MEMPHIS, Tenn. – FedEx (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation company, announced the second cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program, which includes Jackson State University students Tionda Yarbrough and Dillard McCoy. As part of the five-year commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) announced in 2021, this program helps prepare HBCU students with opportunities to learn about the FedEx enterprise from executives, build leadership and career-ready skills, and participate in unique experiences, while also helping expand the company’s pipeline for diverse talent.
“Jackson State University is thrilled to continue our partnership with the FedEx-HBCU Ambassador Program,” said President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “When our scholars get to experience Corporate America first-hand and interact with talented executives, they can envision a future in that setting and it eliminates any potential hesitation about the unknown.”
New student participants were selected from the following eight HBCUs, which are regionally located within a short distance of a FedEx operating or distribution facility. The proximity allows students from within the community better opportunities to engage with FedEx team members 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.)
Yarbrough is a junior business administration major and biology minor from Beloit, Wisc. The first-generation college student is a proud inductee in the Tri beta epsilon biology honor society. She is also the NAACP youth president of her hometown.
McCoy is a 3rd year business/political science major. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Throughout his collegiate journey, McCoy has served as a member of the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South, student government association, career services ambassador, outspoken, performing arts club, W.E.B DuBois honors college, and the 2022-23 Royal Court.
The second cohort will kick off later this month with a career exposure and leadership day involving FedEx leadership. Additionally, the cohort will participate in experiences throughout the year to help prepare them for entry into the workforce, including sessions on interview training, mock interviews, and resume development.
Freshman, sophomore and junior students were selected to participate based on good academic standing and career tracks aligned with FedEx career tracks such as: business, sales, IT/tech, logistics, marketing communications, accounting, and more. This year also comes with new on-the-job learning and mentorship experiences for the ambassadors.
“Through the second cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program, we’re preparing future leaders and the next generation for the workforce through tailored, hands-on programming,” said Jenny Robertson, senior vice president of Integrated Marketing and Communications. “FedEx is proud to strengthen our ties with HBCUs across the country and provide students with the tools and resources to pursue fulfilling careers. Initiatives like this are important to building a diverse talent pipeline within FedEx.”
The initial announcement took place last year at the New York Stock Exchange on the first day of Black History Month, February 1, 2022, with HBCU students, presidents, and FedEx executives in attendance to commemorate the occasion. Sixteen students from eight HBCUs participated in empowering and educational sessions with company leaders and were offered several practical experiences, including:
- A welcome from Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corporation Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors to kick off the program.
- The opportunity to participate in interview training and mock interview sessions with FedEx leaders, and a resume development discussion with an Executive Coach.
- FedEx Operating Companies created a series of career-focused programs, including:
- The “Career Expose” where FedEx Ground leaders connected 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; and
- The FedEx Freight Boardroom Experience, where students were introduced to career possibilities within FedEx through a simulated boardroom meeting.
To learn more about how FedEx supports HBCUs and to hear testimonials from the student ambassadors about their experience, please visit FedExCares.com and view the HBCU Fact Sheet.
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