Brandon Veal, of Western Branch, has followed an unconventional career path and taken as many opportunities as he can along the way.
This summer, that journey led to him being chosen as one of just 10 Hennessy Fellows, a partnership between Thurgood Marshall College Fund and cognac-maker Hennessy.
Veal attended the Fellows Boot Camp in New York, a forum for professional development that selects graduate students from historically black colleges and universities.
Veal was born in Portsmouth and grew up in Western Branch, attending Jolliff Middle School, and Western Branch High School. He later attended North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro where he majored in computer science.
“It was a catalyst for a lot of different things,” he said. “I came out of my shell. It was a great learning environment. I found my passion for entering and doing campus opportunities,” he said.
Veal interned at a large tire manufacturer for three years before he decided to pursue a Master of Business Administration in marketing at Howard University. He also interned for Angela Rye, an attorney and CNN commentator, and with E.A. Games, a video game manufacturer.
“I’m a huge video game fan. I always had a desire to know what it was like to work in that industry,” he said.
Veal said the Hennessy Fellowship was a highlight of his career. He was flown to New York for a week to take part in the boot camp.
“We took part in webinars related to professional development and other different areas,” he said. “For me, the biggest thing I learned from it is that one thing they all had in common was they were all humble and admitted to making mistakes. The major takeaway was how you recover from mistakes.”
The fellows took part in regular webinars and a pitch competition.
“We pitched a community engagement idea that we are interested in, and the winner got a $10,000 grant to make that a reality,” Veal said.
“It was kind of surreal,” Veal said. “When I grew up, I always looked at other people and said, ‘I wonder why that can’t be me.’ I came to understand and know you cannot compare yourself to other people. You have to be focused on yourself,” he said.
Veal will be part of the Hennessy Fellowship until next spring. According to the Hennessy website, in addition to the boot camp, the program includes online training forums and networking opportunities to “enhance the exchange of ideas and provide direct exposure to interrelated corporate, social and economic systems.”
Selected fellows receive scholarships of up to $20,000 and a $10,000 stipend.
Veal will graduate from his MBA class at Howard University in May. He will have the opportunity to work on international projects with students in China and Ghana.
“Being a traveler is a big hobby of mine. It’s important that people get out the bubble they are in and visit other places,” Veal said.
His mother, Kisha Veal, said her son is very diligent and good at making connections.
“He has worked very hard to accomplish the milestones that he had reached. We are very proud of him. He has always been very focused on what he wants to do,” she said.
Full name: Brandon Michael Veal
What neighborhood do you live in? Jolliffe
Education: Western Branch High; North Carolina A&T, degree in computer science; Howard University MBA in marketing
Community service: Mentoring kids in local schools and YMCAs.
Church affiliation: None
What do you enjoy most about what you do? As a student having gone to two historic black colleges being able to be around a group of like-minded individuals and to learn from my peers and faculty members. I really just like to be creative and flex that muscle in my brain. When I’m able to be creative outside the box I can do my best work. I like creating spaces for those who come after me.
What is the greatest challenge you face doing what you do? The amount of hours in a day.
What do you love most about the people you work/volunteer with? Hearing their stories and gaining an appreciation for them overcoming their circumstances no matter what they are
Who or what inspires you to do what you do? My family is a major source of inspiration. They have supported me in everything I do. Also, the people I mentor inspire me.
Who or what in your background best prepared you for doing what you do? My family was instrumental in preparing me and exposing me to a plethora of opportunities when I was growing up and keeping me rooted in my background and culture. My undergraduate university played a huge part in preparing me for what I do.
Favorite movie: “Black Panther”
Pet peeve: When I treat someone with respect, but they don’t do the same for me.
Hobbies: I’m a huge gamer. I love Nintendo and Playstation. I’m a huge traveler. I’d like to travel to Japan and try new types of food.
First car: Honda Accord
Favorite Western Branch spot to … Being at home with my family
Comfort food: Guacamole
Of what achievements are you most proud? Helping others achieve things and realize their potential including my family.
Something you’ve done that others might not expect of you: I hiked Table Mountain in South Africa.
If you could invite three famous people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be? Ashanti, Trevor Noah, Donald Glover
If you could choose your theme song, what would it be? “Keep it Simple” by Raleigh Ritchie
The song you’re most likely to be caught singing along/dancing to: “Bonfire” by Childish Gambino
What is your personal motto? Be yourself and be authentic.
The most memorable words of wisdom you received and from whom: “Make sure you hold people accountable for valuing your worth or contributions.” A former mentor at Michelin tires
“Never let somebody else take you outside your element.” Michael and Kisha Veal (parents)
The words of wisdom you’d share with someone interested in doing what you do: “When you are in a position to achieve and obtain, make sure you are being proactive in doing so because you may not always be in that position.”