HOUSTON (April 11, 2023) - Howard University student-athletes Kendall Smith (Glenview, Ill.) and Richard Ninamou (Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire) enjoyed a behind-the- scenes Final Four experience in Houston recently thanks to the Rising Future Makers Student- Athlete Industry Shadow Trip Program presented by AT&T Dream In Black.
 
Smith is a finance major and a member of the volleyball team. Ninamou is a business marketing major and a member of the track and field program.
 
This event is part of AT&T's commitment to HBCU students. AT&T launched it in 2022. For this initiative, AT&T invites a select group of HBCU student-athletes from its partner schools (North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M, and Howard) interested in the sports and entertainment industry to premier events like NCAA Men's Final Four, Tribeca Festival, and the College Football Playoff.
 
At each event, the students get a glimpse into the industry's inner workings and learn from professionals across the worlds of entertainment, marketing, and technology. This experience accelerates the students' professional development and opens their eyes to new possibilities.
 
"I'm blessed and grateful to have been selected for this opportunity," Smith said. "At many times, I was overwhelmed by Black Excellence and the amount of time and energy AT&T poured into us. Hearing from a former Black Panther member during the Social Justice panel reminded me how far we've come from my grandfather being a sharecropper to now.
 
"I was able to broaden my horizons and expand my knowledge of business, sports, and entertainment opportunities. In addition, the experience was amazing being able to attend an event like March Madness as an athlete and see other athletes perform their sport and craft."
 
During the four-day event that kicked off on Thursday, March 30, Smith and Ninamou were exposed to professionals who understand the nuances of what it takes to break into the industry and who can also speak to the importance of representation within the industry. Students met with executives and industry professionals from AT&T, NCAA, CBS, WBD, and Wasserman throughout the weekend.
 
"The biggest takeaway from my experience was that you never know what's out there until you're exposed," Smith said. "Exposure for the Black community is important because we're not introduced to niche fields and jobs that Intertwine business, entertainment, and sports. So, we are not aware that those jobs are available for us. It's possible to truly find your passion and enjoy going to work every day. The trip was an eye-opening experience."
 
They also met celebrities, including Vince Carter, Greg Oden, Omar Apollo, J.I.D, in addition to AT&T's Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, Kellyn Smith Kenny.
 
"My biggest takeaway from the event was the opportunity to meet amazing people that I look up to as role models and who are in the same position that I want to be in one day," Ninamou said.
 
"I was delighted and excited when I found out I was selected. I know many people do not get the opportunity to attend an event like this, so it was truly an amazing and memorable experience. I was also excited to meet the chief marketing officer of AT&T."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the AT&T website at www.att.com.