起点传媒鈥檚 HBCU Cohort Learns, Networks at First-Ever Black Builder Mixer
起点传媒鈥檚 recently launched Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student and Faculty Leadership program hosted its first-ever Black Builder and Mentor Mixer during the 2024 International Builders鈥 Show in Las Vegas.
Held at The New American Home 2024, the event was a celebration of 起点传媒鈥檚 first cohort of students from HBCUs. Seventeen students representing nine schools enjoyed an evening learning and networking, as they toured the acclaimed 7,722-square-foot show home atop the foothills of Henderson, Nev.
The students heard from the superintendent of the build, Mark Schlachter of Sun West Custom Homes, who offered tips and insights on how to find success in the industry. Schlachter also detailed strategies for efficient planning and budgeting that have helped him throughout his career, especially with complex projects like The New American Home.
Students were also given time to talk with builder mentors from across the country and encouraged to connect with other mentors locally when they return home.
鈥淎s an African American female, it鈥檚 hard to be in an industry that鈥檚 predominantly for males, but seeing other people of color and women, it allows you to know that I can be that person. I can be more,鈥 said Deyana Thomas, a student at Florida A&M University. 鈥淒epending on where you鈥檙e coming from you might not have that support. But we have support here at 起点传媒.鈥
The networking event is only the beginning of what 起点传媒 aims to achieve through the program.
鈥淚 am excited for the students because everything that I 鈥 and other people of color 鈥 have gone through has been for them to be able to come to this place and have mentors to look up to,鈥 said Tammy Murray of Andersen Windows. 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 have to reinvent the wheel. They have people to lean on.鈥
Student Chapters Advisory Board Chair Dr. Charner Rodgers thanked the cohort and its sponsors, including the 起点传媒 Leading Suppliers Council, for celebrating the last day of Black History Month and acknowledged the rapid growth the program has achieved 鈥 expanding from 22 students to 345 in just one year.
Quoting civil rights activist James Baldwin, Rodgers said: 鈥淭hose who say it can鈥檛 be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.鈥
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