Aminata Konate, GSB ’25, thought about founding a Black and Latinx Business Association (BLBA) at Fordham University after her experience attending an accounting and finance career fair last fall.
“Obviously, we go to a PWI [predominantly white institution] and [in] a lot of my experience, I’ve just felt like I was being constantly disrespected by my peers, like I was being pushed around and skipped in line,” recalled Konate. “I couldn’t react. I knew that I couldn’t react because of what it would look like as a Black woman. There’s already that stereotype, and it wasn’t the time or place — it was a professional environment.”
Konate recalled that the encounters prompted her to think about similar experiences in corporate-related club leadership across the university.
“I know a friend who wanted to be on the e-board [executive board] of one of the business-oriented clubs,” recalled Konate. “She was very qualified, but she didn’t get it, and so they gave it to someone that was less qualified. I felt like e-board representation is extremely important because being a person of color in corporate America will come with harsh realities that none of these clubs acknowledge. That’s why I thought it’d be important to have a business-oriented club for Black and Latinx students.”
The idea came to her one day before the new club application was due. After thinking of the idea, Konate reached out to several people who would be interested in leadership. The application was submitted that same day. After presenting to the United Student Government operations committee and waiting for approval, the BLBA was granted official club status.
The BLBA is a Fordham-based club that seeks to promote diversity and inclusion among students at the Rose Hill campus. According to their vision statement, they “envision a future where Black and Latinx students become leaders in the business world, breaking barriers and reshaping success.”
Devin Moreno, FCRH ’25, vice president of academic affairs and BLBA founding member, is involved in bringing academic opportunities to BLBA members.
“I work closely with the VP of Operations, president, and EVP to plan academic programs and opportunities for our members. The role I am most passionate about within BLBA is the opportunity to research opportunities and scholarships to share with members,” said Moreno.
This semester, the BLBA has been growing its numbers through digital engagement and through engaging with clubs such as the Caribbean and African Student Association, of which Konate is vice president.
Next semester, the BLBA is planning a business expo of student-run businesses and female entrepreneurship for Women’s History Month. They are also planning a Black Excellence Gala for Black History Month.
“Right now we are planning a Black Excellence Gala. We are essentially planning a party with keynote speakers, mass giveaways and networking opportunities for our members. This is the headline event we are working on but throughout the semester we will have resume reviews, headshot opportunities and much more!” said Moreno.
In the future, Konate hopes the club will be a professional organization that students look forward to engaging with.
“People respect the club,” Konate said. “People know about it. People are taking it serious and look forward to it and actually go. I know for a lot of the clubs, people just go for their resume, but I want it [the BLBA] to be something that people are actually looking forward to being a part of.”
