QCC celebrated Black History Month throughout February with an engaging panel discussion and a local business pop-up.
At the panel discussion, The Legacy of Labor: Black Leadership in the Modern Workplace, several successful Black professionals and entrepreneurs shared their experiences navigating workplaces and businesses, facing challenges and succeeding in their fields.
Keynote speaker Dr. Antia Veal, a field application specialist with a passion for STEM education, shared her journey of having her first child while getting her bachelor's degree, earning her Ph.D. and working on projects that improve medicine and vaccines. She also highlighted Black leaders who inspired her such as Dr. Howard M. Johnson, a pioneer in immunology.
Charran Fisher, owner of Fisher Contracting, the only minority women-owned construction company in Central Massachusetts, commented that it can be overwhelming to be the only woman of color in a business setting, but it's important to remind yourself of the work you've done to get there.
"I've got the education. I've got a proven track record. But it's still a work in progress," said Fisher.
Suzanne Graham Anderson, CEO of lifestyle brand Positively Suzanne and President of the QCC Alumni Association, reflected on her 20+ years in retail leadership.
"I had to be twice as smart and work twice as hard."
This experience eventually led her to launch her own business.
Young entrepreneur and QCC student Jaden Marc owns Sneaker Sapphire on West Boylston Street and shared how he uses social media to build his business.
"One thing helping my business is being yourself on social media – showing people why they should come do business with you."
Jetari Veal, AVP of Community and Business Development at Workers Credit Union, discussed the value of mentorship.
"Where I'm from, I was taught you go out and work hard, you don't ask for anything. It wasn't until recently that I started to seek mentoring, and it's been extremely good for me."
All the panelists agreed on three key principles for success: finding your community, acknowledging and working on your gaps, and staying connected to your purpose. As Dr. Veal summarized: "You deserve to fulfill your dreams, and you're going to do everything in your power to get it."
The following week, local Black-owned businesses gathered in the HLC for a pop-up event. Shoppers had an exciting range of goods to choose from including scented candles from Candles by Darnella, handsewn garments from African Community Education (ACE), tasty treats from Simply Delight Baked Goods, and much more. A crowd favorite was the beauty products from SJ Health and Beauty, run by Clerk IV- Enrollment Sarah Shelton.
At QCC, we support local entrepreneurs during all the stages of growth, from learning business fundamentals and putting their products to the test, to hitting their stride and sharing tips for success!
And if you missed it, check out the profiles on Professor of Biology Opeyemi Odewale and Director of Community Engagement Sean Harris as part of Worcester Magazine's Black History Month coverage!