Mauranne Vernier

I’m currently in my senior year at Spelman College, and these past two semesters have been very memorable. First, last semester, during homecoming week, the newspaper I helped to reestablish published our first printed issue in over six years. We distributed more than 1,000 copies during homecoming week. As co-editor-in-chief, I supervised the entire production, from the design and layout to handling the editorial calendar to ensure we stayed on track.

In January, I started my internship at Warner Bros. Discovery as a DEI Strategy and Workforce intern. Working in DEI and comms has been fascinating, and I have learned so much about the entertainment industry from a different lens. Some of the projects I have completed have been assisting with creating a platform for employees to learn more about DEI through self-paced training, joining employee resource groups, and more. Additionally, I have been assisting with the execution of Heritage Month events for Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

I was recently accepted into the ColorComm Next Gen HBCU Fellows program, where I will receive guidance from experienced mentors, attend professional development seminars, access the full ColorComm Network, and get a direct pipeline to leading media companies and brands.

After graduation, I hope to either get my master’s in communications or start working in DEI and Comms at a media company. I am very grateful for the Editorial Freelancers Association Ruth Mullen Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship has allowed me to focus on having a successful senior year instead of worrying about how I will pay for school, and that relief has allowed me to accomplish a lot this year.

My quote for future applicants:
“You are built to handle the pressure that comes with your calling.”

Kristen Shipley

My last two years at Harvard Business School have been an incredible journey filled with personal growth, academic achievements, and unforgettable experiences. As I prepare to graduate, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities I have had and what I have been able to achieve, all with the support of the Ruth Mullen Memorial Scholarship.

My academic journey has taken me beyond borders as I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, and London for school projects. These experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of global business and cultures. I am also in the process of writing a case study in partnership with one of my professors that will be taught next year in a class on venture capital and private equity.

Serving as the elected President of the African American Student Union (AASU) and being an active member of various clubs such as the Black Investment Club, Retail and Luxury Goods Club, and VCPE club enriched my MBA experience. It allowed me to foster community, cultivate my leadership skills, and champion diversity and inclusion. During the AASU H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference, I moderated a panel titled “The Business of Music: Decoding
the Music Industry,” interviewing music industry experts on trends and opportunities in the music industry. This experience not only allowed me to engage with industry experts but also honed my public speaking skills. For the past two years, I supported and led marketing for the Black New Venture Competition, Harvard’s student-led venture competition which awards more than $200K in non-dilutive capital to early-stage Black entrepreneurs.

On a personal note, I was selected as Miss Black Massachusetts through the Miss Black USA pageant, allowing me to serve as a role model and encourage young girls to continue to pursue their education.

Post-graduation, I am eager to relocate to Washington, D.C., and pursue a career in media tech. I am passionate about leveraging technology to amplify diverse voices, drive innovation, and shape the future of media and communications. The scholarship not only supported my educational endeavors but also bolstered my confidence in my pursuit of a career in media. As I reflect on my MBA experience and look forward to my career, I am grateful for the support of the scholarship committee.

I encourage students pursuing a path in communications to be bold and unafraid to share their story. One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”