HomeConcerts & Tickets2024 HBCU AccessFestSchedule of Events

Schedule of Events

Explore opportunities in higher education, mentorship, networking and career paths at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's 2nd annual HBCU AccessFest.

RSVP For Free Today Schedule of Events (pdf)

Panel Discussions

While the college and career fairs will be ongoing from noon to 5 pm, there will be panel discussions throughout the day, including key leaders in their fields offering insights on financial education, career advice, civic and cultural themes, and pathways into the arts.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

12:30-1:00pm / Galleria

Introduction to HBCU AccessFest with welcome remarks, and a special performance by student musicians from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Talent Development Program.

Hala Moddelmog | President and CEO of The Woodruff Arts Center
Jennifer Barlament | Executive Director, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

How Not To Suck At Money: A Financial Education Conversation

1:15-2:15pm / Atlanta Symphony Hall

Sponsored by Invesco QQQ, this panel focuses on essential financial literacy skills for students. Learn about budgeting, investing, saving, and managing debt to build a strong financial foundation.

Taylor Rooks (moderator) | Turner Sports and Amazon's Thursday Night Football broadcaster
Renee Montgomery (panelist) | NCAA Champion and Co-Owner/VP of the Atlanta Dream
Bobby Kannady (panelist) | Internal Market Consultant at Invesco, Morehouse Alum and Georgia Tech MBA
Jewel Burks Solomon (panelist) | Howard University Graduate and Managing Partner of Collab Capital

Student Trajectories: From HBCU to Career Success

2:30-3:15pm / Atlanta Symphony Hall

Notable HBCU graduates share personal stories about how their education has influenced their career success, such as internships, networking, mentorship, and support systems.

Christopher Daniel (moderator) | Atlanta Journal Constitution
Carla Sheilds Mills (panelist) | Vice President, Human Resources at Avantor
Donae Burston (panelist) | La Fête Wine Company Founder & CEO
Dr. Rahmelle Thompson (panelist) | Executive Director & Assistant Dean of Pipeline Initiatives, Morehouse School of Medicine
Skánia Florestal (panelist) | Founder and CEO, HBCUMADE
La'Kerri Jackson (panelist) | Global Director of Social Impact, UPS

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Info Session

3:20-3:50pm / Atlanta Symphony Hall

Learn about how the Thurgood Marshall College Fund programs can shape your academic and career path with scholarships, and support services. Plus, there's an iPad giveaway!

DeShawn Spellman (host) | Assistant Vice President of TMCF Ventures

The Business of Creativity

4:00-4:45pm / Atlanta Symphony Hall

Highlighting the business side of the growing cultural boom in the Atlanta arts scene.

Bem Joiner (moderator) | Principal/Cultural Conduit at Atlanta Influences Everything
Theresa tha SONGBIRD (panelist) | Musical, Lyrical, Theatrical Alchemist
Okorie Johnson (panelist) | Cellist-Composer, Looper, Improviser, Storyteller
Melissa Mitchell (panelist) | Artist & Founder of Abeille Creations