The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Howard University today launched a new business partnership to help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders. At an event announcing the “Next-Gen Business Partnership,” leaders from both organizations spoke about the program’s role in bringing diversity to the workplace, creating a strong talent pipeline, and promoting entrepreneurship as a pathway to business success.
“The U.S. Chamber is proud to partner with Howard University to be a leading voice in bringing more diversity to the business community,” said U.S. Chamber Senior Executive Vice President Suzanne P. Clark. “Diversity adds a wide range perspectives, ideas, and talents to all aspects of our lives, and we believe it is important to mirror this in the workplace. This partnership is the first step of many to help grow the next generation of entrepreneurs, and we look forward to working together to develop a talented pipeline of individuals to be the future of business.”
“Howard’s partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce creates a uniquely tailored opportunity for our scholars to interact with the world’s largest business organization and gain real-world experience working with professionals in the areas of public policy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, to name a few,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “We look forward to fortifying a long relationship with the Chamber to create a more diverse, equipped pipeline of young business leaders.”
The partnership focuses on four main programs, outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today. The first is an internship program, which began in June of this year. The seven Howard interns have been placed in departments across the U.S. Chamber based on their interests and academic majors. The internship includes opportunities to attend networking events, policy lunch and learn sessions, and individual meetings with executives. The inaugural intern cohort includes: Evan Brooks, Kerimal Guerrero, Christian Hemans, Julia Osagie, Fatou Sow, Shykeia Spinks, and Evan Ward.
In addition to the internship, the partnership includes: an executive speaker series for executives to address students and faculty at Howard University; a faculty and administration research program provided by the U.S. Chamber; and an innovation and entrepreneurship development program.
