Alabama A&M University alumni returned to campus for the inaugural NBA HBCU Fellowship Panel, sharing their transformative experiences and insights. The event highlighted the success of AAMU graduates in the NBA's competitive internship program, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sports industry.
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program, established in 2022, offers a 10-week paid internship with the NBA, WNBA, and league office to undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Fellows work in various departments, including marketing, communications, finance, partnerships, and social impact, gaining valuable skills and connections.
Four alumni, Amirah Ali, Jaycie Coleman, Brian Hill, and Collin Malone, shared their experiences and insights during the panel discussion. They emphasized the importance of the HBCU network and the impact of the fellowship on their personal and professional growth.
Ali, who worked in athletics and now in marketing at PepsiCo, highlighted the grit and work ethic developed through the fellowship, which helped her succeed in her current role. Hill, who completed two NBA HBCU Fellowships, shared his experience of connecting with people across departments, which helped him grow both socially and professionally.
Coleman, who completed two Global Partnerships fellowships, described the program as life-changing and emphasized the importance of asking questions and networking consistently. Malone, who developed a youth council initiative and supported a major Draft Night event, highlighted the importance of personal growth and learning to embrace mistakes.
The alumni panel also discussed the end-of-internship capstone projects, which strengthened the fellows' portfolios and contributed to team strategies. They emphasized the importance of personal growth and learning, sharing their experiences to inspire more students to apply for the fellowship.
Applications for the 2026 program are now open through Dec. 5, and the alumni panel aims to encourage more students to seize these opportunities and join the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program.
