Q&A: Hear from Members of the Black Business Undergraduate Society at Michigan Ross

At the Ross School of Business, the Black Business Undergraduate Society offers programming and events to prepare students from minoritized identity groups for successful careers in business. BBUS is committed to facilitating the academic, professional, and social development of its members, and welcomes students in the Michigan Ross BBA Program as well as undergraduates from across the University of Michigan.

Here’s what some current BBUS members have to say about their experience at Ross and favorite Black-owned businesses. 

Eve Taylor

Program/year: BBA ‘23

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Role: Vice president of marketing

Post-grad career interest: Real estate finance

What are your favorite Black-owned businesses that you support and you would like others to know more about?

One of my favorite Black-owned businesses is Terry Lu Naturals, a hair care brand started by Hunter Phelps, BBA 21, when she was a student here at Michigan Ross.

Do you have a particular Black business leader that inspires you or one that has been a mentor to you?

I joined BBUS because I needed a space on U-M's campus to make me feel welcome and comfortable pursuing business. Being in Ross, most of the students and faculty don't look like me, which can be daunting for some. I decided to join the executive board my first year to help continue the creation of that space for other students like myself. 

Why did you join BBUS? How has being part of BBUS positively contributed to your experience at U-M and at Michigan Ross?

BBUS has been at the heart of my experience at U-M for many reasons. I have a great group of friends and peers that make it more enjoyable in my classes, I also was given leadership opportunities and have been able to affect positive change in others' lives. Professionally, BBUS has been a hands-on organization to help my own professional development academically and looking past graduation.

What BBUS events/programming have you enjoyed the most?

I have most enjoyed being on the executive board because I built more personal, tight-knit relationships with the team and know I can trust them to have my back. I also love our case competitions every year. 

What would your advice be to prospective Black business students?

I would advise prospective Black students to be willing to search for a space that they feel comfortable and supported in. Michigan is a very large school, but you can make it more relatable by being a part of organizations that you care about. It is also important to note that some of your biggest advocates will not look like how you might expect them to. Be open and willing to learn something new about the world every day.

Peter Akande

Program/year: BBA ‘23, music minor 

Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan

Role: Co-president 

Post-grad career interest: Consulting

What are your favorite Black-owned businesses that you support and you would like others to know more about?

Jamaican Jerk Pit is a great location right off of North University Avenue and South Thayer Street in Ann Arbor, which I love. Also, if you’re willing to drive to the greatest city in Michigan (Ypsilanti), What’s in Your Cup is a great juice and smoothie spot that’s only 15 minutes away from central campus. 

Do you have a particular Black business leader that inspires you or one that has been a mentor to you?

This past year, I had the opportunity to work for the Business+Tech initiative under the leadership of George Okpamen, MBA ’23. Working with him has taught me about what it takes to be a meaningful leader and how to build a good team. His authenticity and insight as someone who has worked in the corporate world are always appreciated, and he makes sure to be a good mentor by checking in with me regularly to make sure things are going well. The way he leads is admirable and I hope to someday be as impactful to others as he has been to me.

Why did you join BBUS? How has being part of BBUS positively contributed to your experience at U-M and at Michigan Ross?

I joined BBUS in my freshman year because I knew that I was interested in business but didn’t know how to explore that interest. I figured joining as a member would be a great way to figure out how business could be a career path for me, and it has ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made in my three years at U-M. I’ve served on the executive board since January 2020, and it has given me friends, opportunities, and personal growth that I couldn’t be more thankful for. Michigan is a huge school, so finding a community you can gel with is super key to being successful here. On the flip side, I think going to school with more than 30,000 other people your age means that there’s always something new you can experience, and it’s worth it to explore classes, clubs, and opportunities that you think may interest you.

What BBUS events/programming have you enjoyed the most?

For our first mass meeting of the 2021-22 school year, BBUS hosted a Meet the E-Board event with games, food, and amazing people. It was great to see people come out for the beginning of the year, especially since that was our first in-person meeting since February 2020. We also hosted an end-of-the-year collaboration event with the Black Student Union at the William M. Trotter Multicultural Center in April that I enjoyed putting together, and I hope this upcoming school year is full of similar events. 

What would your advice be to prospective Black business students?

If you’re a first-year or sophomore student of color at U-M, I’d highly recommend joining a program called Preparation Initiative at Michigan Ross. I came into college thinking I would go down the pre-med path, and PI helped support me as I decided to transfer to the business school after my first year at U-M. I gained a lot of friends who had similar backgrounds to me and I’m still super close to many of those people today.

Lastly, I’ll say three things: Be willing to try new things, make new relationships, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions or take risks. People are always willing to help if you’re willing to take that first step, so do your future self a favor and give yourself a new experience to learn and grow from. Even if you dislike it, you’ll know that it’s not for you and it will help guide your decisions later on. 

Hailey Love 

Program/year: BBA ‘25, writing minor 

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois 

Role: Vice president of membership and external relations 

Post-grad career interest: Private equity 

What are your favorite Black-owned businesses that you support and you would like others to know more about?

My favorite Black-owned business to support is the brand Black Women Are Essential. This brand was founded at the start of the pandemic to use the messaging around essential workers to highlight the experiences of Black women. I really love all of their pieces and I support them, always. 

Do you have a particular Black business leader that inspires you or one that has been a mentor to you?

The business leader that really influenced me is the co-founder of the brand that I mentioned above, Essence Smith. She has been a mentor to me for years and I really appreciate her guidance as I begin my journey as a business professional. 

Why did you join BBUS? How has being part of BBUS positively contributed to your experience at U-M and at Michigan Ross?

I joined BBUS because I was looking for a group of like-minded students within Ross that would help me become a part of the Ross community. My involvement in BBUS has helped me navigate my undergraduate experience and I have learned so much from the upperclassmen. 

What BBUS events/programming have you enjoyed the most?

I really enjoyed watching the case competition that we hosted this year and participating in the corporate dinner. I really enjoyed the case competition because I had the opportunity to see how each team tackled the case differently and everyone did a really great job. The corporate dinner gave us the opportunity to interact with companies and ask questions of people who have gone on from Ross to work at amazing firms. 

What would your advice be to prospective Black business students?

My advice would be to chart your own path and be confident in that. Make sure that you surround yourself with people who are uplifting and supportive, and try your best to see setbacks as an opportunity to learn. If you can remember all of those things from the beginning, you will have an amazing experience full of fun and hard work. Go Blue!

Ryan Noble

Program: BA ‘24, sociology and social work concentration

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

BBUS role: Member

Post-grad career interest: Operations and tech consulting

What are your favorite Black-owned businesses that you support and you would like others to know more about?

The Black-owned businesses that I support are Indigo Children Apparel and Got Chocolate. Indigo Children is a clothing brand started by a close friend, and is based on his relationship with graphic design clothing. Got Chocolate is a gourmet chocolate company that has good desserts in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area.

Do you have a particular Black business leader that inspires you or one that has been a mentor to you?

One Black business leader that inspires me is Michigan Ross Professor Marcus Collins. Even though I have never taken his classes, I have met him multiple times throughout mentorship programs that I have participated in, and his energy is something that inspires me daily. The passion that he has for his career is something that I hope to have for my own career in the future.

Why did you join BBUS? How has being part of BBUS positively contributed to your experience at U-M and at Michigan Ross?

I joined BBUS because of the executive board members. They have done a lot of work to make sure that the community is tight-knit and everyone has a place to come with an abundant amount of resources. Being a part of BBUS has given me the opportunity to look within myself, take personal nuggets on things to improve on with my personal career, and foster genuine connections in my academic career. Although I am not doing Ross for undergrad, I have big connections with Ross and the community within the Black mentor and Black undergrad programs.

What BBUS events/programming have you enjoyed the most?

The BBUS programming that I enjoyed is the career fair. The amount of work and opportunities that come out of that means a lot to me because it has given me different opportunities and access to programs that I did not know about.

What would your advice be to prospective Black business students?

My advice to prospective Black students would be to be yourself, be genuine in whatever you do, and be open-minded. Being yourself means to handle your business, but be vulnerable and okay with others knowing the type of person you are and the things you care about. This will get you opportunities you would’ve never thought. Being genuine in whatever you do means to do your best and to make sure that you are doing the right thing when no one is looking; being a man/woman of your word means a lot in life. Last, be open-minded. Go and try those new opportunities and push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and with goals in mind attached to this goal, you will stretch yourself and in the future will thank yourself for the person you became by doing that one thing.

Be yourself and grow.

Rayven Brantley

Program/year: BA ’23, economics and organizational studies 

BBUS role: Co-president 

Post-Graduation career interest: Asset management 

What are your favorite Black-owned businesses that you support and you would like others to know more about?

Bedrock Apparel is a Black-owned clothing company based in Flint, Michigan. This brand truly represents the people of Flint, as they are strong and resilient. The company sticks by the side of the people of Flint as they continue to build their brand, represent the city, and help the community that is its foundation. 

Do you have a particular Black business leader that inspires you or one that has been a mentor to you?

A Black business leader that inspires me is my father. He is the owner of Brantley Development LLC, a municipal landscaping and construction company. He inspires me because he turned his idea into reality with not much to his name, which not many people can say they have accomplished. He works day and night to grow his business, and his willingness to take risks without the fear of failure has inspired me to do the same. He always looks towards the future and nothing is ever out of his reach despite the world telling him that as a Black man it’s nearly impossible. 

Why did you join BBUS? How has being part of BBUS positively contributed to your experience at U-M and at Michigan Ross?

I joined BBUS because I was looking for a community that would make me feel like I belong. First year was rough for many people, but as an introvert without guidance it was hard for me to find somewhere I could see myself. But then I came across BBUS and it was like a lightbulb went on in my head. Being a part of BBUS has helped me grow socially and professionally, and without it my network, my confidence, and my skills would not be anywhere near what they are today. 

What BBUS events/programming have you enjoyed the most?

The events that I like the most are our larger events of the year which include Diversity Conference Career Fair, the case competition and the corporate dinner. As an e-board member, a lot goes into planning these types of events, and to see it come to fruition is exciting. This year I am extremely excited for DivCo as it will be our first in-person career fair post-COVID-19. At its core, BBUS is here to help students with diverse backgrounds grow professionally and give them the resources to get their foot in the door to find and succeed in their dream careers. Because of this, these events are amazing to see unfold. 

What would your advice be to prospective Black business students?

Speak up. Whether that be going up to a random person and introducing yourself, reaching out to a professor you feel like you can connect with, or reaching out for help. Communication is key in all aspects of life, and although we are all here to receive an education, college is a time for you to network, get to know people, and create lifelong relationships. So don’t be scared to say something, even if you get embarrassed while doing so. It’s a hard lesson that I am still learning, but it is a very fruitful one once you get the hang of it. 

Learn more about the Michigan Ross BBA Program