A seat at the table: Inside the 2024 Black Management Association Conference

The Black Management Association Conference (BMAC) is more than just an event. For decades, it has served as a transformative space for Black professionals and allies to come together to celebrate inclusion and belonging and champion equity in the workplace.  

This year, co-chairs Two-Year MBA students Whitney Winn Hawkes ’24 MBA and Alexandre Pendergrass ’24 MBA brought new energy to the school’s legacy conference with the theme “A Seat at the Table: Celebrating the Power of Every Voice.” Pendergrass, a passionate advocate for igniting action and fostering meaningful connections, brings this mindset to both the classroom and her role as a brand marketer. An advocate for social and economic development, Hawkes plans to pivot into corporate strategy after graduation. 

Here, Whitney and Alexandre share their motivations for getting involved with the conference and highlight a few key moments that made this year’s conference an unforgettable celebration of leadership and community. They also discuss how their Kellogg MBA experience has unlocked personal transformation and professional growth. 

Kellogg: You co-chaired this year’s Black Management Association Conference. Why was it important to you to support the conference in this way? 

Whitney Winn Hawkes: BMAC was the first Kellogg event I attended as a prospective student, and it was the moment I truly fell in love with the program. The engaging conversations with the incredible people I met left a lasting impression on me. Inspired by that experience, I wanted to help create the same meaningful opportunity for other prospective and current students. 

Alexandre Pendergrass: I was thrilled to help foster deep connections among alumni, current students and prospective students within the Kellogg community. Being part of the legacy of the longest-running student-led conference at Kellogg was an absolute privilege.  This was important to me because Black MBA conferences like BMAC are so much more than events — they are transformative spaces where Black professionals and allies can connect, grow and thrive.  

I was honored to co-lead the charge of curating a safe and inspiring environment for meaningful conversations that push the culture forward, celebrate diversity and ignite progress. 

Kellogg: Can you share more about the intention behind this year’s conference theme: Kellogg: A Seat at the Table?

Pendergrass: We chose “A Seat at the Table” as our theme because it captured many of the topics that resonate deeply with our student body. It allowed us to explore themes like social impact and entrepreneurship while challenging ourselves to think critically about how we use our “seats” to drive change and elevate diverse perspectives.

Kellogg: What were some of the most memorable moments for you at the conference, and why did they stand out? 

Hawkes: I had the privilege of working with our speakers, most of whom were Kellogg alumni, to develop each session. It was incredibly refreshing to hear their stories and insights throughout the preparation process and during the live event. 

One anecdote I particularly loved, though we didn’t get to discuss it during the entrepreneurship session, was the concept of “learning on someone else’s dime.” One of our amazing speakers, Ivy Walker ’98 MBA, previously wrote a blog on this topic, and I highly recommend reading it. 

Pendergrass: My most memorable moment was witnessing the incredible dedication and teamwork of the BMAC committee in bringing this conference to life. It was truly a collective effort fueled by passion and purpose. From the sponsorship team that secured crucial funding, to the marketing team that amplified awareness, to the speaker team that curated an outstanding lineup of thought leaders, the logistics team that flawlessly executed every detail, and our amazing day-of volunteers who tied it all together — everyone played a vital role!  

The unwavering support from the Kellogg admissions team, administration and faculty elevated this event to new heights, ensuring it was an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of such an extraordinary collaboration! 

Kellogg: Bringing an event to life is truly a labor of love, and the conference received strong feedback — from the speakers and programming to the networking opportunities. What are you most proud of, and what advice would you pass on to future co-chairs? 

Hawkes: While planning the details of the day, we were intentional about balancing panel discussions with moments designed to maintain high energy and strong engagement. The vibrant and dynamic atmosphere brought the event to life in a truly memorable way. 
 
My advice for future co-chairs is simple: start early! This is one of the school’s most impactful and longest-running events, with incredible potential to elevate ideas within the school, among alumni and across the greater Chicago community. Maximizing these opportunities; however, requires a lot of time and thoughtful planning. 

Pendergrass: I am incredibly proud to have made an impact on prospective students through BMAC. Many have said that BMAC sealed their decision to choose Kellogg. In a world where current affairs can often feel disheartening, BMAC serves as a powerful reminder that we have the ability to build our own tables — and expand them to welcome others. This conference was a testament to belonging, resilience and the strength of creating spaces where we can show up authentically and thrive.  

To future BMAC leaders, my advice is to determine what you want attendees to feel on that day — whether it’s inspiration, empowerment or the drive to take action. Let that vision be your North Star as you curate an experience with that in mind.  

Kellogg: Alex, you interned at Mattel on their global brand marketing team for Barbie this past summer. Was there a moment during your internship where you felt better prepared because of your MBA experience?

My Kellogg MBA experience truly prepared me to excel during my internship at Mattel on the Barbie brand marketing team. The frameworks and real-world examples shared by my marketing professors gave me the confidence to not only tackle my tasks but to approach them with strategic insights that elevated my work.  

One standout course was Professor Jim Lecinski’s Omnichannel Marketing class. It provided me with a deep understanding of how to create a system that meets the end user exactly where they are — a skill I applied directly when helping to develop a marketing strategy for Barbie. The ability to think strategically while embedding the cultural zeitgeist made a significant difference in the impact of my contributions.  

I also leaned heavily on the support of my Kellogg peers which was an invaluable source of knowledge. We created a safe space to share challenges, exchange best practices and navigate the nuances of making an impact on global brands. 

Kellogg: Whitney, how has your non-traditional background shaped your approach to tackling challenges in your MBA journey? 

I've always embraced being different, and this experience is no exception! 

My unique perspective adds depth to my journey, allowing me to learn from my classmates while contributing valuable insights to discussions. Coming from an industry and function that aren’t the typical path to an MBA gives me a healthy and well-rounded perspective. I make a point to stay open to learning but avoid conforming to groupthink, as I believe standing firm in my individuality is one of my strongest assets. 

Kellogg: Is there anything you’re particularly excited about during these next two quarters? 

Hawkes: As a natural “doer,” I’ve really enjoyed taking strategy courses because they challenge me to tap into a different side of my brain — one I’ve discovered I’m very skilled at! This chapter of life is truly unique and irreplaceable, and I’m committed to savoring every moment, from the big milestones to the small joys, the travels and the fun along the way. 

Pendergrass: I am honored and excited to continue expanding the First-Generation Student Association at Kellogg as co-president. This year marks a significant milestone as the club is officially recognized for the first time — a testament to our progress in creating a more inclusive and equitable MBA experience.  

Being a first-generation college student is a profound journey that represents breaking barriers, navigating uncharted territory and paving the way for those who will come after us. This club is more than an organization — it’s a community of trailblazers, and I am deeply grateful to serve them with the support of Kellogg administration and professors. Together, we are not just shaping our own paths but transforming what it means to belong in spaces like these. 

Kellogg: What word(s) or phrase would you use to describe your Kellogg experience thus far?

Hawkes: If I had to sum up my Kellogg experience in one word, it would be “exploration.” These two years have given me the time and space to explore not only different career paths but also my own strengths, aspirations and areas for growth. When I leave this program, I’ll carry new skills and knowledge, but most importantly, a deeper understanding of myself — and I truly love that for me. 

Pendergrass: I would describe my Kellogg experience as a “factory reset” — a time to pause, reflect and recalibrate. It’s given me the space to define what my impact will be as I reenter the business world as a Kellogg Leader while also providing me with the opportunity to connect with extraordinary people from all around the world.  

Before Kellogg, I was racing toward milestones, but this journey has reminded me, as American poet and writer Nikki Giovanni said, “Life is only about the I-tried-to-do.” Kellogg has been my opportunity to try, grow and embrace the journey, regardless of the outcome. 

Highlights from BMAC 2024