About Us

Our History

The Black Business Student Association (BBSA) was founded in 2006 by Sharron St. John, Harrison Stanford, and Charles Onwuka to create a shared space for Black students interested in business. From the beginning, the organization has been dedicated to fostering community, providing academic support, and promoting the professional development of its members. Over the years, BBSA has worked to bridge the gap in corporate America by expanding its capacity to support students and offering meaningful learning opportunities. In recent years, the organization has experienced exponential growth, forming partnerships with some of the most influential companies and connecting members to pathways for long-term success. Each year, a passionate and committed executive board builds upon this foundation, finding innovative ways to deepen member experiences while strengthening community ties. BBSA continues to honor its founding vision of empowering Black students in business through community, opportunity, and growth.


Our Vision

Our focus is on four main areas - Branding, Leadership Training, Collaboration, and Education. We are committed to engaging in initiatives that prioritize underrepresented communities, with the goal of creating meaningful change for students. All of our events are designed to provide members with opportunities to learn about sponsored companies, secure internships, engage in critical conversations on business topics, and develop essential professional skills.

We cultivate diverse student leaders by providing access to various career and professional development resources.

What we do

  • Panel Events

    Panel events bring together professionals from diverse industries to share valuable advice with students.

    Past Events:

    -Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Technology, etc. Panels with various companies

    -Underrepresented Consulting Leaders Summit

    -"Build Your Brand" Panel with Entrepreneurs

    -Sports Industry Panel

    -UCLA Alumni Mixer

  • Workshops

    Our workshops focus on developing skills, exploring careers, and providing practical knowledge about the business world to our members.

    Topics Include:

    - LinkedIn Workshop

    - Resume and Cover Letter Workshop

    - "Build your Dream Internship Game Plan"

    - Case Study Workshop

    - Coffee Chat with Consulting Firms

    - Interview Preparation

  • Professional Growth

    We organize year-round events that equip members with valuable professional skills to prepare them for internships and career advancement.

    Previous Programs:

    - Professional Headshots

    - Professional Office Tours

    - Making the Most of Your Internship Experience

    - Mentorship Program with MBA Students