Alumni news

Panellist Ema Effiong

Deborah O Ajayi chatting to students about her start-up business Homely Remnant

Sandra Akpabla (centre) - Student Ambassador and Black in Business Group member

Students enjoying food from Mama Sheila’s Kitchen

The Business School recently held its third Black in Business event, furthering its commitment to fostering a sense of community and support for our students from the global majority. This event series provides an invaluable platform for current students to gain insights from accomplished Black and Black heritage peers, faculty members, and alumni on their career journeys and paths to success.

Originally launched as a brunch event in 2022, the Black in Business initiative has rapidly evolved into a highly anticipated series of termly networking events. The latest, held on Tuesday 5 March, was developed and co-hosted by student planning group Richard Chijioke, Sandra Akpabla, Eluid Wandera and Titilayo Olufunmilayo Kola-Olaoye.

Guests heard from panellists Emmanuel Oyemade, Product Design alumni, Innovate UK Award Winner and Junior Project Manager at Kloo; and Ema Effiong, Sussex MBA alumna and Operations Executive at Beam. Guests also had the opportunity to gain valuable insights from the personal stories of the panelists, engaging in a stimulating Q&A session.

Deborah Ajayi, Entrepreneur and Politics and International Relations alumna joined later in the evening to speak to students about her start-up, Homely Remnant, a vending machine business specialising in international snacks aimed at students experiencing homesickness. She commented:

"The Black in Business event created an inspiring environment, full of laughter, cultural cuisine and music. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with students about my start-up journey, where I stumbled into entrepreneurship due to a problem I was determined to solve.

"I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Business School. Networking events  like these are crucial in igniting student curiosity during the early stages of their career, and enhance their educational experience, a pivotal necessity."

The event also featured a range of food from Mama Sheila’s Kitchen, a local West African restaurant based in Worthing.

Previous Black in Business events have included student speakers Tariq Brown, Business School student and Careers Officer for the Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS); Sussex alumnus Damilola Ajiboye and Deborah Ajayi, and Lecturer in Economics, Dr Bridget Kauma, as well as EDI Champion Hengyi Wang who provided information on the Race Equity Group, further highlighting the Business School's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community.

Sandra Akpabla, Student Ambassador, and Black in Business student planning group member said:

“The Black in Business event was great for connecting students and alumni for networking and insightful conversations, inspiring future business success, and igniting the Black entrepreneurial spirit, one idea at a time!”

Hengyi Wang, Senior Student Academic Success Advisor and EDI Champion added:

“The Black in Business events have been a pleasure to attend. These events provide invaluable opportunities for students, staff, and the wider university community to come together, share experiences, and foster meaningful dialogue around personal development, diversity and inclusion.

“This helps to build a sense of belonging within our university community, which not only enhances students' academic outcomes but also plays a crucial role in addressing the awarding gap. It is heartening to witness the positive impact these events have on our university community.”

We are excited to further develop the Black in Business event series, and encourage students who would like to be involved in organising these events to contact business-events@sussex.ac.uk

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