New York, NY – (July 29, 2019) – Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Hennessy announced today, the selection of the inaugural cohort of the newly formed Hennessy Fellows. The Hennessy Fellows are hand selected MBA graduate students from America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The Hennessy Fellows is an annual graduate program for approximately 10 high-achieving, high-potential HBCU graduate students that provide soft skill resources, corporate development experiences and financial assistance. The Fellows will spend a week in New York City for an intense executive boot camp experience where they will focus on specific competency areas such as: leadership, communication, executive presence, accountability and influence, as well as business acumen. Sessions will be led by Hennessy executives, industry leaders and influencers who will provide interactive lectures, simulations, and executive coaching.
Hennessy Fellows is made possible by a $10 million-dollar commitment from Hennessy into TMCF over the next 10 years. This groundbreaking graduate scholarship initiative designed to equip the next generation of African American leaders through financial assistance, access to training and professional development experiences, and real-world skill application. Hennessy Fellows plays a critical role in building the pipeline of diverse, executive talent as failure to develop essential levels of competence, credibility, and confidence early on can jeopardize future advancement of minorities, according to Breaking Through: The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America.
The Hennessy Fellows are:
Florida A&M University
• Brianna Collins
• Jonathan Jones
• Jonas Laboo
Howard University
• Kwamè Boatwright
• Talia Hawley
• Brandon Veal
Morgan State University
• Trevor Alexander
• Troy Jefferson
• Tamika Mason
North Carolina A&T State University
• Fabiana Constable
The Hennessy Fellows were selected after an exhaustive application process. In addition to the all-expenses paid trip to New York City for the boot camp, each fellow will receive executive coaching, up to $20,000 per academic year, $10,000 annual stipend for other educational expenses, an opportunity to compete for a community-related project grant up to $10,000, and access to online training forums, boot camps, networking events and professional development experiences.
“This impressive group of future C-Suite executives will have the opportunity to learn and be mentored by some of the best in the business in Corporate America,” said Harry L. Williams, president & CEO, TMCF. “Our partnership with Hennessy is singularly devoted to our graduate HBCU students making our Hennessy Fellows the new symbol of success.”
For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit tmcf.org/HFP.
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ABOUT HENNESSY
The leader in Cognac, the Maison Hennessy has shined around the world with its exceptional blends for more than 250 years. Built on founder Richard Hennessy’s spirit of conquest, the brand is present in more than 130 countries. Based in the heart of the Charente region, Hennessy is also a steadfast pillar of the regional economy, the standard-bearer for a sector rich in expertise. The House’s success and longevity are rooted in the excellence of its cognacs, each of which is born of a unique process of transmission from generation to generation.
The first wine and spirits house to be certified ISO 14001, Hennessy unites its capacity for innovation and the support of all of its partners to protect this exceptional area. As the crown jewel of the LVMH Group, Hennessy is a major contributor to French international trade, with 99% of production sold in export, and a worldwide ambassador for the French art de vivre.
Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moët Hennessy USA. Hennessy distills, ages and blends spanning a full range: Hennessy V.S, Privilege V.S.O.P, Hennessy Black, X.O, Privé, Paradis, Paradis Imperial and Richard Hennessy. Imported Cognac Hennessy® 40% Alc./Vol. (80º), ©2018 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY
ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF)
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.
TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: www.tmcf.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
TMCF Press
202-888-0039, [email protected]