Student Organization Spotlight: Black Business Society

The Fowler College of Business is proud to highlight the Black Business Society (BBS), a student organization helping students develop skills and gain experience that will benefit them in the business industry. BBS offers professional workshops, network opportunities, and certificate sponsorships. Hanna Mesfin (Senior, Finance), President of Black Business Society, describes how BBS helps students prepare to enter the professional world, find campus involvement opportunities, and more!   

About Black Business Society 

Q: What are the goals of your organization
Black Business Society (BBS) promotes professional development through academic and leadership opportunities. We strive to create a professional environment for the Black community by strengthening our networking, academic, and social skills. We provide students with both networking and professional development opportunities that will continue to benefit members even post-graduation.

Q: Why should students join your organization? 
Students should join BBS because we provide a surplus of resources that develop students in different aspects. We have informational meetings, social events to connect with like-minded peers, guest speakers, professional development workshops, a mentorship program, and a certification sponsorship program. We launched BBS’s mentorship program this year which allows alumni & experienced professionals in the business field to mentor and support our members in their professional journey. We hope to provide our members with resources that they can utilize to build their resumes and knowledge. Through our certification program, we are able to sponsor students to obtain a certification in any field and take on skills that are needed in the corporate world. Everything isn't taught in the classrooms, so obtaining a certificate allows our members to stand out when applying to internships or future jobs. We are open to all majors as we essentially focus on ensuring the professional development growth of our members. 

Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host? 
Black Business Society hosts several events throughout the semester, including credit workshops to ensure financial literacy, professional development events with companies such as Google, and influential keynote speakers. We have our annual alumni panel event where we have former BBS members share their experiences and advice on the corporate world and post-graduation life. We host community service events throughout the semester and are currently sponsoring an elementary classroom. We also host social events where students can build connections with one another.  BBS general meeting on Zoom.

Q: When does your organization meet? 
Our general body meetings are biweekly from 4 - 5 pm via Zoom or in the Metztli Suite. 

Q: How does your organization connect with the community outside of SDSU? 
As we prioritize maintaining quality connections, BBS connects with many organizations and professionals from different aspects of the business sector, including finance, accounting, marketing, management, and more. With our virtual setting last year (and current hybrid setting), we used the opportunity to partner with companies all over the US. We also connect with the San Diego youth by presenting to high school students at Afrikan Student Union’s Annual High School Conference and participating in service events. 

Q: How can a student get involved with your organization? 
Check out our Instagram and website. Be sure to fill out the interest form to stay updated on our events and resources! 
Q: What are your organization’s social media handles?  Instagram, Website, LinkedIn page, and LinkedIn networking group.

Q & A with Hanna Mesfin, President of Black Business Society

Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far? 

During my first year, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and explore as much as I could. Consequently, I got involved in student leadership because I believe it’s essential to grow and adapt as a leader, especially beyond the classroom. Black Business Society has developed me into a better professional which has led to a plethora of valuable connections, experiences, and opportunities. For me, the biggest part of going to college is meeting all kinds of people and building and investing in something that’s greater than myself. 

Q: Are you involved in any other organizations on campus? 
I am a member of the Finance & Investment Society and Treasurer of the Black Campus Ministries. 

Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful so far? 
Our alumni panel event last year was very motivating as we were able to connect with past BBS executive board members who were in our place not too long ago and have excelled in their professional lives. Seeing past alumni (who looked like me) advancing in their careers and sharing their experiences motivated me in different ways as it changed my perspective. It was a monumental moment for me. 

Q: What has been your favorite event you’ve attended at SDSU? Why?
BBS meeting with Sigma Phi Omega. Last year, we hosted a mental health event with Deloitte which was very refreshing because large firms don’t often discuss the importance of mental health in the finance and accounting field. The speakers’ transparency helped me connect with them and served as a reminder to take a moment for myself before experiencing burnout, not after. 

Q: Why is getting involved on campus important to you? 
Getting involved on campus pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you find people to form connections with, even post-grad. I started to get involved once I realized how important it is to take advantage of the opportunities here because they won’t always be available in the corporate world. Also, I appreciate being able to provide opportunities and resources for our community. 

Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU? Get rid of the noise & stay focused on your goals, passion, and mark on the world. 
Leaving my mark is something that I continue to reflect on every day. However, that may be, whether it's by making people feel heard or by simply being a good person.

Q: What is the best advice you have for future Fowler College of Business students? 
Take it one day at a time. As students, we have so much on our plate that it can get overwhelming at times. Trust yourself and build your future by taking advantage of opportunities that come your way. What’s meant for you, will find you. So don't stress about your future, it's a marathon and as long as you take that step to start challenging yourself, you'll be on the right path. 

Q: Are you involved in any internship opportunities? 
Yes, I’m currently a Financial Executive Intern at a startup firm, and being part of the process from the beginning has been very enlightening. 

Q: What are your plans following graduation?
I would like to obtain a finance position at a top firm and further advance my skills, but I am open to other opportunities. 

Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU? 
I aspire to continue to adapt, learn, and challenge myself. Eventually, I hope to help people with whatever I choose to pursue. BBS professional workshop with Target.

Q: Pancakes or waffles? Waffles 
Q: Favorite band? Boyz II Men 
Q: Instagram or TikTok? Instagram 
Q: Horror or comedy movie? Comedy all the way 
Q: Sunset Cliffs or La Jolla? La Jolla 
Q: Pancho’s or Trujillo’s? Trujillo’s 
Q: Fun Fact? I love cooking and trying new vegan dishes.    

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Black Resource Center’s 4th Birthday Monday, February 28 | Noon – 2 p.m. Celebrate the fourth year of the establishment of the Black Resource Center and its impact and contribution to Black students at SDSU. For more information on Black History Month programming, visit the Black Resource Center website and follow the center on Instagram @sdsubrc.