He packed his bags for Los Angeles with one dream:

🎤 Become a rapper.

God had another plan.

Instead, Derrick "Penny" Hardy found himself working behind the scenes at Universal Music Publishing and Motown Records, where mentorship from industry legend Ethiopia Habtemariam changed the course of his life forever.

Today, he's helped develop artists, discover talent, launch careers, build businesses, and prove that success isn't always found where you expect it.

In this powerful Episode 20 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Derrick shares the setbacks, sacrifices, mentors, HBCU lessons, and relentless hustle that transformed him from an aspiring artist into one of the music industry's respected executives.

Sometimes the dream you start with isn't the one you're meant to finish with.

🎧 Full episode available now! Hashtags

#HBCU4U #DerrickHardy JacksonState #MusicBusiness #CareerPivot

Success doesn't start on the first day of school—it starts long before that.

🎙️ In Episode 19 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Jackson State University alumna Teshanda Middleton, CEO of Ready for School, Ready for Life, shares why transforming education requires transforming entire communities.

From HBCU leadership and financial literacy to purpose-driven careers and systems change, this conversation will challenge the way you think about college readiness and creating opportunities for every child.

One of the biggest takeaways:

"Don't chase titles. Chase purpose."

If you believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, this episode is for you.

Watch the full conversation, share it with someone who's passionate about education or youth development, and don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from outstanding HBCU alumni.

#HBCU4U #JacksonStateUniversity #HBCU #Leadership #Purpose #FinancialLiteracy #CollegeReadiness #Education #CommunityImpact #BlackExcellence #StudentSuccess #Podcast #YouthDevelopment #SystemsChange

What if your HBCU didn't just prepare you for a career—it prepared you for every room you'll ever walk into? 🐅💙

Ashley N. Wicks proves exactly that.

From graduating summa cum laude at Jackson State University to becoming an attorney, CPA, and one of America's Best Lawyers, Ashley's journey is a masterclass in confidence, leadership, service, and purpose.

In this inspiring conversation, she shares: ✨ How Jackson State built her confidence ✨ Why she stopped doubting she belonged ✨ The power of mentorship and networking ✨ What success really means after the awards ✨ Why giving yourself grace can change your life ✨ How she's helping transform underserved communities through her work

If you're a student, young professional, entrepreneur, or simply chasing your purpose, this episode is full of wisdom you don't want to miss.

🎧 Watch the full episode, subscribe to HBCU4U, and share it with someone who needs this encouragement today.

#HBCU4U #JacksonState #Attorney #CPA #Leadership

Your past doesn't have to determine your future.

Charlie Bingham Jr. grew up in one of Milwaukee's toughest neighborhoods, battled addiction, and survived circumstances that could have easily defined his life.

Instead, he became a three-time HBCU graduate, technology attorney, author, mentor, philanthropist, and leader dedicated to helping others succeed.

In Episode 17 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Charlie shares how faith, education, and the HBCU experience transformed his life—and why excellence, service, and giving back are greater measures of success than any job title.

This conversation is filled with wisdom about leadership, overcoming adversity, navigating corporate America, building generational wealth, and living a purpose-driven life.

🎧 Watch the full episode and let us know in the comments:

What part of Charlie's journey inspired you the most?

#HBCU4U #CharlieBinghamJr #HBCUPodcast #BlackExcellence #Faith #Leadership #Purpose #JacksonState #HowardUniversity #MorganState #TechLaw #GenerationalWealth #Mentorship #CorporateSuccess #FinancialLiteracy

Every great movement starts with someone who decides to begin.

🎙️ In Episode 16 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sat down with Terrence G. Caldwell—engineer, executive, entrepreneur, author, and founder of HBCU Alum—to discuss building one of the nation's leading HBCU media platforms from the ground up.

We talked about:

🎓 Growing up in an HBCU town

⚡ His journey from engineering to executive leadership

📚 Building HBCU Alum into a 550K+ community

💰 Awarding scholarships to HBCU-bound students

🤝 The power of mentorship and networking

🚀 Why you shouldn't wait until you're "ready" to start

One message stood out above everything else:

"Don't wait until you're ready. Start today."

If you've been sitting on an idea, business, nonprofit, podcast, or dream, this conversation is the encouragement you need.

Watch the full episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and help us continue celebrating the excellence and impact of HBCUs.

#HBCU4U #HBCUAlum #HBCU #Entrepreneurship #Scholarships

Success doesn't always begin with a perfect plan.

Sometimes it begins by almost flunking out of college... changing majors... changing careers... getting injured... starting over... and refusing to stop learning.

In Episode 15 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with Kristin Smith-Clinton, Vice President & Group Strategy Director at UWG, one of the country's leading multicultural advertising agencies and the 2026 Ad Age Multicultural Agency of the Year.

Today, Kristin helps shape strategy for some of the world's biggest brands, including Dove, McDonald's, Jordan, Porsche, Ford, Lincoln, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

But getting there wasn't easy.

She shares the real story behind her journey—from growing up in Chicago, attending Jackson State University, struggling with attendance, changing career paths multiple times, entering the Dallas Police Academy, discovering advertising by accident, and eventually finding the work she was born to do.

This conversation is filled with practical wisdom for students, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone trying to figure out their next chapter.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why one professor's words—"30% of life is showing up"—changed everything • How curiosity became Kristin's greatest career advantage • What strategy actually looks like behind billion-dollar brands • Why leadership is about developing people instead of collecting titles • The truth about cultural intelligence and why it matters in today's business world • How AI is impacting marketing, creativity, and the future of work • Why your career doesn't have to make sense today to become extraordinary tomorrow • The importance of betting on yourself before anyone else does

Kristin also opens up about overcoming extreme shyness, navigating ADHD, finding confidence through Jackson State University, building lifelong friendships, starting her own consulting business, and why she believes purpose—not prestige—is the real destination.

If you've ever questioned whether you're behind in life or worried that your path looks different than everyone else's, this episode is for you.

🎓 Subscribe to HBCU4U for inspiring conversations with HBCU alumni, educators, entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders who are creating impact around the world.

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if Kristin's story inspired you.

#HBC4U #JacksonState #Leadership #Marketing #Advertising

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/UiILeM2bhsA

In Episode 14, host Galen Turner sits down with fellow Jackson State University alumna Tyronica Carter—former educator, four-time published author, business coach, professional event host, and seven-figure entrepreneur.

After spending 15 years in education, Tyronica made the leap into entrepreneurship, transforming a side hustle into a thriving business while leading a network of more than 156,000 consultants. Her story proves that success isn't about where you start—it's about being willing to outdream yourself.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why Jackson State University shaped her confidence and leadership

✅ How she transitioned from the classroom to entrepreneurship

✅ The biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make

✅ How to build successful habits that create long-term results

✅ Why mentorship accelerates success

✅ The importance of authentic branding

✅ How she built a team of over 156,000 people

✅ Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and family

✅ Why HBCUs continue to produce extraordinary leaders

✅ The powerful meaning behind her motto: "Outdream Yourself."

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, current college student, HBCU graduate, educator, or someone sitting on a business idea you've been afraid to pursue, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.

Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with HBCU alumni, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders making an impact around the world.

👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe

Tell us in the comments:

What's one dream you've been putting off—and what's one step you'll take this week to make it happen?

#HBCU4U #TyronicaCarter #JacksonState #BusinessCoach #OutdreamYourself

What happens when a student with a 1.6 GPA refuses to become a "what if" story?

In Episode 13 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with Jackson State University alumnus Jason K. Ingram, a 7-time Emmy Award-winning producer whose work has helped shape some of the biggest moments in sports television.

From working NBA All-Star Games, March Madness, NBA TV, TNT Sports, and HBCU GO, to mentoring young men through Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than 16 years, Jason's journey is a masterclass in perseverance, preparation, and purpose.

In this powerful conversation, Jason shares:

🏆 How he bounced back from a 1.6 GPA freshman year 🏆 The persistence it took after being rejected six times before landing his dream job 🏆 Behind-the-scenes stories from NBA TV, TNT Sports, and the NBA Bubble 🏆 What it takes to win seven Emmy Awards and multiple Telly Awards 🏆 Why HBCUs deserve greater visibility and investment 🏆 The importance of mentorship, networking, and opening doors for others 🏆 Advice for students pursuing careers in media and sports broadcasting

Whether you're an HBCU student, aspiring journalist, sports fan, or professional chasing your dreams, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical lessons you can apply immediately.

Subscribe to HBCU4U for more conversations highlighting HBCU excellence, leadership, entrepreneurship, and career success stories.

#HBCU4U #JasonIngram #JacksonState #SportsMedia #EmmyAwardWinner

In Episode 12 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with family friend and fellow Jackson State graduate, Rev. Dr. Michael V. Johnson — a man whose story proves that every setback can become a setup for something greater. 🙏🏾🔥

Coming out of Holly Springs, Mississippi as a standout quarterback, Michael arrived at Jackson State ready to play — only to be sidelined his first year as a Prop 48. That pause became a turning point. He got saved, found direction, and turned an "ineligible" season into a transformation that shaped the rest of his life.

After an injury ended his football journey, Michael leaned all the way into academics — becoming a published researcher in biology education before the age of 21, presenting his work in New York, Phoenix, and D.C. From there, he built a career as a teacher, coach, principal, and now Director of Education at Oakley Youth Development Center, all while answering his call to ministry as an associate pastor at Zion Travelers in Jackson, MS.

He's a husband, a proud father of six, a leader, and living proof of what an HBCU education can produce.

🔥 In this episode:

• Why Jackson State became the right choice — and how his first acceptance letter sealed it
• How losing football opened the door to research, purpose, and ministry
• What it really means to lead through servitude
• The biggest lesson JSU instilled in him: "each one teach one"
• What today's young people need most beyond academics
• A powerful message for anyone facing setbacks, injury, or detours

This one is part testimony, part blueprint, and all heart. 🎓✊🏾

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/trME0q_G7Hc

What happens when an HBCU graduate combines faith, business strategy, and a mission to help others win?

In Episode 11 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with his lifelong friend @cfocoachmac —a proud Prairie View A&M University graduate, entrepreneur, accountant, author, and creator of the Built to Pay You™ Wealth Triangle Framework.

Mac shares his journey from Cleveland, Mississippi, to building multiple successful businesses while helping entrepreneurs save millions in taxes, master cash flow, and create businesses that truly pay them.

In this powerful conversation, Mac breaks down why many entrepreneurs fail—not because they lack talent, but because they don’t understand money management.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why revenue does NOT equal profit
• The dangerous mistake that cost an entrepreneur $2 million
• The 3 stages of the Wealth Triangle: Make, Manage & Multiply Money
• Why cash flow is the lifeblood of every business
• How Prairie View A&M shaped his confidence and entrepreneurial mindset
• The lessons he learned from failure, basketball, and coaching youth
• Why your purpose should be bigger than your paycheck
• How faith and business can work together to change lives

One of the most powerful moments of this episode is when Mac says:

"My job is to remove money from their prayer list so they can pray about something else."

Whether you're a student dreaming of entrepreneurship, a young professional, a business owner, or someone searching for purpose, this episode delivers wisdom that can change the way you think about success.

Learn more Mac Ree’s Businesses & “Built to Pay” Book :https://www.mac-reed.com/

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok: @cfocoachmac

💛 Subscribe to HBCU4U Podcast for more inspiring stories from HBCU alumni, leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are creating impact in their communities.

#HBCU4U #cfocoachmac #PrairieViewAM #FinancialLiteracy #CashFlow