August Newsletter

August 12, 2026

Owning Our Future: The Responsibility of Leadership

What is the value of breaking through the corporate ceiling if we never reach back to build the floor for the next generation?

INROADS has never been just about getting a seat at the table. It has always been about preparing leaders who don’t just build companies, they build communities.

If we do not own, if we do not build, if we do not employ, then someone else will always determine our future. It should not take a young boy’s death over a bottle of water for us to say wait – I am not going to shop where they follow me around the store, do not hire people that look like me or serve me through a transaction window.

So family, I challenge us - Be intentional with your dollar. Spend your money where you are respected. Invest in businesses that invest in you. Support entrepreneurs who hire our young people. Every dollar we spend either strengthens our community or strengthens someone else’s.

Let’s make sure that when history asks what the generations of INROADS leaders did with their success, education, influence and resources, the answer is clear:

We built businesses. We created jobs. We circulated wealth. We strengthened our communities. And we left our children with more opportunities than we inherited.

That is leadership.

That is INROADS legacy.

—Alton Byrd

President, Mid-Atlantic INROADS Alumni Association

Upcoming Events

Information Session with Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business

Explore the benefits of the INROADS–Carey partnership, including tuition scholarships, Executive Education discounts, waived application fees, and access to Carey's extensive student, alumni, and industry network.

Thursday, August 27

12 noon

Virtual

Legacy in Motion: A Networking Mixer

Be part of Legacy in Motion: A Networking Mixer—a special opportunity to connect with fellow INROADS alumni, exchange ideas, and strengthen our community! Contact us to RSVP.

Friday, September 18

4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Shanklin Hall

2325 18th Street NW DC

Stronger Together: A Journey of Growth and Global Perspective

During a season of career shifts and evolving opportunities, continual learning broadens our perspective and opens new possibilities. As an alumna reflecting on 15 outstanding years with the same federal agency where my journey began through INROADS, I've seen how each opportunity builds on the last, aligning at just the right time.

This summer, I had the privilege of joining a group of federal leaders in American University's Executive Abroad Program in Brussels, Belgium. This immersive experience provided valuable insight into international governance through discussions with senior leaders from the European Union, Parliament, NATO, and the U.S. Embassy, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges.

My greatest takeaway: we are stronger together. The member countries of the European Union achieve more by working collaboratively than by operating independently. That same principle applies to INROADS. Our strength comes from our collective success, meaningful partnerships, and the community we continue to build together.

To INROADS alumni, keep exploring, expanding, and embracing new opportunities. Be fearless—nothing is out of reach! Together, we all contribute to strengthen our collective success.

—Courtney Cook

Marketing Chair, Mid-Atlantic INROADS Alumni Association

Brussels, Belgium is widely recognized as the de facto capital of the European Union. Pictured above is the iconic Grand-Place, the city's historic central square.

Community Service in Motion with Meals on Wheels!

Nearly 900 meals. Countless smiles. In July, INROADS alumni and community service committee members partnered with Meals on Wheels to help provide nutritious meals for seniors across the community. Participants shared that the experience cultivated a renewed appreciation for serving, pouring into others, and paying it forward.

Interested in participating in community service activities? Contact Community Service Chair Angela M. Hill to learn how you can get involved.

The Power to Lead: Own It. Do It. Share It.

View the latest video recap of the INROADS National Conference, a signature leadership and professional development experience exclusive to INROADS interns. Students experienced interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and career insights from corporate leaders and INROADS Alumni.

Watch Video

Support Our Interns—Mock Interview Workshops!

We invite you to volunteer as an interviewer for virtual mock interview workshops. You'll help prepare our INROADS interns nationwide for professional and leadership success. Your participation will make a lasting impact!

For more information, contact Mentoring Program Chair Kimberley Hamilton. Thank you in advance for your commitment in supporting the next generation of INROADS' emerging professionals.

Support Our Involvement with INROADS Interns/College Links DC

Become an official member of your local Mid-Atlantic Chapter! The $100 (tax deductible) annual membership fee grants you complimentary access to professional networking events, workshops, seminars and helps to support our involvement with INROADS interns/College Links DC, which prepares the next generation of INROADS leaders.

Our chapter does not receive funds from INROADS National. We are fully supported by your contributions and our corporate fundraising initiatives. Become a member today and help us make a difference in our region!

To donate:

Go to inroads.org/donate.
Complete the donation form at the bottom.
*VERY IMPORTANT* Check the dedicate this gift box and designate your gift to the Mid-Atlantic IAA Chapter.
Email your confirmation to our team and Treasurer Ayana Douglas.
Finally, forward any company matching correspondence.

We Want To Hear From You!

Have an impactful story or significant milestone to share? Email us with the details so that we can feature you in an upcoming newsletter. Also, complete this form to share your story.

Read About INROADS Alumni

Leadership Quote of the Month

"Leadership is the capacity to transform vision into reality."

—Warren G. Bennis

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