HBCU graduates work together to build a strong network of women across the U.S.

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While having a great education is key, networking plays a critical part in one’s success, especially for Black and brown people. That’s where Brown Skin Brunchin’ comes in.

About Brown Skin Brunchin

Founded in 2018 by Virginia natives Lillian Jackson & Melissa Mason, the Brown Skin Brunchin’ social group was created for Black and brown women who share a love of brunch and travel. With more than 70 chapters, its monthly brunches bring members together in a fun and casual setting.

The HBCU Experience

Similar to the HBCU experience, being a part of Brown Skin Brunchin’ offers members the opportunity to be amongst people who look like them and understand their unique journey navigating the world as a woman of color. As with supportive professors and classmates, you are surrounded by people who want you to win in all aspects of life.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alumna Kassinda White chose to attend her HBCU out of her desire to learn, develop, and grow amongst professors and students who look like her.

“There are certain experiences that you can only get at an HBCU,” says White. “HBCUs incorporate Black excellence in the college experience. Opportunities for internships and jobs are presented and highly encouraged at HBCUs because at times we are left out of conversations in other educational settings. Additionally, attending an HBCU helped to develop me socially, professionally, and academically because the environment around campus promoted that heavily.”

Likewise, Yolina Owens chose to attend Charlotte’s Johnson C. Smith University because she preferred to learn in an environment that was familiar with her life experiences and the struggles that come with being a minority.

“Both environments afforded me numerous opportunities to meet and connect with new people, share business ideas and life goals, and offer safe spaces for thoughtful and sensitive discussions about life,” says Lee.

Historically Black colleges and universities have consistently produced exceptional Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in every field. Black women who attend HBCUs enjoy a variety of benefits and advantages that those attending predominantly white institutions may not be afforded.

Johnyelle Lee, Yolina Owens, and Kassinda White understand the importance HBCUs have played in their lives and are using the skills they acquired at their respective HBCUs to help build a strong network of Black women across the United States.

Brown Skin Brunchin

As ambassadors for Brown Skin Brunchin’, Lee, Owens, and White help professional minority women connect and network with one another, thus expanding their professional and personal circles and building and maintaining crucial bonds of sisterhood.

Owens says that her experience with Brown Skin Brunchin’ reminds her a lot of the bond she shares with her sorority sisters.

“This bond is uniquely strong because we do not just communicate socially over brunch; we motivate each other by sharing inspirational thoughts and prayers to encourage one another to push through our personal and professional journeys.”

She recommends that all current HBCU students prepare for their future by finding a mentor or tribe that motivates and encourages them but also holds them accountable for living up to their best potential.

Lee also stresses the importance of networking and how vital it is to overall success.

“Education is very important,” she says, “but networking will grant exclusive opportunities that may not be available to others. Don’t be afraid to communicate. Don’t lose yourself in social media. Nothing replaces face-to-face conversations and interactions, particularly with mentors and other influencers.”

How to connect

In August 2021, Brown Skin Brunchin launched an interactive app that serves as a hub for members to personally connect and give members first access to events and updates. The app has over 16,000 members with an average of 1000 new downloads per week as of December 2021.

Visit their website for more information.