Hult has an international galaxy of stars on the rise. This Black History Month one took the time to speak to us. We caught up with master’s student Alice-Asare-Konadu to talk about the history of Black History Month, her personal journey, and how she hopes to educate on African culture through her club—Africa to the World.
Africa to the World was created to educate people on African culture, to indulge in African leisure activities, and to talk about business in Africa.
Hi Alice, tell us a bit about you and your journey to Hult
Well, I’m a Ghanaian, a foodie, an artist, and a little bit of an explorer. I did my bachelor’s in Business Management and Human Resources at The University of Portsmouth in the UK. After working for a year I decided to come to Hult for my Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and then a dual degree in International Marketing.
What are your first memories of Black History Month?
My first experience with BHM was in the UK but I don’t think I was that involved in activities or truly understood the meaning of the month then. Being a part of the planning committee has helped me truly experience Black History Month. So I would say my first real, participatory memory would be the trivia night we hosted at Hult.
I was able to talk with the panelists beforehand and soak up their wise words. I truly saw myself in each and every one of them.
What about your best memory?
Hmmm… I would say my best memory was hosting that trivia night! That was my best hosting experience by far. I got to dance, and teach people new things about Black History—I truly had a blast. Another moment was being front row at the Black Founders panel. Being able to talk with the panelists beforehand and soak up their wise words was a blessing. I truly saw myself in each and every one of them.
What’s the plan for Black History Month on campus?
On the San Francisco campus, we just completed our last Black History Month event on campus which was a Black Founders Panel. However, we are still promoting black events happening in the Bay Area on our campus calendar. My club, Africa to the World also hosted events like a panel and a movie night. We also hope to continue with our agenda before the summer electives begin and club activities halt. We hope we can achieve this goal and impact our club members.
I got to dance, and teach people new things about Black History—I truly had a blast.
Let’s talk about Africa to the World, then—what’s the vision?
Africa to the World was created to educate people on African culture, to indulge in African leisure activities, and to talk about business in Africa.
Has it been challenging at all?
I wouldn’t say it has been smooth sailing. Yes, I’ve been supported but I have to deal with internal conflict and other challenges. It’s been difficult balancing educational responsibilities and club obligations. Sometimes I feel indirect pressure from students as I represent Africa with my club and I don’t feel I’ve met the standards in their heads. You question yourself and wonder if you are doing enough events as compared to other clubs.
Don’t get me wrong, though, I love the fact that I’m going through these challenges because I’m able to grow and learn. This club has helped me practice and enhance skills necessary for my entrepreneurial endeavors.
I strongly believe in Africa’s potential and its entrepreneurial scene.
Who are the supporting cast behind Africa to the World?
There’s no specific person behind it, I just had an idea and ran with it. That said, I wouldn’t have been able to run this fast without the help of my family and friends in regard to ideas. I also have to thank the student services team in regard to club coordination, and the Hult students in regard to their interests. Lastly, my vice president Vivian! She’s my right hand and I couldn’t have done it without her.
What does the future hold?
Oo this is a great question—I have always said I want to be a business mogul and I think that is something I aim to achieve. In the immediate future, I would like to stay in the US for a while but I always planned on moving to Ghana. I strongly believe in Africa’s potential and its entrepreneurial scene.
Alice’s home campus and the spark that ignites many new clubs and societies is the city of San Francisco. See where else a degree in the Bay Area could take you here.
