Recent Alumni Return to Share Career Journeys

For more than half a century, Alabama A&M University’s Youth Motivation Task Force has quietly shaped the futures of Bulldogs by connecting students with professionals who motivate, mentor and demonstrate what is possible with an AAMU degree.

Now in its 51st year, the initiative returns to campus March 29–31 with a series of programs designed to help students strengthen career readiness, explore entrepreneurship and gain insights from young alumni who recently made the transition from college to the professional world.

Registration is open through March 20 for alumni and industry professionals who would like to participate in the 2026 Youth Motivation Task Force. Register here.

Throughout the three-day event, students will have opportunities to refine their professional skills, showcase creativity and hear firsthand from graduates building careers in engineering, media, technology and data analytics.

One of the highlights of the event will be the 4th Annual Fireside Chat, scheduled for Monday, March 30, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room. The conversation will feature recent alumni discussing how their Alabama A&M experiences prepared them for careers in competitive industries. Register here.

Aaron Gibbs, a 2024 electrical engineering graduate and facilities systems engineer at Boeing, will share insights from his path from Alabama A&M to engineering and military leadership while balancing service in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Amani Blair, a 2024 biology graduate and current master’s student in computer science at Alabama A&M, will discuss transitioning from biology into technology, developing skills in artificial intelligence and smart agriculture research, and gaining professional experience through internships.

Mitchell Reed, who earned a Master of Computer Science from Alabama A&M in 2024 and works as a lead requirements test engineer at Lockheed Martin, will speak about entrepreneurship, professional certifications and building a career in the technology and defense industries while pursuing a doctorate in engineering.

Madison Sims, a 2023 communications media graduate and reporter at WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will discuss her journey into broadcast journalism, including experiences as a Coca-Cola brand ambassador and internships that helped launch her media career.

Students can receive individualized career preparation during Resume Reviews and Mock Interviews on Tuesday, March 31, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Welcome Center first-floor conference room. Youth Motivation Task Force consultants will provide one-on-one feedback on resumes and interview strategies. Participants are encouraged to arrive in professional or business casual attire and bring a current copy of their resume.

The program also will feature The Home Depot Ben T. Davis Entrepreneurship and Innovation Challenge, where students develop solutions to real-world problems and present their ideas to industry leaders. Participants will sharpen teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while competing for cash prizes. Individual competitors and teams of two to four students will have the chance to win $1,000 for first place, $750 for second and $500 for third. Registration for this event has closed.

Creative expression will take center stage during the Brenda D. Davis Art Contest, which invites students to submit work in dance choreography, film production, literature, music, photography and visual arts. The theme for this year’s competition is “The Next Chapter: Leading Forward.” Entries will be accepted through March 31. Enter here.

The Youth Motivation Task Force continues a long-standing tradition at Alabama A&M of connecting students with alumni and professionals who can help guide the next generation of Bulldogs toward meaningful careers and leadership opportunities.