Two Claflin University mass communications scholars were recently named ColorComm Nextgen HBCU Fellows.Diana Brown, a senior from Conyers, Ga., andAnaiya Whaley, a sophomore from Orangeburg, S.C., were among the diverse group chosen for the 2022 cohort. The exclusive, year-long program will provide:
- Mentorships
- Professional development seminars
- Access to the entire ColorComm Network
- A direct pipeline for leading media companies and brands to hire the next generation of leaders
ColorComm is the nation’s leading women’s platform addressing diversity & inclusion across the communications, marketing, advertising, and media industries. Founded in 2011, ColorComm, Inc. serves more than 100,000 professionals across the ColorComm Network, ColorComm Executive Conference, ColorComm NextGen Summit, ColorComm Media Group, and Men of Color in Communications Community.
“This fellowship gives me a chance to network and an opportunity to work outside of my comfort zone," said Brown.“ColorComm will allow me to meet executives and professionals in the communications industry.Without this program, these networking opportunities may not have been possible. I am looking forward to next year and participating in this program.” Brown plans to begin a career in news production after she graduates.
“I am truly honored with this phenomenal opportunity to represent Claflin University,” said Whaley, whose focus is public relations. “I hope other female mass communications students apply for the ColorComm NextGen HBCU Fellows program or similar programs to experience the networking and opportunities to grow personally and professionally in their respective careers.’’
Whaley plans to pursue graduate school and later start a public relations agency that offers professional development skills for aspiring communications students. “I still recall the challenges entering the communications industry as a student looking for a full-time position in the industry,” said Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder and CEO of ColorComm, Inc.
“HBCU students often face greater challenges to land top media and communications positions as the same companies frequent the same schools and often overlook the wide variety of HBCUs. The ColorComm NextGen HBCU Fellows Program will allow companies to engage with the best talent to offer the training, resources, and knowledge to succeed after graduation.”
The ColorComm NextGen HBCU Fellows program selects female minority mass communications students from HBCUs each year.Currently, there are more than a dozen HBCUs involved with recruiting for the fellowship program, and it is open to all HBCU college juniors and seniors or those who are one-to-three years post-graduate.
“We want to provide opportunities for HBCU students and grads to have direct access to Fortune 500 companies and leading companies in the communications, marketing, and advertising space,” Wilson said.