Welcome to the HBSAAA!
The Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association
(HBSAAA) serves over 2,300 African-American, African, and other black
graduates of HBS who identify with an African-American heritage. It is
dedicated to building and sustaining a beneficial network that connects
alumni, current students, and applicants with HBS to increase our
influence at the School and in the broader African-American Community.
News & Featured Members
May 2013
The M.B.A. Series presents Crowdsourced Funding & Innovation
In November 2012, HBSAAA participated as a co-sponsor in the inaugural M.B.A Series Executive Discussion Forums at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The launch event was hugely successful and HBSAA is pleased to announce another milestone with the continued alliance and expansion of the series into three more markets in 2013. The M.B.A. Series™ Executive Discussion Forums, a series of networking and skills development seminars is a social entrepreneur project committed to supporting the next generation of global leaders (aged 12-40).
Alumni and friends of the HBSAAA community are invited to an exciting seminar series focused on innovation and collaboration. The topic for these interactive seminars and discussion forums is: Crowdsourced Funding & Innovation: How to Get in on the Action. Three discussion forums will be hosted-Washington DC. June 15, 2013, Boston, MA, September 7, and New York, 14, 2013.
The crowdfunding industry is on fire. Industry research reports that crowdfunding sites globally will reach close to $5.1 billion in transactions for 2013, double from $2.7 billion in 2012. That is an 81% growth in 2012 versus a 64% growth in 2011. The market is expected to simply explore with the anticipated equity-based crowdsourced funding. RSVP and read more about the M.B.A. Series™ and this year's forums.
April 2013
May 7th: Frank Savage Reception at the Harvard Club of New York
During the course of his career, Frank Savage saw first-hand how greed and self interest became the mantra of Wall Street. Mr. Savage argues that the U.S. financial sector must, and will, take steps to reclaim the moral ground, the trust of clients and not descend into mediocrity. His book, The Savage Way: Successfully Navigating
the Waves of Business and Life, brims with helpful and hopeful lessons that transcend skin, circumstances and underscore the paramount importance of good character and high values.
Join fellow HBS alumni and friends of the HBSAAA for a special reception
with Frank Savage on Tuesday, May 7th, 6:30pm at the Harvard Club in New York City. Admission is free. RSVP by May 3rd.
AASU's 41st Annual H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference
The African American Student Union (AASU) at Harvard Business School
invites you to the 41st Annual H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference. The event
takes place April 6-7, 2013 at HBS in Boston, MA. The theme of this
year's conference — New Ideas for New Success: Exploring Innovation as a Means to Impact —
will focus on innovation and the African-American entrepreneur. Register today via: http://www.aasuconference.com/registration2013
Highlights Include:
- Entrepreneurial Ventures Competition sponsored by Prudential
- Keynote Address by Don Coleman, Founder and CEO, GlobalHue
- Keynote Address by Franklin D. Raines, Retired Chairman and CEO, Fannie Mae
- Power vs. Perception: Black Women in the Workplace
- Design Thinking & Innovation Workshop hosted by Harvard's Design School
- Prospective Student Activities
- Joint Party with Harvard Kennedy School featuring the sounds of DJ B Hen
Added Policy Event:
The Harvard Kennedy School is holding its 9th Annual Black Policy Conference on April 6th – the day before the H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference. For more information on the Policy Conference please visit: www.blackpolicyconference.com.
Visit AASU's website to learn more about this year's program and the legacy of the H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference.
Click here to register now.
February 2013
 Barry E.A. Johnson '89, PMD '71
Barry E.A. Johnson departed the Obama Administration last November after more than three years of service, including his role as Founding Executive Director of the President's SelectUSA initiative. Johnson's new role in the private sector at 32 Advisors LLC unites him with several of his former colleagues who are world-class experts as described by New York Times Dealbook section.
Johnson's Inbound Investment practice at 32 Advisors helps foreign business investors navigate risks, opportunities and essential relationships in today's environment of increasing business, political and cultural complexity. His team also assists US cities and states seeking international capital to fund municipal and infrastructure projects. Read more about Johnson's move in this press release.
 Sháka Rasheed '01
This month, Sháka Rasheed joined Lazard Asset Management as Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments Sales & Marketing - Americas. Of his new role, Rasheed said, "I am thrilled to be joining a firm with such a distinguished reputation and to extend my career in the delivery of hedge fund investment solutions to institutional investors." Read more about Rasheed's move in Absolute Return online.
Call for Volunteers: HBSAAA/KIPP Business and Technology Program
 We are pleased to announce a call for volunteers for the ninth season of the HBSAAA Business and Technology Program beginning March 2nd with the KIPP Academy of New York.
So far, HBSAAA has welcomed almost 100 volunteers, mentored more than 160 students and provided each of them with a computer, most recently laptops and printers. Click here to read more about HBSAAA's history with KIPP Academy, the highest performing middle school in the Bronx.
Your presence, along with our ability to raise funds towards the purchase of a laptop computer for each student, is sure to be appreciated by these high-achieving and well-deserving KIPPsters.
Please indicate your interest in volunteering your time or helping us fund the program by sending email to the Program Coordinator, Edward Olebe (eolebe@gmail.com). To make a donation towards the purchase of program materials and equipment, click here.
Thanks again for helping to make a difference in our community.
January 2013
Henry McGee '79
Henry McGee, head of HBO Home Entertainment, to retire next month, join HBS faculty ths fall
 The HBSAAA is proud to congratulate Henry McGee, long-time supporter of the organization and honorary chair of our 12th Leadership Summit, on his new career at HBS.
Next fall, Henry McGee will join the HBS faculty as a Senior Lecturer in General Management. The courses he will teach include Leadership & Corporate Accountability and The Moral Leader. McGee also hopes to do research and writing in the fields of corporate governance and the management of media enterprises and non-profit organizations.
The announcement to retire from HBO, where he led the HBO Home Entertainment business, came after a decades-long career with the company:
"Thirty-four years ago I came to HBO from Harvard eager to apply all that I had learned in business school," McGee said. "I just turned 60 and now seems the ideal time to return to Harvard to share all of the skills and knowledge I have learned from working with my colleagues at HBO, the Dream Team of the entertainment industry. After more than three decades working at one of the world's most innovative companies, I look forward to now embarking on a new career in education at a time when the field is experiencing tremendous transformation."
Click here to read the full release by HBO.
Do you have news to share? Let us know. Contact webmaster@hbsaaa.org with the details. Thank you!
Metro New York Event: Lunch with Public Pension Fund Policy Makers
Join the HBSAAA as we host two influential public pension fund policy makers: John Liu, Comptroller of New York City; and Max Patterson, Executive Director of TEXPERS, an 80 Member Texas Organization that includes the Municipal Pension Funds of Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
On Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013, Liu and Patterson will talk about what to expect in the next four years in public employee pension funds. To read more about the speakers and dicussions topics, and to RSVP to this special event, click here.
January 2012
Save The Date: 40th Annual H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference, hosted by AASU
Join us at the Hyatt Ballroom in Boston, Massachusetts on March 23rd & 24th as we honor David Thomas with the Bert King Award and Bonita Coleman Stewart (MBA '83) with the Professional Achievement Award.
Click here for details on the event, our honorees, and registration.
HBSAAA's Womens Event in NYC
Jacqueline Adams, MBA '78, takes us behind the scenes of a recent HBSAAA Ladies Luncheon.
December 2011
HBSAAA Community Partners - KIPP Academy Tech Know Program
 Led by Ed Olebe with noteworthy support from Jacqueline Adams and other HBSAAA volunteers, the HBSAAA launched, built, and currently operates a technology and business education program at the KIPP Academy of New York, a charter school serving disadvantaged middle school students in the South Bronx
November 2011
 HBSAAA thanks Citigroup Chairman Dick Parsons, CEO of Johnson Publishing Desiree Rogers, President of MSNBC Phil Griffin and the many others who helped make this year's Media and Entertainment Conference the success that it was.
May 2011
Wanda Felton Class '84 Sworn in as Vice President of Export-Import Bank of the United States
 The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) announced that Wanda Felton was sworn in on Monday, May 30th as the Bank's first vice president. Felton, a Democrat from Washington, D.C., who also serves as vice chair, was nominated by President Obama on April 8, 2011 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 26, 2011, for a term expiring on January 20, 2013.
March 2011
The 39th Annual Naylor Fitzhugh Conference: What's Next? Exploring New Terrain
 The Harvard Business School African American Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 39th H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference hosted by the HBS African American Students Union (AASU). The conference is a weekend-long learning, networking, and reconnecting opportunity for current HBS students, alumni, faculty, prospective students, prominent business leaders and corporate sponsors.
This year's conference is scheduled to take place Friday, March 4th through Saturday, March 5th at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA. Please visit the www.aasuconference.com for the agenda, list of speakers, and travel information. Click here to register now.
January 2011
Ken Frazier Named CEO of Merck
 Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that its Board of Directors has elected Kenneth C. Frazier, currently Merck's president, as chief executive officer (CEO) and president, as well as a member of the board, effective January 1, 2011. Mr. Frazier will succeed Richard T. Clark, who has served as Merck's CEO since 2005 and will continue as chairman of the board. Merck said today's announcement is the result of a long-term, thoughtful succession planning process led by Mr. Clark and the Board of Directors.
October 2010
The 12th Leadership Summit of the Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association (HBSAAA), held on Friday, October 29, 2010, was a unique and unparalleled opportunity for participants to interact with those responsible for all aspects of the media and entertainment business, including its leadership and strategic direction, content, financing, distribution, and advertisement. It provided opportunities to network and discuss business opportunities with executives in media and entertainment and the bankers, venture capitalists, private equity sponsors, lawyers, technology gurus, advertisers, and journalists who do business with them. For a list of speakers and Summit agenda click here.
September 2010
Gregory White, MBA '90
"Oprah’s farewell season helps open schoolhouse doors: Chicago charter school network receives $1 million grant on show"
 Press Release: "We call ourselves a high performing, 'college prep elementary school' because we believe the foundation for college begins early on," says Gregory White, president and CEO of LEARN. "We also believe that by setting high standards and providing that foundation for our students—most of whom come from lower income families and live in struggling communities—we prove that low income doesn’t equal low achievement. We are honored that our model for expecting and producing excellence has attracted the attention of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and we're excited to use this grant to replicate it. We hope that sharing our experiences on such a broad level inspires others to do the same." (Continue reading...)
June 2010
Teresa Clarke, MBA '88
"From Goldman Sachs to an Africa Tech Start-Up"
February 2010
2010 Alumni Award Recipients Named: Keith Clinkscales MBA '90, Argelia Rodriguez MBA '94
Each year, the African-American Student Union (AASU), Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association (HBSAAA) and Bert King Foundation to honor HBS alumni for their achievements, leadership, personal integrity and commitment to service. Read more here...
6 HBSAAA Women Recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine
Please join us in congratulating Sheryl Adkins-Green '81, Lori Dickerson Fouché '00, Kim Goodman '92, Carla A. Harris '87, Melissa E. James '89, and Deborah C. Wright '83. Read more...
Teresa Clarke, MBA '88
 "A lot of quizzical looks have come my way as news of my resignation from
Goldman Sachs has spread. Why am I leaving a lucrative career as a
managing director at a prestigious firm and one of the few senior
African-American investment bankers on Wall Street to devote my full
energies to the high risk dot.com world? Why am I not just outsourcing
the re-launch of Africa.com,
the Internet portal that I've owned for almost a decade?" Read more...
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