First-Generation College Student Earns Trip to Entrepreneurship Summit in D.C.

As she prepares to cross the stage during Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies May 8 at the Event Center, Alabama A&M University graduating senior Diamond Gooden is already celebrating a major academic and professional milestone. The Alpharetta, Georgia, native has successfully completed the Spring 2026 HBCU Business Consulting Lab, an intensive virtual two-month program that provides hands-on consulting experience for students across historically Black colleges and universities.

“I wanted to challenge myself in a space that pushed me beyond the classroom,” Gooden said. “This experience gave me the confidence to apply what I’ve learned at AAMU in a real-world setting and see the impact of my ideas.”

The business administration major with a concentration in management information systems was selected through a competitive application process based on academic performance, leadership involvement and interest in consulting. The program, hosted by the Southeast Regional Center at Clark Atlanta University in partnership with Howard University and the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, connected students with real-world business challenges through virtual collaboration and client-based projects in the Atlanta area.

During the lab, Gooden and her team, which included students from Norfolk State University and Coppin State University, consulted for PathSych, an Atlanta-based artificial intelligence company. The team analyzed client data, developed strategic recommendations and delivered a comprehensive final presentation that earned first place, along with a monetary award and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit.

“Working with students from other HBCUs and tackling a real client challenge showed me how powerful collaboration can be,” Gooden said. “We were able to bring different perspectives together and create solutions that truly added value.”

The summit, presented by Howard University and the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship and scheduled for June 23-26, will feature panels, workshops and discussions designed to help attendees build businesses, create wealth and strengthen communities. Sessions will span topics such as digital marketing, technological innovation, funding, finance, franchising, product development and social impact across tracks including emerging entrepreneurs, investing and impact, and empowering the ecosystem.

Gooden says the experience in the consulting lab strengthened her skills in data analysis, client communication, teamwork and AI-driven business strategy, further preparing her for a career in consulting and business strategy. “This program helped me see myself as a future consultant,” she said. “It showed me that I belong in these spaces and that I can compete at a high level.”

Beyond the lab, Gooden has maintained an active leadership presence on campus, serving as vice president of the Transfer Student Association and holding roles in multiple academic and service organizations. She is also a two-time Thurgood Marshall Scholar and recipient of several scholarships supporting her academic journey. She currently interns with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, where she supports community-based initiatives and first learned of the consulting opportunity.

“When I was informed of this opportunity, I knew it would be a great fit for Diamond and encouraged her to apply,” said Terence Norwood, supervisor and Extension economic and community development specialist. “She has done an outstanding job mentoring entrepreneurs through our Extension work. Given the excellence she has shown as an intern, I’m not surprised she was part of a winning team. I’m very proud of her.”

Set to graduate magna cum laude, Gooden plans to continue her education at Alabama A&M by pursuing a Master of Business Administration while continuing her work in community resource development.

“Being selected for this program was a full-circle moment for me,” she said. “As a first-generation college student, it represents the impact of stepping out on faith, transferring to AAMU and taking advantage of every opportunity presented to me. It also meant being able to represent Alabama A&M University on a national level.”