Black Management Association
Developing an inclusive community for Black students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The Black Managmement Association (BMA) supports professional growth through events, networking, leadership, and service opportunities that amplify Black voices in business.
As a past member of the BMA, I have helped the Merage School make all programs directed at its current students and alumni be restructured to attract current Black students and Black alumni to respective programs.
Vernon Crawford EMBA '15
Join Us!
Join BMA and be part of a vibrant community empowering future business leaders. Connect, learn, and grow through impactful events and opportunities throughout this academic year.
Any questions? Contact Professor Tonya Williams Bradford tonya.bradford@uci.edu or Brina White, VP of Membership whitebd@exchange.uci.edu.
Featured Event
BMA innovate26
May 1, 2026
The Paul Merage School of Business
Eric Li Classroom, SB1 Floor 1
Time TBD
Hosted by the Merage School’s Black Management Association, this annual summit brings together students, alumni, industry leaders, and faculty to explore innovation and impact across areas such as health, wealth generation, and the future of work. The event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and pitch competitions that highlight Black excellence and foster professional development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive leadership. More information coming soon...
UC Irvine Office of Inclusive Excellence
The UC Irvine Office of Inclusive Excellence (inclusion.uci.edu) is UCI’s hub for equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. It oversees programs such as DECADE (Graduate Mentoring Communities), Equity Advisors, Gender Inclusive Campus initiatives, and more, while also coordinating awards and campus-wide workshops to promote an inclusive campus culture. LEARN MORE >>
Center for Black Cultures, Resources and Research
The Center for Black Cultures, Resources and Research (CBCRR) provides an empowering space for learning, collaboration, and community, rooted in African and Black cultural traditions and dedicated to social justice and collective growth. LEARN MORE >>
Featured Stories
Our stories highlighting the achievements, experiences, and impact of Black students, alumni, and leaders at the Merage School.
2025-2026 Officers
Kodey Jones
President
Rachel Fryer
Vice President
Stephanie Onwu
Vice President
Administration
Kierra McNutt
Vice President
Marketing
Aaliyah Al-Obaid
Vice President
Social Media
Adonai Fessehaye
Vice President
Events
Aresema Belachew
Vice President
Allyship
Chioma Madu
Vice President
Community Relations
Christa Okereke
Vice President
Employer Relations
Temitayo Akande
Vice President
Career Preparation
Trista Okereke
Vice President
Alumni Relations
Jonathan Hadgu
Vice President
Pitch Competition
Inaya Yusuf
Vice President
Center for Black Cultures, Resources and Research
Ashley Nwagboso
Vice President
Engineering School Liaison
Great First Impressions
Black History Month
All-U-Conference
Speed Mentoring
During my time at the Merage School, I have developed many great relationships that have significantly helped me to grow personally and career-wise. I have worked with the BMA to ensure that future students feel supported by a community at UC Irvine.
Alaina McClue MIE '20
Past Conferences
May 2, 2025
innovate25: Black Innovation Summit
Celebrating Five Years of Black Innovation & Leadership!
The Black Innovation Summit returns to UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business for its fifth anniversary, bringing together industry leaders, scholars, and entrepreneurs for a day of insightful discussions and networking. This milestone event will explore the most pressing topics in health, wealth, and the future of work, providing attendees with actionable insights and strategies for success.
April 5-6, 2024
innovate24: Black Innovation Summit
innovate24 explores how cutting-edge technology is transforming arts and entertainment. We bring together diverse voices to examine its impact on creativity, business, and audience experience—shaping the future at the intersection of art and innovation.
May 5-6, 2023
innovate23: Black Innovation Summit
The Black Management Association hosted its third annual conference, uniting students, alumni, and business leaders to explore innovation and impact. BMA continues to inspire growth, foster connections, and strengthen Orange County’s business community.
April 29, 2022
BMA Conference 2022: Wealth for a Digitally Driven World
The Merage School Black Management Association (BMA) hosted its second annual conference, Wealth for a Digitally Driven World, exploring how digital disruption creates new opportunities to build inclusive wealth. The event featured expert speakers and industry leaders across multiple panels and tracks.
February 23, 2022
BMA Fireside Chat: Zipporah Allen
The Black Management Association (BMA) hosted a Fireside Chat with Taco Bell’s Chief Digital Officer, Zipporah Allen, for an engaging discussion about her professional journey and insights on leadership in the digital age.
February 17, 2022
BMA Fireside Chat: Jordyn Weaver MIE '21
The Black Management Association (BMA) joined with Jordyn Weaver MIE '21 for a Fireside Chat where we explored Jordyn's recent student experience, entrepreneurial ventures and future interests.
October 9, 2021
Black Management Association (BMA) Welcome Back Lunch
To kick off the Fall quarter, the Black Management Association (BMA) hosted a welcome lunch for students and alumni with BMA officers Ryan McNichols and María Teresa Carmier, Professor Tonya Bradford, and Dean Ian Williamson. Guests enjoyed lunch, connected with peers, and learned about upcoming opportunities, including the Bradford Fellow Scholarship Awards.
May 1, 2021
BMA Conference: Empowered to Lead, Equipped to Succeed
The next generation of Black leaders came together for the first annual Merage School Black Management Association Conference, themed Empowered to Lead, Equipped to Succeed. Featuring four focused sessions and industry leaders driving change, the event offered fresh insights, meaningful connections, and inspiration to make an impact in careers and communities alike.
February 18, 2021
BMA Winter Forum: Seeding Your Future
Seeding Your Future featured a panel discussion on entrepreneurship and funding within the Black community. Panelists, all leaders in their fields, shared insights on leveraging opportunities and resources to grow businesses. Topics included their journeys into entrepreneurship, preparing to secure funding, and the future of Black innovation in America.
December 3, 2020
Black Management Association Fall Forum
Douglas M. Haynes, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Inclusive Excellence
