Jennifer Ndong-Smith
What is your connection to Los Angeles County?
I moved to Los Angeles three years ago for two reasons. First, I was ready to explore the west coast to gain a different perspective from Atlanta, GA. Second, I was having difficulty moving into the next step in my career in my hometown. Since I had known that the Los Angeles job market attempts to hire diverse talent and has vast employment prospects available, I decided to move here for personal and professional growth. I recommend to all that taking opportunities outside of your comfort zone can gain you valuable experience and appreciation of where you came from as your worldview expands.
How did you first hear about the National Black MBA Association?
I heard about the organization while obtaining my MBA from Georgia State University and attending the 2015 Annual Conference and Career Fair in Orlando, FL. It is there that I leveraged the recruiters from different insurance companies to secure a job offer with Nationwide Insurance in Iowa. The new position helped me to transition from personal lines to commercial lines in insurance that increased employment stability and lucrative career options. It single-handedly changed the course of my career.
What influenced you to join the National Black MBA Association – Los Angeles Chapter Board?
Being new to town, I thought it would be a great way to meet like-minded people and mentor youth. Volunteering on the Board has provided me a community to network with Board Members and members for lifelong success. Likewise, I enjoy planning social mixers and managing the Chapter's social media accounts as I strengthen my marketing skills.
What is your favorite thing about the National Black MBA Association community?
The lifelong friends that I made and enjoyed spending time with are greatly valued and appreciated. Additionally, there are opportunities to get involved and create programs that are of interest and allow personal growth. Contributing to the success of Chapter events, like Annual Scholarship Brunch and Golf Tournament, I attend to engage guests, increase event exposure to the public, obtain donations to support local youth activities, and offer onsite event support to event leads.
What are the benefits of being a member of the National Black MBA Association?
Being part of a professional organization with a network of 20,000 members and attending its Annual Conference and Career Fair can advance your career and grow your network. By joining the National Black MBA Association, I have been able to do two things. One is to land a desirable job during one of the past conferences. Two is to network with business professionals from different industries and companies. I am a testament to the saying membership has its benefits.
What excites you most about the direction of the National Black MBA Association – Los Angeles Chapter, and how will you contribute to it in your current role?
The Los Angeles Chapter executes a broad range of events from professional development to social gatherings: Numerous opportunities to meet new people in Los Angeles County and beyond. An example is our annual events, Headshots & Handshakes and Business of Sports, that offer insight from experienced professionals in different fields and industries to get hired and climb the company ladder. In the same vein of empowerment, I will continue to plan and facilitate social mixers for professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, communicate, collaborate, and succeed.
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