Student - October 16, 2024

Get to Know This Year’s Columbia HBCU Fellows

The Columbia University HBCU Fellowship Program has been preparing HBCU graduates to excel in their professional careers across many areas, ranging from technology management and finance to the medical field, for nearly seven years. Through the program’s high-touch mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development, more than 100 Fellows from diverse backgrounds have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields as well as in their communities.

This year’s 18 Fellows are highly successful and motivated individuals, including valedictorians and business owners, who have experience in countless leadership roles and organizations, ranging from the ACLU and NASA to the USDA and the NFL. Among them, they represent 11 of the School of Professional Studies’ 18 degree programs.

“I am thrilled to welcome another group of Fellows to our campus this fall,” says Zelon Crawford, senior associate dean of student affairs, “and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact they will make on their programs, each other, and the greater Columbia University community.”

Learn what some of the Fellows themselves have to say about the fellowship, what they are most looking forward to in their degree program, and how they feel about joining the Columbia community.

Kamsiyochukwu Arinze, M.S. in Technology Management

I am excited about connecting with the diverse network of people in the Technology Management program and about looking at technology from a lens different from that of a developer. I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with people from the diverse backgrounds available at Columbia.

Learn more about Kamsiyochukwu.

Michael Clark, M.S. in Sports Management

I feel empowered and supported here at Columbia. The opportunities are endless! I am honored to uphold the standards of those that have gone before me and leave this unique place better for HBCU Fellows who join Columbia’s community after me.

Learn more about Michael.

Tre’von Conner, M.S. in Information & Knowledge Strategy

I’m most excited about learning from people already in my desired career path, but I’m also looking forward to taking classes outside of SPS because my degree program is so flexible. I can’t wait to got to fun niche events around NYC and Columbia to build a network of friends after undergrad.

Learn more about Tre'von.

Destiny Daniel, M.S. in Nonprofit Management

What excites me most about my program is the opportunity to be challenged professionally in knowledge and ideation while also growing personally through new community and experiences. Being in New York provides a fantastic chance to explore diverse perspectives at Columbia and beyond.

Learn more about Destiny.

Breanna Hunt, M.S. in Nonprofit Management

I’m most excited to learn from the personal experiences of my classmates. We all have different interests and backgrounds that make what we’re learning all the more effective. Being a Fellow is a tremendous honor and opportunity. I'll never take it lightly that I was selected to represent my HBCU.

Learn more about Breanna.

Iyana Gross, M.S. in Narrative Medicine

I am excited to explore how this discipline plays a crucial role in challenging rigid thinking, fostering self-awareness, and enabling mindfulness in the healthcare system. I’m also excited about building meaningful relationships with my cohort as we create a support system for each other.

Learn more about Iyana.

John Josiah, M.S. in Applied Analytics

What excites me most about my program is the opportunity to connect with different people, all striving to improve their relationship with data and learning together at Columbia. I look forward to immersing myself in NYC, and I’m eager to pay forward the investment the Fellowship has made in me.

Learn more about John.

Allison Swann, M.S. in Strategic Communication

I am most excited about growing and developing as a strategic communication professional to make a difference in communities around me. Being taught by with leaders in the industry has opened my eyes to innovative thinking that is redefining the communications role.

Learn more about Allison

Tiala Scott, M.S. in Information and Knowledge Strategy

Coming from the natural sciences, I’m excited to engage with my peers and professors and learn about real-life industry applications of the materials. I’m looking forward to going out more! I’m a homebody, so being in NYC will present me with opportunities to go out, when I feel like it, of course.

Learn more about Tiala.

Anaiya Whaley, M.S. in Strategic Communication

I am most excited about working with my classmates and professors in my program. I look forward to spending the holiday season in New York.

Learn more about Anaiya.

Miniya Williams, M.S. in Narrative Medicine

I’m most excited about being in a community with the change-makers and thought leaders in my cohort. The collective passion and knowledge we share in Narrative Medicine will undoubtedly lead to impactful and meaningful work that I believe will drive real change in health care and beyond.

Learn more about Miniya.

Kayla Willis, M.S. in Political Analytics

Since the Political Analytics program is only in its second year, I’m eager to see how I can impact it, particularly as the first HBCU Fellow. I am also looking forward to being in a completely new environment and being able to explore all of its unique opportunities!

Learn more about Kayla.

About the Columbia HBCU Fellowship

The mission of the Columbia HBCU Fellowship Program is to prepare talented, high-performing HBCU graduates to lead, innovate, drive community impact, and advance their professional industries through program engagement, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

Consider making a gift to the Columbia HBCU Fellowship Fund to help provide full-ride fellowships for exceptional HBCU graduates to pursue a Columbia master’s degree in New York City.