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RCMBA Hosts Minorities in Pittsburgh Conference
The Roberto Clemente Minority Business Association (RCMBA) recently hosted its 7th annual Minorities in Pittsburgh (MIP) Conference at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association in Oakland.
MIP 2009 was a two-day intensive conference that provided the distinctive opportunity for students to polish their skills and prepare for their careers through interactive workshops, networking luncheons, a fashion/makeover show, and a career fair where over 20 companies were represented. PNC Financial Services (Lead Sponsor), Target (Platinum), Bayer (Gold) and many more were in attendance.
The Theme for MIP 2009 was "Celebrate L.I.F.E.," which embodies several fundamental components of success, including Leadership, Innovation, Fellowship, and Equity.
In a dramatic keynote address, held at the luncheon on day two of the conference, Dr. Farrah Gray testified to the power of L.I.F.E. and the importance of its elements. Dr. Gray is noteworthy for rising out of the impoverished south side of Chicago and becoming a self-made millionaire by the age of 14 years. At 21 years old, he was recognized by Ebony Magazine as "an entrepreneurial icon, business mogul and bestselling author." Dr. Gray's address was given before nearly the 200 business students in attendance. In it, he encouraged students to use entrepreneurial skills not only to attain personal success but also to reach out to help impoverished communities.
Dr. John Delaney, Dean of the Katz Graduate School of Business and the College of Business Administration, introduced Dr. Gray. His introduction incorporated President Barack Obama's mantra "Yes we can" and urged students to look for opportunities that arise despite the current economic downturn - emphasizing that sometimes misfortune brings opportunity.
Students from a number of area universities were in attendance, including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Indiana University of PA, Robert Morris University, Chatham University, Carlow University, California University of PA, and Edinboro University of PA.
The Roberto Clemente Minority Business Association is the quintessential resource for minority students matriculating through the College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. RCMBA enjoys a large and active student membership. It is governed by a steering committee of 18 dedicated students who strive to bring RCMBA's mission to fruition: "To transform the corporate world through diversity." RCMBA's office is located in 2305 Sennott Square, Pittsburgh, PA15260.