By Ruth Michelle Tanguep Youmbi – Contributor

On Wednesday, March 20, Bishop’s Career and Transition Services (CATS) hosted the Black Professionals Networking Event. Organized with the help of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Office and myself, the event aimed to foster connections between Black students and professionals from various fields, offering mentorship and potential employment opportunities.

Kicking off at 4 p.m., the event saw participation from around 17 students and 11 professionals from sectors such as research, medicine, information technology, photography, recruitment and more. Daniella Noël, an alumnus, community developer, sex educator and EDI consultant coordinated the event as the master of ceremonies.

Unlike traditional networking sessions, the professionals remained at their tables while students circulated and engaged in conversations. The informal setup, complemented by snacks and refreshments, aimed to create a conducive environment for networking.

Cristella Tchicaya of acte d’Amour – a community organization serving the elderly, youth and women immigrants – and the CATS contributed to the event’s allure with giveaways, including gift cards for active participants. Sherbrooke’s deputy mayor Raïs Kibonge took time out of his busy schedule to attend the event near the end. 

Cultural representation in professional spheres can empower minority students. Seeing successful professionals who share similar backgrounds and experiences can significantly boost students’ confidence and ambition. This is highlighted by testimonials from attendees like Kim, a student from Champlain College, who said, “We don’t have these at Champlain. I’m thrilled I joined; the advice and conversations here were invaluable. We need this monthly!”

Tshidi Thaane, a post-doctoral fellow at Bishop’s and one of the invited professionals, reflected on the event’s emotional resonance. “The presence of many Black individuals in one room was a comforting sight at Bishop’s, a rare occurrence that infused a sense of calm in me.”

A first-year student mentioned they found a sense of belonging and community after the dissolution of the Caribbean African Students Association.

Some attendees were reluctant to leave even after the event had finished. Networking events can be pivotal in carving accessible pathways for students, connecting them with relatable role models and nurturing a sense of belonging and community. This event built a support network for Black students, who often face unique challenges in academic and professional settings. By connecting students with Black professionals, CATS aimed to counteract feelings of isolation and underrepresentation.

By transcending a mere professional networking event, this event could serve as a testament to the benefits of cultural diversity. The event could shift narratives away from adversities and move them toward the potential and promise within the Black community. Its success paves the way for similar future initiatives and a potential return as a staple event within our community.

Ruth Michelle Tanguep Youmbi assisted with the organizing of the Black Professionals Networking Event.