Student Affairs"SBBA has created a community within itself where Black students help other Black students succeed and grow professionally, academically, and personally."
We are kicking off our first blog post with this feature of Smith Black Business Association co-chairs, Victoria and Adam. The purpose of this space is to create content written by Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Students (QTBIPOC) to empower QTBIPOC student communities and provide a platform to celebrate their identities. Our goal is for students to share experiences of navigating society in an unfiltered way. Blog posts will offer students a sense of validation and belonging.
Meet March's Blog Contributors
Victoria Chukwuma, SBBA Co-Chair
Victoria Chukwuma is in her third year of Commerce at the Smith School of Business. During her time at Queen’s, she has been involved in the Commerce Executive on Orientation (CEO), the Queen’s Black Academic Society (QBAS), and the Smith Black Business Association (SBBA). In her free time, Victoria loves to dance, listen to music, and go out with friends.
Adam Trotman, SBBA Co-Chair
Adam Trotman is a second-year Commerce student at the Smith School of Business at Queen's Univesity. During his time at Queen's Adam has been involved in the Commerce and Engineer Environmental Conference (CEEC), CREO Solutions, and the Smith Black Business Association (SBBA). Adam enjoys playing sports, watching movies, and listening to music.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek” - Barack Obama.
No other phrase could better describe the mindset and philosophy of the Smith Black Business Association (SBBA) than this one said by Barack Obama. In early to mid 2020, SBBA was just an idea in the head of three Queen’s University students and now writing this blog in 2022, we are so grateful for all the success we’ve had thus far and the change we’ve been able to invoke. We are proud that SBBA is able to showcase the representation of Black Queen’s students interested in business and create a safe space for them. Our hope is that more bright young Black students are more open to coming to the Commerce program and Queen’s University without the fear of being unable to find belonging and community.
SBBA has been able to bring strong, like-minded Black students with similar passions together to spearhead different events and initiatives. These events have ranged from showcasing Black professionals in a variety of industries to emphasizing the power and importance of allyship. Before SBBA, there was very little Black representation in Commerce, whether that be in the classroom, on clubs, or panelists in events hosted by Commerce clubs. As a result of SBBA, other clubs in the program have become more conscious of why representation matters in their events and the professionals they invite.
Most importantly, SBBA has created a community within itself where Black students help other Black students succeed and grow professionally, academically, and personally. We aim to ensure that Black students have opportunities to build connections and land jobs in the business field of their desire. At the core of our club philosophy, we believe it is imperative to never ever see the colour of your skin as a disadvantage, instead, use it as a motivator. We encourage all Black students at Queen’s and across Canada to put yourself out there, create and seize opportunities for yourself, and never hide behind your skin. You are capable.