You Might be a Marketer Conference hosted by North Carolina Central University (In-Person Only)

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Join the ANA Educational Foundation (AEF) for the You Might Be a Marketer HBCU Student Conference—a dynamic convening of industry leaders and academic partners designed to inspire the next generation of marketing talent. This experience brings together students from North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T, Bennett College, St. Augustine University, Shaw University, and other surrounding institutions to explore key themes shaping the marketing profession today, including:

The Marketing Industry: Learn how brands, agencies, and media partners collaborate to create meaningful, culturally relevant connections with consumers and businesses.
Career Insights: Hear directly from industry professionals about their career journeys and gain practical guidance for navigating pathways within marketing.
Career Readiness & Opportunities: Discover how to prepare for a career in marketing and explore the wide range of roles and opportunities across the industry.

Industry professionals are invited to participate throughout the day, with a dedicated opportunity to engage directly with students during an interactive networking lunch.

Agenda

TIME	EVENT DETAILS	LOCATION
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
9:15am - 10:15am	BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION
10:15am - 10:25am	WELCOME REMARKS
10:25am - 11:05am	YOUNG ALUMS, REAL TALK: WHAT WE LEARNED THE HARD WAY Hear directly from recent HBCU graduates who have already made the leap into the industry. This high-energy, no-fluff conversation covers what it really takes to break in, the skills that matter most on the job, and mistakes to avoid early. Honest, relatable, and immediately useful insights! Moderator: Cameron Akpeneye Jr. Marketing Major NCCU Lauren Banks Senior Media Marketing Specialist USPS D’Shonda Brown Manager, Corporate Communications Tris Pharma Tanaysia Camara SOC Analyst Ally/Sunstates Jordan Jackson Digital & Marketing Compliance Analyst Ally
11:05am - 11:40am	THE FUTURE OF MARKETING IS TECH-POWERED AND HUMAN-CENTERED As marketing becomes more technologically advanced, the most impactful brands remain deeply human. This keynote explores how AI, automation, and data-driven insights are elevating creativity, strengthening cultural intelligence, and driving storytelling with purpose. Students will gain insight into how modern marketing teams operate, how technology influences creative and strategic decisions, and what the next generation of marketers needs to succeed—while leading with authenticity, inclusion, and impact. Rene Lassauzet Senior Vice President Brand Creative St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – ALSAC View Presentation
11:40am - 11:50am	MOVEMENT BREAK
11:50am - 12:25pm	BEHIND THE WORK: THE REAL ROLE OF AI IN MARKETING Go beyond the hype and see how AI is actually being used in today’s marketing roles. This session breaks down real workplace use cases, expectations for entry-level talent, ethical considerations, and practical tools students should start practicing now to stay competitive. Moderator: Dr. Josh Lundberg Assistant Professor of Marketing NCCU Jessica Willis Senior Product Marketing Manager apexanalytix Arnel Santiago Managing Director, Innovation and Data VML KeAndrea McLaurin Market Research Lead Viiv Healthcare Daemion Johnson Global Marketing Director ViiV Healthcare
12:25pm - 1:00pm	INCLUSION IN ACTION: LEVERAGING YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE In this fireside chat, explore why diverse perspectives are essential to innovation, creativity, and business success. Learn how inclusion shows up in real marketing decisions and campaigns, and how your lived experiences can be a competitive advantage. Moderator: Danielle Wilson Founder and Principal Consultant The Talent Studio Chandra Guinn Executive Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging McKinney Pashara Black Director, Event Marketing Fidelity Charitable® Tameka Little Royster Sr. Manager Ambitious Partnerships – Supplier Engagement GSK
1:00pm - 2:00pm	NETWORKING LUNCH: MEET THE INDUSTRY
2:00pm - 2:05pm	CLOSING REMARKS
2:05pm - 2:40pm	BREAKOUT SESSION I: YOUR STORY, YOUR EDGE – STANDING OUT BEFORE YOU GRADUATE This interactive breakout helps students translate classroom experiences into career-ready language. Learn how to tell your story through resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interviews, and networking conversations—so employers understand your value and potential. Rebecca Paddock Director Talent Acquisition VML Kylah Lewis People & Experience Specialist McKinney Danielle Wilson Founder and Principal Consultant The Talent Studio View Presentation
	BREAKOUT SESSION II: THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE WORK Today’s marketers are expected to understand more than creativity and strategy—they’re expected to understand performance. This breakout demystifies data and analytics for students preparing to step into their first marketing roles, regardless of specialty. Students will learn: The key metrics early-career marketers are expected to recognize across brand, digital, and campaign work How data informs day-to-day marketing decisions, not just reports and dashboards How to interpret results, spot patterns, and ask smarter questions about performance How to communicate insights clearly to managers and cross-functional teams Practical habits and tools that help build long-term data confidence This session helps students connect their work to business impact—so they’re not just executing tasks but understanding why the work matters. Jessica Willis Senior Product Marketing Manager apexanalytix View Presentation
	BREAKOUT SESSION III: WE MADE IT — AND SO CAN YOU: NAVIGATING YOUR MARKETING CAREER Join us for an inspiring conversation with two MADE HBCU alumni who turned ambition into achievement through the AEF MADE Program. In this panel, they’ll share their journeys navigating college as first-gen students, breaking into competitive industries, building community, and creating opportunities for themselves and others. From challenges to career wins, this discussion is designed to empower current students with real insight, practical advice, and proof that through the AEF community, your story can become your strength: not your limitation. Addis Romero AEF MADE Alumni Morgan State University Philemon Emmanuel MADE Alumni North Carolina A&T State University View Presentation
	BREAKOUT SESSION IV: SKILLSBUILD SHOWCASE — BUILDING REAL-WORLD MARTECH SKILLS WITH IBM This interactive session would move students from inspiration to action by introducing IBM SkillsBuild, a free, career-ready learning platform. Students would: See how AI and marketing technology are applied in real-world scenarios Learn how to access free courses and earn industry-recognized certifications Leave with a tangible resource they can begin using immediately Ana Wall Product Marketer IBM Leah Jones Program Manager, NA CSR, Edu and Workforce Development IBM

Cancellation Policy and Notes

No refunds will be granted for any cancellations or for 'no shows.' Unused registrations/applications have no monetary value and cannot be credited to future years or events. ANA will not issue refunds or credits due to failure to redeem a discount coupon during the registration process. You may transfer your registration to a colleague at no additional cost.