HBCU Ambassadors Program

Wilberforce University

Jaylon Smith is an assistant principal with a Business Marketing degree from Wilberforce University who works with traumatized youth to build coping skills while finalizing a plan to franchise a laundromat nationwide. As a proud Kappa Alpha Psi member who served as the 16th Mister Wilberforce University and NPHC president, he advises HBCU students to seize every opportunity, build strong connections, and engage with their communities.

Norfolk State University

Yanni Ervin is a healthcare professional and nursing student at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, working as a Patient Care Assistant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital after earning a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Norfolk State University. Inspired by personal experiences in patient care, he advocates for empathy and advises HBCU students to build strong relationships with their professors for long-term support.

Tuskegee University

Kaile McDaniel is a business architecture associate with a BS in Agricultural Business from Tuskegee University and a proud advocate for HBCUs, inspired by her early exposure to their culture. She advises students to explore new opportunities and build connections—an approach that helped her land her current role through a chance conversation with a recruiter.

North Carolina A&T

Asali Hamilton is an Architectural Engineering Senior and UNCF & TMCF Leadership Institute Scholar set to graduate in May, passionate about design and planning to pursue a master’s in Landscape Architecture to eventually own his own firm. He’s active on campus—leading at the Campus Recreation Center and engaging in community service—and values his HBCU for its strong engineering program, proximity to home, and family-like community.

Morehouse College

Morgan State University

Peja Bell is a Marketing Coordinator at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore with a BS in Business Administration from Morgan State University. She is passionate about using marketing to help others and encourages students to embrace the unique HBCU experience and take bold leaps, like studying out-of-state.

Livingstone College

Jana Foster-Harris is a social work major in a joint Masters program at North Carolina A&T and UNC-Greensboro, and a 2023 Criminal Justice graduate from Livingstone College with extensive experience in youth services. She advises students to choose an HBCU where they feel at home, as a supportive environment is key to success.

Jackson State University

Aria Brent is a Jackson State University alumna with a BS in Journalism and Media Studies, now working as a staff writer for Baltimore’s Afro American Newspaper. Currently pursuing a Master of Art in Food Studies at NYU, she is combining her passion for media, storytelling, culture, and food to become a food writer and recipe developer.

Hampton University

Sydney Howard is a senior kinesiology major at Hampton University, where she’s an endowed scholar and mentee who enjoys mentoring, singing, and exploring new recipes. Inspired by her family's legacy, she values Hampton's rich history and supportive environment that have boosted her confidence and leadership skills.

Howard University

Sydney Stewart is a third-year chemistry major at Howard University with double minors in mathematics and biology, and an LSAMP scholar focused on designing compounds for neurodegenerative diseases while planning to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical sciences. Inspired by Howard’s strong medical reputation and rich legacy, she enjoys volunteering, cooking, and reading historical fiction, and is eager to share her experiences with future HBCU scholars.

Clark Atlanta University

Jalena Martin is a psychologist and therapist specializing in early intervention autism, having earned her bachelor’s in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University after graduating from Independence High School. Passionate about diversifying forensic research to reduce crime rates among male youth, she encourages HBCU students to fully embrace campus culture and build strong community connections.

Hampton University

Carl “CJ” Moorer, Jr. is a Criminal Justice major at Hampton University, expected to graduate in May 2026, and serves as a Resident Assistant, licensed minister, and executive director of campus ministry. He plays a pivotal leadership role on campus, fostering community engagement and empowering his peers through initiatives like the Men’s Caucus.

Central State University

Rashon Barksdale is a motivational speaker, podcaster, and filmmaker with an MA in Television, Radio, and Film from Syracuse University and a BA in Journalism & Digital Media from Central State University, currently serving as a Board Operator at Urban One Inc. in Columbus. Passionate about empowering communication students, he advises them to find an HBCU that feels like home, build strong relationships, and embrace every opportunity for growth.

Alabama State University

Kennedy Brogdon is a 23-year-old graduating senior majoring in Forensic Biology. She attends Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.

Central State University

Denzel McCoy is a senior at Central State University majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration, serving as Senior Class President and actively participating in various campus organizations, including Marauder Man of Distinction and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. He chose Central State for its rich history and supportive community, and he plans to attend graduate school after graduation.

Bethune-Cookman University

Bailey Elizabeth Williams, an Ohio native and Mifflin High School valedictorian, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bethune-Cookman University in May 2022 with a BS in Criminal Justice and a Paralegal Certificate while serving in multiple leadership roles. She currently works as a Deputy Clerk at Franklin County Municipal Court and actively contributes to her community through organizations such as the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, National Council of Negro Women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the NAACP.