National Black MBA Association

Links to Your Career:
Hosted by the National Black MBA Association

A Golf & Career Networking Experience

New Jersey Chapter

You’re cordially invited to join us at TopGolf, 1013 US Route 1, Edison, NJ 08817 on Sunday, July 14, 2019. The 4th Annual Links to Your Career: A Golf & Career Networking Experience is a fundraising event benefiting the New Jersey Chapter of National Black MBA Association. Join us for an afternoon of golf (instruction or tournament play), networking, food, beverages, and fun! Sonya Ruffin, MBA, PHR, John Montgomery, Adrienne Combs, MPA

RSVP link here: https://lnkd.in/eMWJ2BA

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

The USA turned 243 years old today. Happy Birthday! While embracing the spirit of the 4th of July holiday, I found myself camped out near the Hudson River to witness the Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular with millions of people from all over the globe. I had a bird’s-eye view, and let me tell you, the fireworks show was amazing! Furthermore, one of the things I’ve come to admire most about the New York metropolitan area is the multicultural presence, which represents the best of what this country has to offer. The affixed photos is an attempt to capture the essence of the above statement as well as real-time images of the fireworks overlooking lower Manhattan. I hope you had an enjoyable 4th of July celebration. Wishing you peace, love, and happiness! hashtag#nyc hashtag#peace hashtag#4thofjuly

Hoboken Terminal

Hoboken Terminal 

While taking a Sunday stroll along the Hudson River, I was suddenly stopped by a tourist from Singapore who asked me if I could provide some historical perspective on the Hoboken Terminal. Other than stating the obvious (it’s a train station), I had nothing else to bring to the table. LOL! Since I wasn’t in a rush and yet to have my Starbucks coffee, I offered to buy my new friend from Singapore a cup of joe, and he kindly accepted. Okay, it was now time to run a Google search. Wow! What we discovered was fascinating, and I thought it was worth sharing. The Hoboken Terminal is a major transportation hub that’s served by nine (9) NJ Transit (NJT) commuter rail lines, the PATH Train, one Metro-North Railroad line, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, the New York Waterway Ferry, various NJT buses and private bus lines. Amazingly, more than 60,000 people use the terminal daily, making it the 9th busiest railroad station in the country. As a final point, I learned something new today and made a new friend. Pretty cool stuff!

Find Your Passion

Find Your Passion 

Throughout my life, I've often heard many people say, "Find something you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life" - Harvey MacKay. While I always understood the words, it took me nearly three decades for the true meaning of these words to register. Friends, when you identify your passion, "chase it as if your life depends on it" - Les Brown. Moreover, don't let the naysayers talk you out of chasing your dreams. Limit your time with these people because often, their discouraging advice comes from a place of insecurity. While I can reference many examples of individuals that found their passion and captured their dream, allow me to recognize one that's near and dear to my heart…“Super Rocking Mr. Magic” who epitomized the essence of that. The renowned Rap Attack Show with Mr. Magic and Marley Marl first debuted on WBLS 107.5 Radio in 1982 and was the first exclusive rap radio show to be aired on a major station. When Mr. Magic was behind that microphone, he was happy. In other words, he was doing what came natural, and it was something to behold! When you have some leisurely downtime and want to hear anecdotes of the beginning stages of hip-hop, please check out this fascinating YouTube video for some extraordinary insight. hashtag#wbls Watch https://lnkd.in/e7Rcy7g

The National Basketball Association

NBA Reply Center - Secaucus, New Jersey

I had a fantastic time attending the Black MBA NJ Chapter NBMBAA 2nd Quarter meeting at the NBA Reply Center on Wednesday, June 12 in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Special thanks to Sonya Ruffin, MBA, PHR and Oris Stuart for facilitating a great meeting, experience, and networking opportunity. Moreover, I was privileged to meet some amazing professionals and grad-students from a multitude of professional disciplines. I look forward to collaborating with this elite group of individuals which has already and will continue to make a meaningful impact in The Great State of New Jersey. hashtag#jerseystrong hashtag#nbafinals2019

The Best of Brooklyn

Brooklyn - Diversity & Inclusion

I am grateful to have spent time with family this Memorial Holiday weekend in Brooklyn aka Kings County. As I headed home afterward, I made a quick stop at the Starbucks that is attached to the Barclays Center. For those of you who haven’t visited one of Brooklyn’s crown jewels, you generally find the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenue flooded with people...from tourist to businesspeople, sports fans as well as New Yorkers representing just about every ethnic group on the planet. As a result, this area is a true melting pot that epitomizing the essence of a diverse environment. In fact, I draw inspiration simply by being in this area. With this in mind, please indulge me for a moment by closing your eyes...now take a deep breath and allow your creative senses to feel the positive vibes; as together, we are envisioning a world of peace, inclusion, and acceptance...the best of what society can offer! Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day! hashtag#diversityandinclusion

Hip Hop Round Table Discussion 

@ WBLS 107.5 Radio Studios in New York City

I had a magnificent time participating in a round table discussion with Hip Hop Royalty…the incomparable Fred “Bugsy” Buggs (moderator), DJ Marley Marl, DJ Red Alert, DJ Chuck Chillout, and Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams.
We discussed various topics, including the history of Hip Hop as well as shared anecdotes about our time with “Super Rocking Mr. Magic.” The renowned Rap Attack Show with Mr. Magic and Marley Marl first debuted on WBLS 107.5 Radio in 1982 and was the first exclusive rap radio show to be aired on a major station. Lastly, it was an absolute pleasure to be back at WBLS studios. Brought back a ton of great memories! Congratulations to WBLS as it celebrates 45-years on radio and counting…

Indo-American Pharmaceutical Society (IAPS) 

32nd Annual Convention & Gala

It was great spending time with some of AmerisourceBergen’s finest at the 32nd Indo-American Pharmaceutical Society (IAPS) Annual Convention & Gala at the Hilton Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ…literally, a tee shot away from MetLife Stadium - the home of the NY Football Giants! Admittedly, I look forward to attending this event each year. The endless work conducted by the IAPS Executive Board Members as well as its Advisory Board is phenomenal. I’ve affixed photos depicting a few moments at this event. Okay…are you currently feeling the positive energy being generated from the hundreds of participants in the main conference hall? I can attest that it was an electric atmosphere… As a final point, please allow me to cite https://lnkd.in/eMuS3eU which indicates that the IAPS is the largest ethnic professional society of its kind promoting socio-professional objectives. IAPS’ main aim is to bring together all pharmacy professionals including retail, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and employees in pharmaceutical research, industries, and distribution to improve and to encourage high professional and ethical level; noteworthy indeed. Congratulations to the IAPS for putting on a spectacular event! Your work is making a difference. hashtag#independentpharmacy