Celebrating INROADS Students During Black History Month

At INROADS, Black History Month is not only a moment to honor the legacy of those who have paved the way — it is a time to celebrate our students who are forging their own paths to greatness. This year, we’re shining a light on the voices of our exceptional students as they share their dreams, aspirations, and the transformative role INROADS plays in shaping their personal and professional journeys. Through their stories, they reflect on the significance of Black History Month and its profound meaning in their lives, sharing how they honor the past while striving to create a brighter future.

With a steadfast commitment to building a future of equity, INROADS is dedicated to unleashing the brilliance that drives progress and creates a lasting, positive impact on our nation.

Join us in empowering the next generation of history-makers.

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To me, Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the hard work, determination, resilience, and contributions of my African American ancestors throughout history, despite the systemic oppression they faced. It’s an opportunity for me to reflect on the legacy of those who paved the way for the opportunities I have today, as well as a chance to celebrate my identity and culture.

Cybersecurity Intern at Physicians Insurance
Master's Student, University of Washington

As a master's student in Information Management at the University of Washington, my future aspiration is to become a respected leader in the IT field, working to protect, assess, and mitigate risks for businesses and organizations. INROADS has had a substantial impact on my journey by providing opportunities to grow as a leader, connecting me with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, and laying the stepping stones to begin my professional career.

Black History Month means a lot to me. It's a time to reflect, learn, and thank the people who fought for our equality. As an African American, I am so thankful for the people and movements in our past who have shaped our world today and given me the opportunity to do the things I love. They have taught me how to stay strong, stand up, and never give up. Black History Month is a month dedicated to giving thanks.

Resin Intern at BASF
Junior, University of California, Los Angeles

As a chemical engineering major at UCLA with an interest in the pharmaceutical industry, I aspire to contribute to the development of innovative and life-changing medications. My goal is to work in drug design, formulation, or process engineering, utilizing my technical skills to optimize production processes. Additionally, I hope to be involved in research and development, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in treating various diseases. Ultimately, I aim to become a leader in the pharmaceutical field, driving advancements that positively impact society.

My INROADS experience has profoundly impacted my life by providing invaluable professional development and exposure to a diverse network of mentors and peers. Through INROADS, I have gained hands-on experience, learned essential skills, and built confidence in navigating the corporate world. The program has also helped me understand the importance of representation and leadership in the workplace, motivating me to advocate for diversity and inclusion. Additionally, INROADS has empowered me to set higher career goals and provided me with the tools and resources to achieve them, setting me on a path toward success.

Black History Month is about the connection to my ancestors who paved the way, the rich culture and traditions that define Black identity, and the ongoing legacy of strength and innovation. It empowers me to embrace my heritage and continue making history.

Software Engineer Intern at UnitedHealth Group
Senior, DeVry University

My future aspiration is to advance in my career by taking on more challenging roles where I can make a meaningful impact, whether through leadership, innovation, or helping others succeed. Additionally, I dream of starting a software and cybersecurity company that empowers people and uplifts my community.

My INROADS experience has been transformative. It provided me with access to mentorship, professional development, and opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise. The program helped me build confidence in my abilities, sharpen my skills, and establish a strong foundation for my career.
INROADS also connected me with a supportive network of like-minded professionals who inspire and challenge me to grow. It instilled in me a commitment to giving back and helping others access similar opportunities. INROADS has shaped not just my career trajectory but also my perspective on leadership and community impact.

Application Development Intern at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Sophomore, University of Alabama

My future aspirations include earning a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. I also hope to join the Accelerated Master's Program at UA to obtain both my master's and bachelor's degrees in four years. I want to set a good example for others and be known for my creativity, kindness, and positive impact. By the time I graduate, I want to have no regrets and many accomplishments. Another significant goal is to study abroad again, as it helped me grow, learn more about myself, and become more independent. Ultimately, I want to live a happy future doing the things I love.

My INROADS experience has made a significant difference in my life by providing me with the opportunity to have an internship. Without INROADS, I would not have had an internship during my freshman year of college. I have also gained a lot of professional development and insight working with INROADS and their team, which will be beneficial in the future.

Black history means succeeding and working hard to achieve opportunities that my ancestors could only dream of.

Client Service Consultant Intern at MetLife Insurance
Junior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

I am a junior at the University of Illinois studying Consumer Economics and Finance. My dream is to work in the finance industry, particularly at MetLife Insurance, where I am currently an intern. INROADS has allowed me to experience corporate America firsthand, giving me the professional development and confidence to contribute to a welcoming and supportive company. I’m truly thankful for being a part of INROADS—it’s an experience I wouldn’t change for anything.

Black History Month means a lot to me! Through my work with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), I see it as an opportunity to uplift others. This could be through outreach programs that introduce kids to STEM or by celebrating Black excellence in engineering and technology.

Technology Development Intern at UnitedHealth Group
Junior, Cornell University

My future aspirations are focused on using technology, especially AI and human-computer interaction, to develop solutions that improve people's lives. With a strong interest in healthcare innovation, I aim to contribute to projects that enhance healthcare systems, making them accessible to all. I want to bridge the gap between innovation and inclusion, ensuring that technological advancements truly benefit all populations. Ultimately, I envision a future where my work not only solves problems but also inspires others to embrace inclusive technology.

My INROADS experience has been a game-changer in my professional journey. It provided me with resources and guidance through one-on-one meetings and group sessions, and it connected me with my current internship at UnitedHealth Group. Through this opportunity, I’ve been able to work on impactful projects, such as developing an AI dashboard that personalizes user experiences in healthcare. INROADS didn't just open the door; it also equipped me with the confidence to excel in this role by helping me develop skills like my elevator pitch.

To me, Black History Month means recognizing and celebrating the triumphant, resilient, and courageous nature that constitutes Blackness. Black History Month is more than an annual commemoration of noteworthy Black individuals; it highlights the leaders, families, and communities who willingly suffered in the hope of obtaining equity for all people. Black history isn't just American history—it’s world history.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Intern at Henkel
Junior, Providence College

As a junior majoring in Psychology and part of the Pre-Law Program, I aspire to teach and empower communities through legal education and representation, as well as through psychological services. I aim to accomplish these tasks as an attorney and entrepreneur, with the ultimate mission of serving and providing people with opportunities they might otherwise be unaware of or unable to attain. Following in the footsteps of my beloved grandmother, I plan to leverage my legal skill set to advance the groups I serve and empower the key stakeholders in each affected community. As a budding professional, I often hear that “my network is my net worth.” Through the INROADS program, my net worth has undoubtedly skyrocketed, as the network I’ve been able to amass in less than a year has been nothing short of a blessing. As an INROADS intern, I have been exposed to professional development and work experiences that have prepared me for a future of leadership and excellence in all my undertakings.

Through this program, I have received support in various settings that have raised my human capital and equipped me with the skills necessary to distinguish myself in any environment. Most importantly, INROADS has directly connected me to internship opportunities aligned with my career aspirations, enabling me to gain experience from some of the most successful and impactful organizations in the world.

Black History Month inspires me as I think about the leaders and innovators who broke barriers before me. It's a time to celebrate their achievements and reflect on how I can continue that legacy in my field. I see it as a reminder of my responsibility to empower others, use my skills to tackle inequalities and contribute to building a better future.

Data Science Intern at GSK
Senior, Nazareth University

As a senior majoring in Ethical Data Science, I aspire to pursue a career as a Data Scientist, using my skills to tackle inequalities and uplift communities, both here in the U.S. and back home in the motherland. INROADS has connected me with a network of like-minded individuals who are striving to make an impact in their communities and fields. Through this program, I’ve gained tools, mentorship, and inspiration that are helping me build a brighter future for myself and others.

My INROADS experience has also allowed me to learn from the brilliant minds who have come before me, supporting me in paving a bright path. The tools I have acquired and will continue to acquire will help me elevate more great and bright youngsters in the future!

Black History Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and empowerment for me. It's an opportunity to honor the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history while acknowledging the struggles they've overcome. It inspires me to continue advocating for equity, representation, and progress in all the spaces I occupy. It's also a moment to foster education and unity, ensuring the stories of our past inspire a brighter future for generations to come.

IAFA Technology Consultant Intern at Protiviti
Junior, Baruch College

As a junior majoring in Cybersecurity, I aspire to become a Cybersecurity Consultant and advocate for equity and representation in the workplace. My INROADS experience has been transformative, providing me with invaluable professional development, mentorship, and real-world experience. It has helped me build confidence, refine my leadership and communication skills, and gain insights into the corporate world. Through this program, I’ve developed a clearer vision of my career goals and feel better equipped to navigate my journey toward becoming a cybersecurity consultant. INROADS has not only opened doors to meaningful opportunities but also empowered me to grow both personally and professionally.

Black History Month is a celebration of the great experiences and accomplishments of Black people.

Sales Audit Intern at Louis Vuitton
Senior, Long Island University

My INROADS experience has been a safe space for growth, providing me with community, friendships, and the confidence to navigate the professional world. It has allowed me to experience a corporate environment first-hand and gain professional experience during my internship as a Sales Audit intern at Louis Vuitton.