The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) inaugural Workforce Development Summit is underway in Birmingham, Alabama.
More than 150 students from TMCF’s member schools arrived in Birmingham for a groundbreaking initiative to drive economic mobility and create pathways to success.
The event, in partnership with the TMCF National Talent BankTMCF National Talent Bank, is designed to connect industry partners with work-ready talent from historically Black community colleges (HBCCs).
TMCF began adding HBCCs to its membership in 2023. The Workforce Development Summit is the first TMCF event to bring together students from its two-year HBCC membership.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams welcomed the students to the conference.
“It’s not an accident you’re here today,” Dr. Williams said. “Your journey, you’ve already started, we’re just going to help you.”
Dr. Williams provided a charge to participants to lean in and listen, take notes and ask questions.
“You’re part of a trailblazing class,” he said. “You’ll be messengers about what you learned at the Workforce Development Summit when you go back to campus.”
Dr. N. Joyce Payne, founder of TMCF, also spoke to the participants. She encouraged them to consider continuing their education after they finish their two-year degree.
“My grandmother used to say create the impossible and exceed it,” Dr. Payne said.
Dr. Payne was celebrated with flowers, cupcakes and a song for her birthday, which took place on the opening day of the conference.
Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin greeted the students, as well.
“Life works for those who run towards what they want,” Woodfin said. “This world needs people who are passionate about what they do and have work ethic to match that passion.”
As the opening day came to close, the inaugural Workforce Development Summit cohort gathered for a group photo with Drs. Payne and Williams to commemorate the occasion.
