AAMU Food Science Major Travels to Aramark Headquarters in Philadelphia
Tucker Named to National Aramark HBCU Emerging Leaders Cohort
Junior food science major Limyra Tucker of Atlanta was selected as one of only 10 students nationwide to participate in Aramark’s HBCU Emerging Leaders Program, a competitive leadership initiative for students attending historically Black colleges and universities. Tucker was chosen from more than 600 applicants representing HBCUs across the country.
Tucker first learned about the program while searching for opportunities through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund during the summer. After applying, she completed two rounds of interviews before receiving her acceptance via email at the beginning of the fall semester.
“I was very excited when I found out,” Tucker said. “I had been anticipating a decision all summer, so receiving that email in August felt incredible.”
Tucker traveled to Philadelphia Oct. 27–30 for the program. While there, she joined students from Morgan State University, Howard University, Bowie State University, Florida A&M University, North Carolina Central University and Morris Brown College. Participants engaged in hands-on learning focused on leadership, innovation and professional development. The group also visited Aramark headquarters and attended the Aramark Lead Summit, where they heard from Black executives and industry professionals on mentorship, leadership and navigating corporate environments.
Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey, an Aramark partner site. Tucker said she enjoyed learning about the behind-the-scenes operations of a large facility and seeing how Aramark supports both hospitality and guest experience at high-volume venues.
With the conference completed, Tucker is now eligible to take part in Aramark’s Step Up to Leadership Internship Program, a 10- to 12-week paid summer program designed to strengthen students’ business and leadership skills.
At Alabama A&M University, Tucker serves as a University Echo Student Ambassador (Miss University Echo), is a third-year member of the Honors Program, is active in Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) and is a National USDA 1890 Scholar. She also completed a 2024 summer internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Tucker said AAMU immediately felt like the right fit.
“When I toured the University my senior year, it felt like home,” she said. “A&M aligned with my goals, and its strong food science program really piqued my interest.” Tucker added that receiving a full-ride scholarship made her choice even easier.
Her time on The Hill, she said, has been both meaningful and transformative.
“AAMU has allowed me to grow academically, professionally and personally,” Tucker said. “I’ve had opportunities to lead, serve and step into spaces that pushed me to become a more well-rounded young professional.”
After graduation, Tucker plans to pursue a career in the food industry, either in product development or food safety. Ultimately, she hopes to become an entrepreneur and open her own bakery, combining her love of baking with her food science background to bring innovation to the industry.
Tucker says she is grateful to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Aramark for investing in students like her. “It was an honor having the opportunity to represent Alabama A&M. This experience allowed me to see firsthand how organizations like Aramark play such an important role in supporting universities like ours by providing quality food services and a hospitable campus environment.”