This is the last reminder I will send out for the event, so thank you for your patience.
Please. Join us if you can.
Seriously. your attendance will help us continue to product events like this and create opportunities for HBCU Grads, Students and Professionals of color!
REVIEW THE PREP CALL IF YOU HAVE TIME:
In case you missed our event prep call, please see the recording to help you get prepared for our upcoming Annual Conference & Career Fair this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Washington, DC!
View Event Prep Call Recording
Please review the additional event details below to make sure you are all set to join us on at our Annual Conference & Career Fair at The Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center.
CONFERENCE & CAREER FAIR DETAILS:
Date: Friday, June 27th, 2025
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Location: Gaylord National Harbor, Exhibit Hall A, 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Please follow signs to self parking at the Gaylord. HBCU Connect has a limited number of discounted self-park parking passes reducing the cost of parking to $30. Please stop by the ATTENDEE registration table to request a pass which will be available on a first come, first served basis. If a discount parking pass is unavailable upon your request, self parking fees range from $22 - $46 depending on length of time parked.
In addition, the National Harbor offers a variety of convenient parking options including covered garages ranging from $5 - $25 based on length of time parked and metered street parking.
Two buses service the National Harbor area as follows:
-NH1 bus service from/to Branch Avenue Metro
-NH12 bus service from/to Alexandria bus station
The Gaylord National
There is an app you can download to navigate your way around the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and find the exact location of our event. Download the app and use it once you arrive at the Gaylord to find HBCU CONNECT!
https://updates.gaylordhotels.com/WelcomeToGaylordNational
Conference & Career Fair Agenda
📅 Friday, June 27th – Career Conference & Workshops
9:00 AM – Event Kickoff (Sponsored by AbbVie)
Session Description: Join us as we officially kick off the HBCU CONNECT Conference & Career Fair with a special welcome from one of our premier sponsors, AbbVie. Hear opening remarks, get inspired by our mission, and gain insight into the exciting opportunities ahead. This is your chance to connect early, set your goals, and start the event with purpose.
Presented by: Will Moss, CEO, HBCU CONNECT and Larry Jemison, VP, Business Development, HBCU CONNECT
10:00 AM – How to Ignite Your Personal Wealth Journey Starting with a Paycheck
Session Description: Learn how to turn your paycheck into a powerful tool for building long-term wealth. This session will cover key strategies for budgeting, saving, investing, and developing a wealth mindset—helping you take control of your financial future, one paycheck at a time.
Presented by: Cedric Nash, Founder and CEO, Oakland Consulting Group
11:00 AM – Networking with Purpose: Building Meaningful Professional Connections
Session Description: Effective networking is more than making contacts—it’s about building genuine, strategic relationships that support your career goals. This session offers practical tips for professionals to network with intention, strengthen connections, and open doors to new opportunities.
Presented by: Sophia Eccleston, Senior Director, Origination
12:00 PM – Entrepreneurship
Session Description: Explore the journey of successful entrepreneurs and learn how to launch or grow your business idea.
Presented by: Dante Lee, CEO, Diversity City Media and Doug Menifee / Larry Jemison
1:00 PM – The Career Game Plan: Promotions, Presence & Influence for Rising Leaders
Session Description: Learn how to level up your career with a winning strategy for advancement. This session covers how to build executive presence, grow your influence, and position yourself for leadership and promotion.
Presented by: LaShann Rossum, Sr. Business Partner, TA; Kishsina Jackson, Warehouse Leader; Solanda Prather, Director, Plant Operations – Pharmavite
2:00 PM – From Classroom to Career: Navigating the Transition After Graduation
Session Description: Get expert tips from the Maximus team on making a smooth leap from college to career. Learn how to find the right opportunities, grow your network, and thrive in your first job after graduation.
Presented by: Autumn George, Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Maximus
3:00 PM – From Overlooked to Outstanding: How Diverse Candidates Can Stand Out in Interviews and Get Hired
Session Description: This session delivers direct, practical guidance to help underrepresented talent master the interview process. Learn what works, how to overcome common pitfalls, and how to frame your story to land the job.
Presented by: JoAnn Means, Sr. Diversity Talent Sourcer, TD Bank
4:00 PM – Building Your Personal Brand: Stand Out in the Workplace
Session Description: Your personal brand is your professional reputation—make it count. In this interactive session hosted by Citi Trends, discover how to define and communicate your unique value in the workplace. Learn strategies to boost your visibility, enhance your credibility, and position yourself for growth and leadership opportunities.
Presented by: Katrina George, VP, Human Resources and Kellie Jones, Director, Talent Acquisition & Training – Cititrends
5:00 PM – Official Event Closing
Session Description: Closing words from the HBCU CONNECT team to reflect on the day, share final insights, and say thank you to our partners and attendees.
Presented by: Will Moss, CEO, HBCU CONNECT and Larry Jemison, VP, Business Development, HBCU CONNECT.
____________________
Don’t Miss These FREE Career Boosting Opportunities!
We’re excited to offer Free Resume Reviews sponsored by Providence and Free Career Coaching Sessions provided by MADE TO LEAD — available exclusively to attendees of our HBCU CONNECT Conference & Career Fair!
- ✅ Resume Reviews by Providence – Get expert feedback to help your resume stand out to top employers.
- 🧠1-on-1 Career Coaching by MADE TO LEAD – Meet with professional coaches to refine your career strategy, gain clarity, and build confidence. Book your coaching session in advance on our event page: https://hbcuconnect.com/event
The career fair, professional development sessions and services above are completely free, but space is limited — don’t wait!
Thanks
------
William R. Moss III | CEO | HBCU CONNECT, LLC
750 Cross Pointe Rd. Suite Q | Columbus, Ohio 43230
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wrmoss/
