HUSB Spotlight
John Cash | The Narmer Group, LLC | Alumni
What was your major? Computer-Based Information Systems
What is your graduation year? 1985
What is your hometown? Washington, D.C.
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? BEST HBCU in the country, I had an Air Force ROTC Scholarship
How did your experience at Howard prepare you for your current career path? We were challenged and cared for at the same time. Built great character and grit.
Is there a personal philosophy or "words to live by" that you like to impart to current students? Do great things every day. There is no “day off”.
What is one fun fact about you? I still listen to “Go-Go” music, after a few drinks.
Gilbert Campbell | Volt Energy, LLC | Alumni
What was your major? Finance
What is your graduation year? 2001
What is your hometown? Virginia Beach, VA, and Philadelphia
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? My long-term goal was to become an entrepreneur and I wanted to get top a notch business education. I was thoroughly impressed with Howard University's School of Business and its innovative programs including the 21st Century Advantage Program and SBEL Honors Program.
How did your experience at Howard prepare you for your current career path? Howard gave me the confidence and experience to know that I belonged and could thrive in any work environment. It also prepared me for my first job out of Howard with Accenture in their Strategy group. Additionally, I learned a multitude of skills at Howard like leadership, collaboration, strategic thinking, and resiliency that prepared me to launch and sustain my own business.
Is there a personal philosophy or "words to live by" that you like to impart to current students? "To whom much is given much will be required" (Luke 12:48). Howard will pour a lot into you and put you on a path to a successful career path. It's your responsibility to give back to the generation behind you and support the University that supported your growth.
What is one fun fact about you? I'm learning to DJ as a hobby.
Natalie Cofield | Alumni
What was your major? Computer Operation Based Information Systems
What is your graduation year? 2002
What is your hometown? Rochester, NY
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? The School of Business had a structured program, extensive relationships with respected corporations and companies across the nation, and a national network of alum who are both successful and accessible.
How did your experience at Howard prepare you for your current career path? At Howard, I was very involved in various school clubs and groups and served as the COBIS Society president. I also took several history classes in the School of Arts and Sciences that grounded me in understanding the unique contributions of Black Americans. This blend of training and the network of amazing alum has helped me in every aspect of my career starting on Wall Street, through my various entrepreneurial endeavors where we always found amazing talent from Howard and in my current role as an appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, serving under the leadership of another notable alum, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Is there a personal philosophy or "words to live by" that you like to impart to current students? Perseverance in the motto
What is one fun fact about you? I have visited 46 countries.
Shannon Watson | MBA | Student
What is your classification? Second-year MBA student, graduating in May 2021
What is your MBA concentration? Supply Chain Management
What is your hometown? Houston, Texas
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? My decision to attend Howard University School of Business was strengthened by the knowledge that the school would provide me with the best possible business education to sharpen my operations and management skills while also connecting with other like-minded, ambitious, and highly motivated individuals. Furthermore, I was confident that I would connect with Howard's prominent and global alumni network. Knowing the significant financial commitment that an MBA can entail, the unparalleled merit-based scholarship I was generously awarded made Howard University and an MBA a viable option for me.
How has your experience with the School of Business shaped your career goals? I came to business school with three goals in mind: (1) to expand my knowledge of core business functions to solve complex, ambiguous, and unfamiliar management problems; (2) to connect with others to develop communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work in teams; and (3) to sharpen my knowledge in functional areas such as operations and project management to positively impact society and seed change in an operations role at a large corporation. For me, Howard has been a great place to explore, grow, and discover. At Howard, I have discovered my potential and honed my confidence through my daily coursework, weekly Leadership Development Series, and countless introspective exercises, as well as through Supply Chain's Leadership Development Executive Coaching Series. I am confident that I will leave Howard University a more inspiring and prepared leader than I ever imagined possible. After completing my MBA, I intend to use the practical tools I learned at Howard University in my new role as an Operations Manager at Amazon.
What is your favorite part of the program? Developing a solid friendship network! There is a lot of challenging work, but my cohort is like my second family – everyone supports and inspires each other to do and be our best. In addition, I am grateful for the time the MBA staff and professors invest in students and the care they place in teaching and ensuring success.
Is there a personal philosophy or "words to live by" that you like to impart to current students? I would recommend instilling in your mind the following philosophies: (1) learn and be curious, (2) insist on the highest standards, (3) think big, (4) dive deep, and (5) earn trust––all of which are part of Amazon's Leadership Principles––and finally, "value the learning process over the end result"––a quote from Carol Dweck's book Mindset.
Efua Obeng, Ph.D. | Faculty
What is your title? Associate Professor & Acting Chair, Department of Marketing
How long have you been at Howard and what courses do you currently teach? Since 2014! I teach Principles of Marketing, Sports Marketing, Retailing, and in the Howard Entertainment Program.
What is your current research focused on? I have two very different research streams. The first focuses on strategic partnerships in the retail industry, while the second clarifies the idea of corporate social justice.
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? I wanted to give my best to students who look like me!
Describe a rewarding project, class, or academic experience that you are currently working on or have completed while at Howard? Working as part of the Howard Entertainment Program has been amazing! Not only has it allowed me to expand my network, but it has allowed students to gain invaluable experience and exposure.
What is one fun fact about you? My first name means a girl born on Friday, but I was born on Thursday.
Dana Williams-Johnson | Faculty
What is your title? Instructor
How long have you been at Howard and what courses do you currently teach? I started as an adjunct in the Marketing Department in 2014 and came on full-time in 2018. I currently teach Business Communications, Business Problem Solving, Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing (grad), and Publication Management.
What is your current research focused on? I’m a full-time doctoral student in the School of Communications and I am currently working on research in social media about the normalization of hate speech online. I’ve also been working on a study on the impact of COVID-19 shelter in place orders and how that isolation impacts single Black women.
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? I’m a Howard University alumni (c/o 2000) and a former administrator, so being on campus has always felt like being home to me. Getting an opportunity to adjunct really opened me up to how amazing the student body is at Howard and in the School of B and I just wanted to keep doing this full time.
Describe a rewarding project, class, or academic experience that you are currently working on or have completed while at Howard? Last year I had a freshmen team from my Business Communications class make it to the national finals of the L’Oréal Brandstorm competition. Working with them and seeing them present was honestly one of the proudest moments, they worked so hard and were so polished. I can wait to see what they do now that they’re sophomores.
What is one fun fact about you? I’m a prolific knitter and I knit my rescue chihuahua Jellybean tiny sweaters to match mine.
Amanda Hinojosa | Faculty
What is your title? Dr. Amanda Hinojosa, Assistant Professor of Management
How long have you been at Howard and what courses do you currently teach? I started at Howard in August of 2017. I currently teach Management & Organizational Behavior, and Advanced Organizational Behavior
What is your current research focused on? Broadly speaking, I research how people think and behave in organizations; in other words, I apply psychology to the workplace. My research tends to fall in one of three areas: leadership, work-family interaction, and recruitment. I recently published a paper providing evidence-based guidance on how leaders can connect with followers during COVID-19 when typical forms of connection are not feasible due to safety protocols. I am also finalizing research on pregnant women's perceptions of maternity benefits and the impact of these perception on their decision to return to work after maternity leave. In the context of recruitment, I am researching how applicants experience cognitive dissonance in response to recruitment practices such as job interviews.
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? I was drawn to Howard because I wanted to work at a university that values research and teaching. Howard's support for faculty development in teaching and research has allowed me to grow in both areas. Even when tested with the drastic changes to higher education forced by the pandemic, Howard has continued to provide meaningful opportunities for professional development that I have been fortunate to take part in.
Describe a rewarding project, class, or academic experience that you are currently working on or have completed while at Howard? Each semester that we have been online, it has been rewarding to see the final projects that are very well-done, despite the adversity that we have all faced due to the pandemic. In Spring 2020, students in my Advanced Organizational Behavior class created excellent infographics to explain research on topics such as stress at work, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Students in Management & Organizational Behavior in the Spring of 2020 and Fall 2020 prepared excellent final presentations. For the current semester, it has been rewarding when we have discussions that really excite and engage students. It can be hard to "read the room" on Zoom, so when a class activity entices several students to engage in the discussion, that is a really rewarding moment.
What is one fun fact about you? I used to play percussion and was pretty good at the marimba and vibraphone.
Sandip Mukherji | Faculty
What is your title? Professor
How long have you been at Howard and what courses do you currently teach? 29 years. Currently teaching two undergraduate courses: Financial Modeling & Analysis, Advanced Financial Analysis; and two graduate courses: Financial Modeling, Modern Financial Analysis.
What is your current research focused on? My current research projects are The Value of Cryptocurrencies in Investment Portfolios, and Asymmetric Mean Reversion of Stock Returns.
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? Because it’s the Mecca. I have enjoyed a rewarding career, working with so many great colleagues to contribute to the development of thousands of bright young minds.
Describe a rewarding project, class, or academic experience that you are currently working on or have completed while at Howard? I have been serving as the Director of the Center for Financial Services for 15 years, organizing educational activities for students, and working with leading financial firms to help launch our students into rewarding careers.
What is one fun fact about you? Between a B.A.in Economics and MBA and Ph. D. in Finance, I indulged my passion with an M.A. in Comparative Literature. I have published several short stories in literary magazines.
Karen Hampton | Staff
What is your title? Coordinator/ Student Services/ Academic Advisor
How long have you been at Howard and what is your current role? 10/1988- advising and academic support during student's matriculation at Howard
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? The University offered employment to support a long-term career, a pleasant work environment, and good benefits. I have also found my job to be very fulfilling!
Describe a rewarding project or experience that you are currently working on or have completed while at Howard? My current project is the GRADUATION CLEARANCE process and Academic Recovery Program. To see our students leaving with a degree in hand and becoming successful is always rewarding.
What is one fun fact about you? I used to possess the original Bison mascot headpiece (found it in the dumpster). Cleaned it up and donated it to the archives at Founders.
Carl Brown | Staff
What is your title? Executive Director
How long have you been at Howard and what is your current role? I have been here 5 years. Current role is Executive Director of the DC Small Business Development Center
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? To give back to the small business community and do it at the university that I love and respect.
Describe a rewarding project or experience that you are currently working on or have completed while at Howard? We work with hundreds of businesses each year; however, we have never had a pandemic before. In 2019 we assisted 800 clients in 2020 we assisted 1,640 businesses. More than doubled the previous year.
What is one fun fact about you? I used to DJ in New York and WHBC.
Ainae Nielsen | Student
What is your classification? Senior
What is your major? Marketing
What is your hometown? Washington DC
Why did you choose the Howard University School of Business? I wanted to be a part of a community of driven and loving people who would help push me to take risks and provide opportunities to grow as a woman personally and professionally.
How has your experience with the School of Business shaped your career goals? The School of Business has done a fantastic job of preparing me to pitch myself, advocate for myself and my worth professionally. HUSB has provided opportunities to interview, learn more about job readiness, and always stressed entrepreneurship importance.
What is your favorite part of the program? I’ve enjoyed my marketing courses as well as my professors!
Is there a personal philosophy or "words to live by" that you like to impart to current students? My personal philosophy is “Use what you have until what you have pays for what you want”- Adam Ivy