all over San Diego to campus.The Black Business Society meets at 3:30 p.m. every other Monday at the State Suite in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Students interested in joining can e-mail the Black Business Society for more information.
