By Anthony Howard
Two Jackson State University College of Business students have been selected to join the third cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program. The world’s largest express transportation announced that Mya Grimes, a sophomore, and Carter Smith, a junior, were chosen from JSU.
The program, launched in 2022 as part of an expanded five-year $5 million commitment to HBCUs, helps prepare students for the workforce after college. Students from eight HBCUs will gain exposure to FedEx leadership, team members, and unique learning experiences that help build leadership and career-ready skills.
Mya Grimes, a sophomore business administration major from St. Louis, is currently enrolled in the W.E.B. Dubois Honors College. She shared her excitement about the opportunity and was honored to represent JSU.
“I’m expecting great things and to make a lot of valuable connections and network a lot. I look forward to bringing back to the institution what I learned from the different companies and the professionals we meet during the different sessions,” said Grimes.
Carter Smith is an economics student from Jackson, Mississippi. After transferring from Hinds Community College, this is his second semester at Jackson State. He expressed that he’s most looking forward to leadership training opportunities and gaining real-world experience in corporate settings.
“I’m keeping myself open during this experience, not knowing what to expect. I’m excited to see what opportunities this will create for me,” Smith shared.
NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice recently joined Chanelle Houston, a program participant from the first cohort, for the delivery of the Vince Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Together, Rice and Houston discussed the value of attending an HBCU, its positive impact on their college journey, what the new cohort of students could expect, and the long-standing relationship between FedEx and HBCUs. Watch Jerry and Chanelle’s conversation at Super Bowl LVIII here.
“Providing HBCU students with the exposure and opportunities to imagine what’s next beyond college is invaluable,” said Jenny Robertson, Senior Vice President, Global Brand and Communications. “FedEx’s continued support to HBCUs is one way we can help produce a strong talent pool of future leaders, creating additional opportunities to excel in their future career journeys.”
The third cohort will convene later this spring and participate in quarterly sessions focused on, but not limited to, interview training, mock interviews, and resume development. Ambassadors will also have access to apply for internships and experience mentorship opportunities with various FedEx leaders.
New participants were selected from the following eight HBCUs, most of which are regionally located in close proximity to a FedEx operating or distribution facility. The proximity allows students within these communities more opportunities to engage with Team FedEx and learn about the business.
- Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.)
- Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.)
- LeMoyne-Owen College (Memphis, Tenn.)
- Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Miss.)
- Lane College (Jackson, Tenn.)
- Paul Quinn College (Dallas, TX.)
- Miles College (Fairfield, Ala.)
- Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Each year, FedEx offers student ambassadors and additional HBCU students from the eight institutions several practical experiences, including:
- The “Career Expose” where FedEx Ground leaders engage with students about transitioning from college to professional life, resume writing, career tips and a “day in the life” in Safety, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Logistics/Supply Chain, and Operations
- TheFedEx Logistics satellite office on the Mississippi Valley State University campus with part-time jobs for students and an opportunity for full-time employment at FedEx after graduation
- The FedEx Freight Boardroom Experience, where HBCU students were introduced to career possibilities within FedEx through a simulated boardroom meeting