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CBS Black Business Student Association Newsletter - Winter 2025-26

James Palmer - Monday, January 5
 General   Events   Must Read 

A Message from BBSA Co-Presidents
 

 

Dear BBSA Community,

As we closed the Fall 2025 semester, we did so with immense pride and gratitude. This fall marked a powerful chapter for the Black Business Student Association at Columbia Business School - one defined by growth, deepened impact, and meaningful connection. Together, we honored the legacy built over more than 50 years while continuing to push BBSA boldly forward.

In a semester shaped by both opportunity and challenge, BBSA remained steadfast in its mission to uplift, advocate for, and invest in Black excellence. From expanding our admissions outreach and strengthening academic and career support, to launching new signature events and alumni initiatives, our community demonstrated what is possible when we move with purpose and unity.

Below, we are excited to reflect on the accomplishments and milestones that made this Fall semester - and the year overall - so special. Thank you for being an essential part of our community!

With gratitude,

Bianca & James

BBSA Co-Presidents 2025-2026

Together we set the standard.
Together we embrace our legacy.
Together we build for the future.

Expanding Our Reach

 A strong BBSA family extends beyond Columbia Business School. This semester, we deepened engagement with both alumni and prospective talent - strengthening our pipeline and sustaining our legacy.

Alumni Engagement

During the fall, BBSA’s Careers & Alumni team launched new alumni small-group mentorship circles, connecting students with notable alumni across industries for candid conversations, mentorship, and career insight. These sessions reinforced BBSA’s commitment to leveraging the strength of our alumni network in accessible and impactful ways.

BBSA introduced CBS BBSA Homecoming, welcoming 75+ alumni and students to campus to foster intergenerational connection and strengthen alumni-student relationships. These efforts reflected BBSA’s commitment to sustaining access, community, and excellence for future generations of Black leaders at CBS.

Admissions & Outreach

This Fall, BBSA expanded its admissions and outreach efforts to ensure prospective students could see themselves thriving at Columbia Business School.

Key accomplishments included:

 

  • Hosting an HBCU-focused admissions panel for 50+ potential candidates.

  • Launching a new Admissions Buddy Program, which connected 150+ prospective students with current BBSA members for personalized guidance and support.

  • Continuing to leverage social media to showcase the BBSA experience and amplify our voice across platforms with over 330K+ views this fall on Instagram. Keep in touch with our Instagram page here!

Reinforced Family Foundation

Strengthening support for students from admission through academics.

Broadening Community Engagement

BBSA kicked off the semester with Jumpstart and a Welcome Back Mixer attended by 65+ students, building early connection and community. Ongoing admissions and onboarding programming supported prospective and incoming students throughout the fall.

Career Recruiting Support 

The BBSA Careers & Alumni team hosted recruiting prep sessions across Investment Banking, Consulting, and Tech, including our annual Lazard Bank event, providing students with direct exposure to industry.

Improving Academic Support

The Academics Team introduced a new Academics Guide to support students in navigating the core curriculum and delivered 12+ study, review, and coursematch information sessions, strengthening a culture of collaboration, academic excellence, and peer support.

Elevating Our Legacy

Launching new initiatives and partnerships that strengthen our impact today and for future generations of the BBSA

Student-Led 
Growth Events

BBSA curated a dynamic slate of programming that blended professional development, culture, and community. Events included:

  • A BBSA member-led college admissions prep session with Brothers@, a 501(c)(3) supporting 100+ young men of color

  • Angel Investing 101, introducing students to early-stage investing fundamentals

  • Leading Emerging Brands in the Alcohol & Beverage Space, spotlighting innovation and entrepreneurship

  • A conversation with Yvoire Whittaker ’23, Marketing Lead at Nike and Sneaker Club Co-Founder

  • Traveling While Black, exploring identity, safety, and global mobility

  • A conversation with Don Cornwell, Co-Founder and CEO of Dynasty Equity

Signature Community Events

BBSA’s annual Halloween celebration - Nightmare on Wall Street - reached new heights with ~700 tickets sold, marking a record-breaking year.

BBSA and HBA collaborated with the Consortium for the Columbia vs. Harvard football game brunch, creating more intimate opportunities for fun and connection.

The Events and Partnerships team hosted a joint mixer with NYU, strengthening cross-school relationships and expanding the broader Black MBA community across New York City.

Check out photos from our events on our Instagram page here!

Early bird tickets for ELEVATE 2026 are on sale!
Early bird tickets for ELEVATE 2026 are on sale now!

Be the first to purchase your ticket today for Elevate 2026.

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Member News

Lydia Drakeford  Founder of Boardroom Beauty, was featured in Essence Magazine

Rashida Elbourne Honored in Livingstone College’s 40 Under 40 Alumni

Nathaniel Garcia  Joyfully welcomed his daughter, Nylah, this fall

Whitney Stewart Khashab      Welcomed a beautiful daughter, Roya, this winter 

Matt Manning  Founder of Arlo, was selected as a Lang Center as a Summer Startup grant awardee

Brooklyn McDaniels Recipient of the Buckeyes Under 40 Black Alumni Society Award

Kwamina Vandyke Elected to the Columbia University Senate as a representative of the Business School

Mikaela Funn ‘26 (pictured right) recently launched her alcohol-free wine brand, Propio (@drinkpropio)! Propio is revolutionizing celebrations by making exceptional wine accessible to all.

Discover Propio today and support Mikaela in her mission to redefine the beverage industry!

Solomon Rice '26 (brand pictured above) is the co-founder of THRD, a NYC based fashion-forward brand pushing the boundaries of modern streetwear. The brand has gained momentum through ambassadors spanning professional athletes, artists, and creatives, positioning THRD at the center of culture and elevated style.