Creating a competitive edge

The Black Management Association Conference aims to provide tools for success in a global marketplace
3 minute read

Amy Trang

In a year that has seen the inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president and a historic economic meltdown, the issues to be raised at the forthcoming Black Management Association conference are more relevant than ever.

The theme of the Feb. 20-22 conference is “Global Impact: Creating A Competitive Edge in Today’s Marketplace.” The topic is relevant right now, co-chairs Regina Gwynn ’09 and Erica Motley ’09 say, because many are concerned about maintaining their career trajectory while so many companies are pulling back. Many of the conference’s panels will showcase opportunities for MBAs in different industries from sports to healthcare marketing.

“We saw a great opportunity to leverage the BMA conference as a place to build the toolkit for success we will need to remain competitive in a global job market,” Gywnn said. “We hope the audience will leave gaining a new perspective or a different approach to business that they had never thought of before.”

Saturday afternoon will feature an executive roundtable discussion focusing on the rise of President Barack Obama. The event will feature some of Chicago’s most prominent African-American business leaders, including Cheryle R. Jackson, CEO of the Chicago Urban League; Martin Nesbitt, president of Parking Spot; Quintin E. Primo III, president and CEO of Capri Capital; and Jim Reynolds ’82, co-founder, chairman/CEO of Loop Capital.

The discussion will be moderated by Gwen Ifill, managing editor and moderator of PBS’ “Washington Week” and author of the upcoming book The Breakthrough: Politics in the Age of Obama.

The conference will feature other notable speakers as well, including Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League and Johnathan Rodgers, CEO of TV One.
Other event highlights will include:

  • Leveling the Playing Field off the Playing Field: The Impact of Black MBAs in Sports. Panelists will discuss the lack of representation of African-Americans in the business- operations side of sports and how African-American MBAs can add value to that part of the industry.
  • The Sub-Prime Crisis Re-Packaged: Opportunities in the Real Estate Market. The session will focus on the causes of the current economic downturn and how it has affected the black community. It also will assess the long- and short-term impact of the real estate and financial markets on this demographic.
  • An Analysis of Multicultural Marketing within the Healthcare Sector: Panelists will focus on marketing and awareness campaigns that address the rising costs of and access to healthcare within the African-American community.
  • Emerging Markets: Breaking New Frontiers. Participants will learn about the unique business opportunities and challenges in emerging markets, such as Brazil, Russia and India. Panelists also will discuss specific opportunities that may be available to people of color.