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Serving as the Vice President of the Tufts Black Men’s Group (BMG) has been one of the most meaningful and transformative parts of my Tufts experience. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity not only to build community on campus, but also to create pathways for mentorship, professional growth, and connection both for current students and for future generations of Black students at Tufts.

One of the most powerful examples of this work was the Tufts Black Professional Panel: “The Power of Networking — Turning Relationships Into Opportunity.” This event brought together three incredible Tufts alumni: Andre Baynes, Nathalie Lubin, and Ancy Verdier, each highly accomplished in their fields. Andre and Ancy also serve on the Tufts Board of Trustees, which made their presence and support especially impactful.

Creating the Panel From the Ground Up

This panel began as a vision rooted in my own personal growth. When I was a freshman, I was social, but I didn’t fully understand the importance of social capital and intentional networking. Coming into this year, I made a decision that I wanted to bring high-achieving Tufts alumni of color back to campus to share their stories, their paths, and their wisdom.

To make this idea real, I spent the early part of the fall reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn, setting up coffee chats, and pitching the concept of a professional development panel centered on the power of networking. I personally emailed and connected with Ancy, Andre, and Nathalie, and each conversation strengthened my confidence that this event was needed.

I also worked closely with other BMG members who helped brainstorm questions, engage students, and support logistics efforts that absolutely deserve recognition.

To bring the event to life, BMG partnered with the Africana Center and the Tufts Alumni Engagement Office, whose support and collaboration helped turn the panel from a simple idea into a powerful and unforgettable experience. Together, we created an event open to the entire Tufts community, a space filled with learning, inspiration, and genuine connection.

An Evening of Wisdom, Journey, and Authentic Insight

The panelists dropped countless gems that left everyone in the room energized. There were reminders that “closed mouths don’t get fed,” insights on how to navigate corporate spaces confidently, and advice on how to command a room with authenticity and purpose.

They shared personal stories about career pivots, challenges they overcame, and the mentors and sponsors who helped them grow. They also reflected openly on their time at Tufts, discussing identity, resilience, leadership, and what it meant to build community as Black students.

Many of us walked away with renewed purpose—clearer on how to network with intention, how to translate relationships into opportunity, and how to show up boldly in our professional lives.

Why This Work Matters and What’s Next for BMG

For me, the panel wasn’t just an event it was a reminder of why leadership, representation, and access matter so deeply. It showed what becomes possible when students, alumni, and campus partners unite with a shared mission. It affirmed the power of creating spaces where Black students can learn, connect, and see themselves reflected in those who came before them.

This semester as Vice President has been incredibly fulfilling. Beyond the panel, BMG has hosted conversations about manhood, identity, and what it means to be Black; football watch parties; and community-building gatherings that strengthened our brotherhood.

And we’re only getting started. Next semester, students can look forward to:

- A conversation and collaboration involving Tufts Prison Initiative students

- Another alumni speaker panel

- Social events and parties

- A mental health workshop

- Financial literacy programming

And more community-centered initiatives we’re excited to share soon!

I’m grateful to Andre, Nathalie, and Ancy for sharing their brilliance; to the Africana Center and Alumni Engagement Office for their support; and to the entire Tufts community for showing up. Events like this show the power of investing in one another.