The Black Student Union (BSU) attended a field trip at the Wharton Center to attend the Melanated Business Alliance (MBA) Youth Business & Mentoring Expo on Nov. 20. Nick Acevedo (12), one of the co-presidents of BSU, found the expo inspiring even though they don’t have a strong interest in business.
“I thought it was honestly very interesting and a little rewarding. I realized that owning your own business can be very rewarding, and profitable, and it takes a lot of work, and more interesting than I thought it [would be],” Acevedo said.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to participate in workshops, networking sessions and interactive activities with a vendor showcase to meet local businesses and resources, according to their website. Acevedo also highlighted seeing different kinds of business owners talk about their business successes and how their business supports Black people in today’s society.
One of the speakers that stood out to Acevedo was Lorin Cumberbatch, the owner and founder of Skin Studio 211. The studio created an all-in-one spa that caters to Black people in a way that Acevedo felt others failed to do so.
“She talked a lot about how she used social media and how she kind of started everything on her own,” Acevedo said. “Being committed to it and working hard helped her achieve that, and now she’s really successful.”
Additionally, Acevedo explained how the MBA supports aspiring Black entrepreneurs by encouraging them to be connected to each other.
“The organization gives Black people who are interested in entrepreneurship a step up in the field,” Acevedo said. “[They] put them in connection with people who can be helpful resources. And provide consultation and guidance for their entrepreneurship journey.”
According to Acevedo, the MBA tries to achieve this goal by hosting camps over summer and spring break to try and encourage young people to get involved in the networking.
“The MBA has a lot of events and seminars where people can get in touch with other people who are black and working in business,” Acevedo said
The educational purpose of the field trip was to get BSU’s student members interested in business and expose those who are focused on going down a business career path.
“Most of the people there didn’t have their own businesses, there were a few students who had already started making their own business,” Acevedo said. “It was trying to teach people the first steps in getting started, and what to do with your interests in business, and how to relate that to a successful career.”
