Graduate student experiences at Ujima annual meeting

By Tederia Ashley (Miles College)

Tederia Ashley a Miles College Masters in Management graduate student is The HBCU Advancing Research Capacity - "The Ujima Collective" Graduate Research Assistant

Attending the NSF Ujima Annual Meeting from June 1–4 at Howard University was an incredible experience and my first opportunity to travel with Dr. Agee. Throughout the conference, I had the privilege of meeting principal investigators, researchers, and professionals from several partner institutions, including Morgan State University, Winston-Salem State University, Tennessee State University, and Howard University.

As the youngest person in many of the sessions, I found the experience especially inspiring. I enjoyed observing the collaborative atmosphere, taking notes, and learning from accomplished mentors and leaders who are making meaningful contributions through research and community engagement. The opportunity to listen, learn, and gain insight from professionals with diverse experiences was both motivating and educational.

Graduate administrative assistant Tederia Ashley with Principal Investigator Dr. Jarralynne Agee and Faculty Program Manger, Angela Williams (Miles College)

I also enjoyed touring Howard University and learning more about its rich history, legacy, and impact on higher education. Overall, the conference was a valuable experience that expanded my knowledge, strengthened my professional network, and reinforced my desire to continue learning and growing as an emerging professional.