Erika Neal

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Erika Neal

Dear Dr. Payne:

As a graduate of Virginia State University, I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Virginia State University Commencement Ceremony after I shared my inspiring story of accepting a job offer with Walmart eCommerce. I gained this opportunity from the award-winning Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute, and I officially start my position in less than a week remotely. Your passion and words of wisdom have always inspired me, and I wanted to let you know that no matter what, I plan to support and advocate for organizations like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. I never imagined the opportunities I would gain from my participation at the Leadership Institute. As I pack my bags and travel across the country to embark on this new journey, I just wanted to take some time to say thank you for your inspiration and leadership. I wish the organization nothing but the best in the future.

Hennessy and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund expand the reach of the Hennessy Fellows program to all HBCU graduates, addressing critical needs of TMCF’s member HBCUs and their students.

Hennessy Fellows is an unprecedented $10M initiative for HBCU grad students, designed to equip the next generation of diverse C-suite leaders through financial assistance, access and experiences.

  • DJ D-Nice’s #ShowMeYourWalk HBCU Grad Partywill kick off at 9pm ET on Instagram Live for viewers aged 21+.
  • Members of the Hennessy family, including Nas and A$AP Ferg, will partake in the virtual celebration.
  • In addition to highlighting graduates and their institutions, the #ShowMeYourWalk HBCU Grad Partywill raise funds for participating HBCUs and their students.
  • Comprised of eight graduate students, each prepared to enter the workforce no matter what it holds.
  • Hennessy & TMCF also welcome a second cohort of Fellows: ten high-achieving, high-potential students representing Clark Atlanta University, Howard, Morgan State, Southern and Florida A&M Universities.
  • Applications for the third class of Hennessy Fellows will open starting August 2020.
  • Launching in June, the learning resource will be available to Hennessy Fellows and all HBCU students aged 21+.
  • Designed specifically for diverse candidates, the platform pulls back the curtain to C-Suite leaders, offering transparent insights and resources to help students navigate corporate America.
  • Access can be found via the Hennessy Fellows page at TMCF.org.