HISTORY OF NBMBAA
Established in 1970, the National Black MBA Association is dedicated to developing partnerships that result in the creation of intellectual and economic wealth in the black community. In partnership with over 400 of the world’s top business organizations, the association has inroads into a wide range of industries as well as the public and private sector. Yet all of NBMBAA’s partners have one thing in common: they are all committed to the organization’s goals and values. Currently there are 46 U.S. professional chapters and 28 collegiate chapters.
THE NBMBAA TODAY
The organization gains its strength from a strong belief in community and a commitment to its development through economic and educational development initiatives that support the global African American community. Through its chapter and collegiate affiliations, the NBMBAA provides the most powerful link of networking dedicated to increasing corporate diversity and access to business ownership.
OUR GOALS
Increase membership among African-American MBAs (and other professional degrees), MBA students, Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Develop and strengthen Chapter programs that will promote education and stimulate intellectual and economic growth, career development and community outreach and service
Build corporate partnerships with local, state and regional companies, communities and institutions
OUR LEADERSHIP
KaTrina Chantelle Griffin
CHAPTER PRESIDENT
KaTrina Chantelle Griffin is an accounting, nursing and business professional with 20 years experience in the banking, medical, non-profit and education industries. She holds undergraduate degrees in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology and Nursing with a minor in Business Administration from William Carey University and the University of Tampa and graduate certification in Accounting and a MBA from the University of New Orleans and the University of Phoenix.
KaTrina owns K Chantelle Consulting Firm, a firm specializing in business strategic planning, training and accounting practices, policies and procedures. Her clients are throughout the Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
KaTrina is a member of the National Association of University Women where she serves as the Branch President – New Orleans Branch. She also serves as the Club Secretary for the Louisiana Federation of Business & Professional Women. She also holds memberships in the National Association of Black Accountants, National Association of Black Journalists, Independent Women Organization, American Institute of CPAs, Association of Fundraising Professional and American Nurses Association.
KaTrina enjoys giving back to the community that she lives in through her community service. She serves on the Advisory Board and Auction/ Revenue Committees for March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, New Orleans. She also volunteers and serves on various committees and boards for American Cancer Society, St. Jude Hospital and NO AIDS Task Force.
KaTrina is very passionate about the city of New Orleans and education for the future. She is a graduate of the New Orleans Civil Leadership Academy (CLA) and graduate of Cohort 6 of the Urban League New Orleans Urban Leaders for Equity and Diversity (ULEAD) Academy. She serves as a Certified Mediator for Community Policing in New Orleans.
KaTrina is an avid reader and started a book club called Cocktails and Conversations. She also enjoys live music, shopping and spend time with her loved ones. She loves weddings so much that she recently became an ordained minister to be able to perform weddings.
Sylvia A. Hurst, MBA
TREASURER
Ms. Sylvia Hurst is a New Orleans native, and long-time resident of Hammond, Louisiana. Sylvia is the mother of three intelligent and respectful children all of whom are amidst their academic careers. Her two sons, Melvin Jr. and Millard are pursuing their doctoral degrees in Engineering, at Louisiana State University and at University of California at Berkeley, respectively, and her daughter, Malonda, is a recent Mechanical Engineering Graduate of Santa Clara University. Sylvia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Southeastern University and her Master’s Degree in finance from Southern University and A&M College. As a multifaceted woman, Sylvia takes pride in being a realtor, tax specialist, and financial advisor.
As an elected member of the Democratic State Central Committee and leader in the community, Sylvia was recognized by City of New Orleans Mayor, Latoya Cantrell for facilitating a Business Series that served to increase economic opportunities for minorities. Her experience in finance allows her to serve as the treasurer of the National Black MBA Association. Sylvia is also a member of the Illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. where she struts proudly in pink and green. Sylvia exudes Southern charm at all times, which is said that she never meets a stranger. Her passions include spending time with friends and family, serving her community, and traveling.
Troy Deruise’
VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
Troy is a native of New Orleans, La. He served as a City Park Police Officer and Communications Operations Chief in the Marines for 20 years. He graduated from Southern University Of New Orleans where he joined the collegiate chapter and participated in the 2015 NBMBAA Case Competition. He is currently achieving his Masters in Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Louisiana State University. Troy has an active interest in continuous learning and career development and serves as advisor for Southern University Collegiate Chapter.