An Eye Opener!

Monday, the U.S. paid homage to the leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King. Across the country, numerous non-profit organizations hosted volunteer opportunities for their citizens to give back to the communitym Charlotte included. This Monday, Hands On Charlotte, a local non profit organization hosted its 2nd annual MLK forum. The forum introduced the Charlotte community to a handful of local non profit's and health professionals from Carolinas Healthcare System.

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King's efforts and diligence towards civil rights, the Belk College of Business Graduate Business Association volunteered with the Poverty Simulation. The Poverty Simulation conducted by the Crisis Assistance Ministry located in Uptown Charlotte.  The simulation allows participants to act as a service provider or a family. It is crucial that I repeat that this was a simulation not a game. The simulation forces individuals to become cognizant and sensitive to those in poverty needs. My role in the simulation was a banker. It was difficult at first to assume the role but quickly I began to "fill" my position. I began to feel the families' frustration who simply wanted to cash their checks in order to pay necessary bills and feed their families. I felt the frustration of the families who received less from their checks due to outstanding loans and fees.

My take-away from the experience was that you do not have to be unemployed to face poverty. One can have a steady job and income but face challenges to provide the basic necessities for his/her family.

Courtnee Spence, a first year MBA student and participant, summarizes "The poverty simulation was truly a rewarding experience. Prior to the simulation, I assumed education was the only factor that contributed to poverty. This experience made me aware of a number of factors that make poverty cyclical within families. I learned so much about the struggles that both working and unemployed people face to provide the basic needs for their families. I believe all students can gain valuable life lessons from this program."

Click the link to read more: MLK Forum-Poverty Simulation Feedback

If you organization would like to participate in this event, please contact Crisis Assistance Ministry.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome to 2012!

As Winter Break began to wind down, The Graduate Business Programs office worked steadily to prepare for the upcoming Spring 2012 Orientation. This past Friday, the Center City Building opened its doors to a wave of new students across the four programs. Approximately, 60 students participated in the orientation, speaker event, and orientation. The three hour event consisted of a brief orientation acclimated students to the Belk College of Business.

This semester's speak was John Owens, CEO of Ameritrust. John Owens is a fellow UNC Charlotte alum and entrepreneur based here in the Charlotte area.
Culture was the theme for this semester's orientation. John explained through numerous personal and business examples the importance of culture on success. Culture is a shared belief system that drives a company's value system. It is a notion that at times, I forget is the foundation of a company beyond profitability.

As as second year student, it was refreshing to hear the importance of integrity. I believe that integrity at times is a characteristic that "flies" under the radar. Yet it is a characteristic that allows individuals to rise above failure and reinforce the importance of a personal value system as well. John Owens delivered great insight to our incoming Spring 2012 class.

Welcome Back Students!!!!