The 34th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference

AAMBAA Family and Friends,

With the sense of humble exuberance, I would like to welcome all of you to the 34th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference. I am excited because I truly believe that this year marks the continued resurgence of one of the most historic and prestigious business school conferences in the world.

All the while, I am humbled and extremely appreciative of this opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. Young, this event, and all those who have toiled before us to ensure our presence and permanence at Wharton and beyond. The conference is now in its thirty-fourth iteration and the candle of inspiration burns as brightly today as it did in 1973. This year�s Whitney M. Young Executive Board has worked with great diligence to uphold the rich traditions and high standards set for this conference.

To that end, the theme of this year�s conference, �Connecting and Developing Dynamic Leadership,� is extremely appropriate. This conference is a tremendous opportunity for current students, alumni, prospective students, corporate sponsors, and leaders in commerce, public service and social impact to come together to leverage each other�s unique experiences and competencies. This is the convergence of minds that will help to shape our generation and those to come; I hope that we are able to start dialogues this weekend that will increase empathy, shift paradigms, and catalyze a lasting change.

I would like to thank the AAMBAA alumni base for your constant support. Your accomplishments motivate us and likewise we hope that our actions here at Wharton continue to confer our sense of appreciation unto you. I would also like to thank our corporate sponsors, speakers, panelists, conference attendees, and our esteemed guests, all of whom are critical elements in bringing the 34th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Conference to life. Your contributions affirm our presence, fuel our efforts, and enable our successes.

Last but not least, I would like to thank the entire 34th Annual Whitney M. Young planning and organizational team as well as our advisors. This experience has strengthened friendships and forged new ones. It has stretched and tested us as individuals and as a team. It has helped develop all of our leadership skills and capabilities while putting on full display our ability to unite and inspire others to accomplish great things. Your energy has been both palpable and tremendous. It has been a long time coming but we made it! Thanks once again to everyone involved in making this conference a success. I have no doubt that all participants will find this weekend a rewarding and memorable experience.

Sincerely,

Obinna C. Obilo
Vice Chair, 34th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference