Tamara is one of the founding members of The HBCU Network. She is a third-generation HBCU alum, with several family members having attended Florida A&M University (FAMU), Spelman College, Allen University, and Morehouse College.

"The HBCU Network has given me the opportunity to reach so many people and form relationships that otherwise would not have happened. We've been able to not only help establish and reestablish personal relationships, but we've also facilitated several business relationships - allowing those entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level."

Tamara has been an active member of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, for 10 years. She was also a performing member in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games, as well as the 1994 Super Bowl Opening Cermonies - singing backup for Natalie Cole along with the rest of the Spelman and Morehouse Glee Clubs.

Personal quote: "We all have the power to empower."

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Bolaji is one of the founding members of The HBCU Network. Noted for his strategic insight and creative vision, he has driven technology and marketing initiatives for such corporate giants as Procter & Gamble and IBM.

Bolaji is a second-generation HBCU man (his father taught at Tuskegee University for several years), and he met his wife, Tamara Lazier, while she attended Spelman College. Bolaji and Tamara were married in 2003.

"The time I spent at Morehouse was second to none. Leaving that and moving to the mid-west was like leaving family behind." Via The HBCU Network has allowed me to meet some incredbly positive, focused, and driven individuals. We motivate each other to strive beyond what we individually thought we could attain. Plus, I've also been able to track down that brother from my freshman dorm that owed me $10..."

Personal Quote: "Create, Innovate, Motivate."

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Nicole comes from a family with many HBCU students and alumni, with most coming from Jackson State University and Howard University. She is an avid supporter of HBCUs, and brings a strong tradition of creativity, hard work, and community-focus from her unique heritage. Her dedication to community is reflected in her high level of responsibility and activity with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Nicole's profession is Human Resources Information Systems, but her passion has always been web design. She keeps busy with the daily updates and enhancements of HBCUnetwork.com and its other 2 sites, as well as answering member inquiries.

"It has truly been an honor to be a part of this HBCU Network family. I often regret not attending an HBCU because I see the love and pride amongst alumni of these great institutions. The one thing that I guarantee is that I will push my children to attend an HBCU!"

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Shannon has strong ties to the HBCU community. Her parents met and fell in love on the campus of Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) and her sister graduated from Florida A&M University. As a former university recruiting manager at the IBM Corporation, Shannon spent significant time in Nashville, TN on the campus of Tennessee State University and loved every minute of it!

"There is obviously no experience like the HBCU experience. Every single year, a significant number of future influential community leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals graduate from HBCUs across the nation. The HBCU Network is all about providing opportunities for these graduates to connect, re-connect, and establish fruitful personal and business relationships. I absolutely love being a part of this...It's been a blast so far but I'm most excited about what lies ahead for the HBCU Network Family!"

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Ancel has over 7 years of Marketing and Event Production experience, leadership experience and has helped to elevate many organizations by serving in various leadership roles at Florida Atlantic university such as Programming Board Advertising chair, Homecoming Director, and President of the Black Student Union. Most notably, Ancel was elected as Student Body President for FAU - only the 5th Black Student to hold this position in the history of the university.

Ancel is looking to add some "South Florida spice" to The HBCU Network Family and capitalize on his experience working for the Miami Heat and American Airlines Arena.

"It's and honor and privilege to be a part of The HBCU Network family. Although I didn't attend an HBCU, I find myself promoting HBCUs to future college students more than anything. There's no comparing the love and pride that HBCU alums have versus those who graduated from traditional colleges and universities. I'm proud to be able to gain the Black College experience vicariously through The HBCU Network."

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