First cohort of specialist business qualification for black entrepreneurs celebrate completion
Students who have completed a specialist Master of Business Administration (MBA) style short course for black entrepreneurs celebrated the completion of their programme at SOAS last week.
Held at the SOAS Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, course participants were presented with their certificates by Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE, and valedictory speeches given by students.
The MBA 30 was launched at SOAS last year in partnership with the Black British Initiative (BBI) and provides essential business skills and networks to underserved black entrepreneurs. The course name marks 30 years since the death of Stephen Lawrence, who was killed in a racially motivated attack.
Now-alum of the MBA 30 and Founder of ecommerce marketplace Rxtro Store, Anthony Odogwu described the course as being of “great value, not only with the content shared, but also with fellow business leaders and entrepreneurs. It was a great opportunity.”
Wendy Brobbey, Founder & CEO of luxury candle brand, Aduwham said: “It has been a blessing to me and has boosted my confidence. It has also boosted my ideas, creativity, and sense of support. There’s a sense of support right after and also during the course.”
The course covers leadership, marketing, decision-making, trend analysis, and strategy. Applications are now open for the next cohort starting in September 2024, those interested are advised to register their interest with the Black British Initiative.
The celebratory event was addressed by the chair of SOAS and the BBI, Lord Michael Hastings, SOAS President Zeinab Badawi, NatWest's Andrew Harrison, and Darren Miller, Founder and CEO of BBI.
After a classical ensemble performance by the Chineke! Quartet, the ceremony event concluded with a celebratory reception. Comprising four performing groups, the Chineke! Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, and Voices, the quartet is predominantly made up of majority Black & ethnically diverse musicians.
