Empowering the Next Generation: A Case Study with the National Black MBA Association
At Hines Dortch Consulting, we believe in building brands that leave a lasting impact—and that includes the personal brands of emerging professionals. In 2023, our co-founder, Corey Dortch, had the privilege of consulting with the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) during their 45th Annual Conference & Exposition in Philadelphia, PA. The focus: creating a robust talent pipeline for undergraduate and graduate students preparing to enter the job market.
Fast forward to today, as we look ahead to the 2025 Transform Conference, the lessons from that partnership remain more relevant than ever. The needs of early-career professionals have only grown in a rapidly shifting workplace landscape—and the strategies we developed with NBMBAA continue to serve as a model for how to prepare students for long-term success.
The Challenge
The transition from student to working professional has always been challenging, but today’s market introduces new complexities: remote and hybrid roles, evolving expectations around diversity and inclusion, and increased competition for entry-level opportunities. The NBMBAA recognized this gap and set out to equip its members with tools, skills, and confidence to stand out.
The Hines Dortch Solution
To bridge this gap, Corey partnered with NBMBAA to develop a comprehensive, hands-on coaching program. Designed to help students tell their story with clarity and authenticity, the program included practical workshops, coaching sessions, and immersive experiences that prepared attendees not just for interviews—but for thriving careers.
Our Process & Impact
The consulting engagement focused on four key areas:
Resume Writing: Transforming academic and extracurricular experiences into professional resumes that attract attention.
Interview Preparation: Building confidence with mock interviews and strategies to showcase unique value.
In-Person Pitch Meetings: Crafting concise, memorable “personal pitches” for face-to-face networking.
The Power of Storytelling: Teaching students to weave their journeys, passions, and aspirations into narratives that resonate with employers.
“Our decision to work with this client was simple: their mission directly reflects our commitment to empowering future leaders. We were able to give students the practical tools they need to build on their hard work and confidently own their professional narrative.”
The Results & Why It Still Matters
At the 2023 conference, over 10,000 attendees gained insights that strengthened their confidence and career readiness. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting that they felt better equipped to navigate an increasingly competitive job market.
Two years later, as we approach the 2025 Transform Conference, the urgency of this work hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s intensified. Employers continue to seek candidates who can clearly articulate their value—and young professionals are looking for the skills, mentorship, and support to meet those demands.
Our collaboration with NBMBAA is a reminder that investing in the next generation is not a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment.
Looking Ahead
At Hines Dortch Consulting, we remain dedicated to equipping organizations, institutions, and students with the strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving professional landscape. Whether through coaching, workshops, or large-scale conference programming, we believe the power of storytelling and personal branding remains the key to unlocking opportunity.
Want to Empower Your Workforce?
👉 Want to empower the next generation of professionals at your conference, university, or organization? Connect with us today to explore how we can help.
