Throughout history, HBCUs have provided safe havens, fostering environments where African American students could thrive and excel academically, while simultaneously nurturing their cultural identity and sense of belonging. These institutions have instilled a profound sense of purpose and ambition, empowering graduates to make lasting impacts in their communities and beyond. In our HBCU grad reflection article series, we delve into the stories and experiences of HBCU graduates, allowing their voices to take center stage. These remarkable individuals will share their transformative journeys, shedding light on the myriad ways in which their HBCU education has shaped their lives, both personally and professionally.
In this article, we speak with Virginia State University graduate Aaliyah Duah
Virginia State University Class of 2023
Major- Business Management
What led you to your HBCU?
I went on a HBCU Tour and VSU was the most welcoming school. I was interested in studying business and loved the different opportunities that the business department offered and also the first African American billionaire Reginald F Lewis graduated from the VSU business department.
What organizations were you a part of and/OR leadership positions held?
SGA Executive Vice President
President of the VSU NAACP
Economic Chair of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned from your HBCU experience?
The importance of character and leadership. Your character is going to get you into rooms that your accolades can’t. I also learned that leadership is more than a title. It’s important to think big, be creative, and do the work you signed up to do.
How did you feel leading up to graduation? Did you have any fears about heading into the world outside of college?
No, I was happy. I believe that your mindset is very important so if I allowed myself to be scared then I would’ve only thought about all the things that could go wrong after I graduated. Instead, I am looking at life like this is the moment I’ve been working hard for my whole life. All the lessons I’ve learned were to prepare me to go out into the real world and achieve.
What are you most proud of up to this point in life? (Ex. New things you started, accomplishments, business, etc.
Becoming a McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Change Leader
Being named HBCU Entrepreneur of the Year
Winning Best Trojan Entrepreneur 2X
Creating a fellowship to Africa for VSU students
Also my business that I started my sophomore year that’s been growing tremendously
What does life look like for you now?
Now I am a full time entrepreneur, that’s traveling around the world teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship
Tell us more about what you do in your business
Financial Revolutionn is an innovative company that uses media and entertainment to teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship to underprivileged communities. We empower individuals with creative methods and engaging content, promoting economic empowerment and providing essential skills for financial success. I work with schools, organizations, and individuals to spread financial awareness to marginalized communities.
What are 3 things people should know about you that they may not know?
I always wanted to be a business owner. When I graduated high school, I decorated my cap saying Future CEO which was me manifesting that I was going to have a business.
I used to play basketball and that’s where I learned a lot of my leadership skills.
I am from Ghana, West Africa and I travelled there three times and each time I’ve had a transformational experience and that’s why it was important for me to work with SGA to start a fellowship to Ghana for VSU students.
Follow Aaliyah on social media at @aaliyah_njd
