Isenberg Students Participate in Black Solidarity Conference at Yale

Ten students representing the Isenberg School of Management’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at UMass Amherst attended the 2025 Black Solidarity Conference (BSC) at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., Jan. 31-Feb. 1. The student-run event marked the beginning of Black History Month, drawing more than 700 undergraduate students to engage in critical discussions and networking around issues impacting the African Diaspora. 

Now in its 28th year, BSC serves as a platform for students of diverse racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Attendees participated in panels and social events designed to explore solutions to challenges faced by Black communities. This year’s keynote address was delivered by Kevin Richardson, a member of the Exonerated Five—five Black and Latino teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of the 1989 assault and rape of a jogger in New York City’s Central Park—and a passionate advocate for civil justice reform.

“The Black Solidarity Conference was an invaluable opportunity for DEIB to expose our students to a global perspective on leadership,” said Jesenia Minier-Jennings, assistant dean of the Isenberg Office of DEIB. “This conference served as an educational experience that empowered students to learn about themselves and others, and how to serve as leaders in a more connected, global society. DEIB served as a proud sponsor for our cultural student associations and hopes this experience helped them grow as global citizens and future leaders.”

Renita Washington, program coordinator for Undergraduate Programs and Student Success, in the Isenberg Office of DEIB, suggested that students attend the conference, inspired by her own experience doing so as an undergraduate.

“Our goal is to inspire impact and create supportive spaces for networking and peer engagement,” Washington said. “I hope our students returned from this conference feeling inspired by the speakers and connected with fellow attendees.”

The conference’s slate of events included a career fair, a networking mixer, and a panel discussion featuring accomplished Black professionals from various STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

For Estrel Kamnang, a senior operations and information management major, the conference provided an opportunity to connect with leaders.

“It was a great chance to network and find inspiration for my career,” Kamnang said. “I gained leadership skills, new perspectives on problem-solving, and insights on diversity.”

Wellsley Da Silva, a first-year accounting major, learned the importance of seeing diversity across academic disciplines and the willingness of people in predominantly white institutions to support the Black community.

“I chose to attend to broaden my perspective on diversity at other campuses and to experience an Ivy League Black student organization,” said Da Silva.

Shantae Gillespie, a senior operations information management major, emphasized the significance of connecting with like-minded individuals.

“The conference gave me a chance to learn from accomplished leaders, engage in meaningful discussions, and build lasting connections,” she said. “It’s taught me the importance of advocating for myself and others, especially in spaces where Black voices are often underrepresented.”

Leslie Sanchez, a sophomore accounting major, found the conference to be a perfect opportunity to expand her network and engage with activists and leaders making an impact in their communities.

“I learned the importance of building a supportive community, both academically and professionally,” said Sanchez. “The conference changed my perspective on handling challenges and approaching the world with a more inclusive mindset.”

Junior finance major Williams Cayo, vice president of the Isenberg Black Business Students Association, said he attended the conference because it gave him the opportunity to connect with like-minded African American students from top universities around the world, learn from critically acclaimed guest speakers, and visit one of the nation’s premier financial institutions.

“One of the key lessons I learned from attending this year’s Black Solidarity Conference is to be fearless,” said Cayo. “Focusing too much on perfection can hold us back from making progress. It’s important to realize that taking risks and failing are simply opportunities to gather data and improve.”

Washington emphasized the role of the Isenberg DEIB Office in fostering student engagement and creating lifelong memories.

“Building relationships is a key part of our student engagement work,” she said. “I’m proud of how this initiative brought students together and created meaningful connections that will impact their personal and professional journeys.”