Jamaal Broome and Torri Smith Journey From HBCUs to Georgia Tech

In this episode of The Intersection Podcast, we’re honoring Black History Month. Host and second-year Full-time MBA student Analisa Wade talks with Georgia Tech MBA alumni Torri Smith, Executive MBA ‘24, and Jamaal Broome, Evening MBA ‘11, about their education journey transitioning from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Scheller for their MBAs.

Smith received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and is an associate director at Collins Aerospace. Broome earned his undergraduate degree from Hampton University and is the managing director at AKARA Consulting, a media and sports entertainment consulting firm.

During the episode, they discuss how attending an HBCU laid a crucial foundation for their growth. Broome emphasizes the rich historical context he was exposed to at his HBCU, providing him with knowledge and perspectives often overlooked in traditional educational settings.

They also discuss their time at Scheller, detailing how the MBA program has enhanced their leadership skills and career prospects and highlighting the extensive resources and networking opportunities provided by Georgia Tech. The conversation also touches on how they've made an impact at Scheller and how the MBA has helped them become better leaders.

A key theme of the discussion is how Smith and Broome have leveraged their dual experiences - from HBCUs and Scheller - to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to their communities and workplaces. They emphasize the importance of "paying it forward" by utilizing their newly acquired resources and knowledge to benefit their broader communities.

This episode offers valuable insights for HBCU graduates considering an MBA, current business students, and professionals interested in the intersection of diverse educational experiences and business leadership.