Black Excellence Expo: Connect, Celebrate & Support Our Community

Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 6 PM - 9 PM

The National Black MBA Association® Kentucky Chapter invites you to the Black Excellence Expo, an evening celebrating and connecting Black professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses, and community leaders across Kentucky. Join us after work to build relationships, support Black-owned businesses, and connect with our chapter.

Everyone is welcome! Business casual attire is encouraged.

As we prepare for November, we’re opening two opportunities for businesses to get involved now.

Get Featured. Get Connected. Get Seen.

The new 2026–2027 Kentucky Black Excellence Directory will serve as a year-round resource spotlighting Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, community partners, and corporate supporters.

Businesses can secure a listing starting at just $50, with advertising opportunities available for greater visibility.

Want to connect with the community in person? Vendor tables for the November 12 Black Excellence Expo are also now available, giving businesses an opportunity to showcase and sell their products or services while connecting directly with Expo attendees.

Businesses can participate in the Directory, the Expo, or both to extend their visibility beyond a single event.

Directory Listings & Advertising: Starting at $50

Small Business & Entrepreneur Vendor Table — $31

Vendor tables are designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-based organizations showcasing or selling products and services. Corporate exhibitors, employers, financial institutions, colleges/universities, and other large organizations should contact kynbmbaa@gmail.com regarding corporate partnership and Expo activation opportunities.

Corporate participation: Interested in exhibiting or activating your brand at the Expo? Corporate opportunities are available through customized year-round Kentucky Chapter partnerships. Contact kynbmbaa@gmail.com to learn more.

Silent Auction Now Open

Get a head start on bidding and support a great cause! Explore our auction items and place your bids to help fund scholarships, youth development, and chapter programs.

You don’t have to attend the Expo to participate—start bidding today!

See something you love? Bid on these items and more in our silent auction—no event attendance required!



Browse the auction and place your bids today!

Black Excellence Expo: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Black Excellence Expo?

The Black Excellence Expo is a community event hosted by the Kentucky Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, with GE Appliances as our presenting sponsor. Join us to celebrate Black excellence, support Black-owned businesses, explore opportunities, and build relationships.

When and where is the event?

Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. at GE Appliances. Stop by after work and spend the evening connecting with the community!

Who should attend?

Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends and family, and invite job seekers, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, supporters of Black-owned businesses, and anyone interested in getting to know our chapter.

Why should someone exploring career opportunities attend?

Meet corporate representatives and other professionals, introduce yourself, and expand your network. Our presenting sponsor, GE Appliances, is interested in connecting with early career talent—making this a great opportunity for students, recent graduates, and professionals considering their next step.

What’s in it for supporters of Black-owned businesses?

Discover businesses, meet the people behind them, and shop with purpose. Your next favorite product, service provider, or business connection could be in the room!

Should families with students attend?

Yes! Families interested in our Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program can get to know the chapter and learn how we support students through leadership development, career exploration, and college preparation. Come connect and explore whether LOT could be a fit for your student.

What if I’m interested in membership or sponsorship?

This is a great introduction to our chapter! Meet our leadership and members, learn about our programs and community impact, and explore ways to get involved as a member, sponsor, or community partner.

Do I have to be a member or have an MBA to attend?

No. You do not need to be a member or hold an MBA. We welcome people from all professional and educational backgrounds.

Is there a cost to attend?

Admission is free. Donations are welcome and appreciated to support the Kentucky Chapter’s programs and community initiatives.

What is the dress code?

Business casual. Since this is a Thursday after-work event, come in your workday attire and be ready to connect!

Will food be served?

Yes, small bites will be served.

Can I bring friends, family, or colleagues?

Absolutely! Invite people who would enjoy making connections, supporting Black-owned businesses, or learning more about our chapter. Please encourage each guest to register.

Can my business participate?

Yes! Businesses can showcase their products or services as vendors and/or advertise in our business directory. Explore vendor and directory opportunities.

How do I register?

Reserve your free spot for the Black Excellence Expo, and share the link with your network!

Leaders of Tomorrow Goes Virtual—

Now Recruiting Across Kentucky!

Our Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) meetings have moved online to help families manage rising fuel costs and remove transportation and geographic barriers to participation. This change makes it easier for high school students throughout Kentucky to connect, learn, and grow as future leaders.

We’re continuing to welcome new students! High school students—or parents applying on their behalf—can use the link below to join.

Questions? Email us at kentuckylot@gmail.com.

Community Events:

This Weekend

Art & Culture: Remember The Time Art Show by artist Darryl Tucker

October 17, 2026 | 6pm - 9pm

The Library Business Hub

1718 W. Jefferson Street

Free event

Shades of Brown: The Fall Fashion Social

October 18, 2026 | 5pm - 10pm

Noble Funk

922 S. 2nd Street

25+ event

Event Recap

Lifting & Leading: Networking Mixer

On September 17, our Kentucky Chapter joined NACWC’s Ladies of Valor & Excellence Club and Louisville Urban League Young Professionals at Tribe for Lifting & Leading: Networking Mixer.

Interactive stations gave attendees opportunities to take a photo, register to vote or pledge to vote this election season, and learn about chapter activities and membership. Simple networking prompts—“I am looking for” and “What I can offer”—helped spark conversations and connect people with resources, opportunities, and ways to support one another.

Rooted in the motto “Lifting as We Climb,” the evening celebrated the power of collaboration and supporting one another’s growth. Thank you to our partners and everyone who joined us!

Kentucky Connects in LA:

2026 Conference Recap

The National Black MBA Association’s 48th Annual Conference & Exposition brought 3,600 attendees to Los Angeles September 23–25 under the theme PIVOT. Our Kentucky Chapter was represented by both returning and first-time attendees who enjoyed premium programming, valuable connections, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

A standout moment was the opening plenary, “Black Excellence at the Intersection of Innovation and Culture,” featuring Don Thompson of Cleveland Avenue, Levoyd Robinson of CFI Partners, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Their insights set the tone for a conference filled with accomplished speakers and meaningful conversations—the same spirit of Black Excellence we’re continuing to build here in Kentucky at our upcoming Black Excellence Expo on November 12, which will bring that energy home as we showcase Black-owned businesses, connect professionals and community members, and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Other highlights included the HBCU Pavilion activities during the Conference Expo, a Nike-led session helping attendees discover their strengths and build a skills game plan, and sessions exploring Black women redefining career success. Corporate hospitality events hosted by Ford Motor Company, Abbott, Marriott, Atlanta Life Insurance, and others offered even more opportunities to connect beyond the sessions.

As always, the carefully selected speakers and high-quality content delivered—but the relationships were equally valuable. From reconnecting with colleagues to meeting future collaborators, mentors, and employers, the conference reminded us of the power of being in the room.

Next stop: Atlanta in 2027! We want to see even more of our Kentucky Chapter there. Whether you’re exploring your next career move, growing a business, or expanding your network, start planning to join us. We’ll share conference dates and registration details as they become available.

Join the 1995 Giving Circle

Celebrating Our Roots. Investing in What’s Next.

Since 1995, the National Black MBA Association® Kentucky Chapter has worked to create opportunities that strengthen our members, develop future leaders, support entrepreneurs, invest in youth, and make an impact in our community.

Now, we’re inviting you to help us build on that legacy through the 1995 Giving Circle.

With a gift of just $19.95, you can be part of a collective investment in the future of the Kentucky Chapter and the communities we serve. Supporters may make a one-time gift of $19.95 or become a sustaining supporter with a recurring monthly gift of $19.95.

Your support helps us continue investing in leadership development, scholarships, youth programming, entrepreneurship, professional development, and community impact.

A small commitment. A bigger impact.

Have news or events to share?

Feel free to submit it to our newsletter for consideration

at the form below.

Planning to Pursue an MBA?

Scholarship Support Is Available

Let's help connect you to scholarship funding opportunities and program information as you decide on pursuing your MBA.

Share Your Expertise. Shape the Future.

Are you ready to inspire, educate, and lead? NBMBAA is calling on dynamic professionals and thought leaders to facilitate upcoming webinars that empower students and early-, mid-, and experienced professionals. This is your chance to elevate your voice, showcase your expertise, and make a meaningful impact on a national stage.

Member Birthday Spotlight

Join us in celebrating our Kentucky Chapter members who are marking special birthdays this season!

We’re grateful for each of you and the impact you make in our community.

October Birthdays

• Kiara Thomas 10/02
• Amber Biggs 10/11
• Domonique Churchill 10/16
• Charles Crowder 10/24
• Lauren Muir 10/25

Thanks for being a member. We hope you enjoy your special day!

Become a Member

Looking to expand your knowledge and enhance your career?

Unlock Your Potential with the National Black MBA Association! Gain access to exclusive networking, career advancement, and professional development opportunities by joining today.

Don't wait—join now and start maximizing your potential!

🛒 Support Us While You Shop –

Kroger Community Rewards

Did you know you can support our mission every time you shop at Kroger—at no extra cost to you?

By enrolling in the Kroger Community Rewards Program, a portion of your everyday purchases goes directly back to support our programs, including scholarships and community initiatives.

How to get started:

1. Create or sign in to your Kroger account
2. Go to Community Rewards
3. Search for our organization: National Black MBA Assoc. - Louisville Chapter
4. Click Enroll

Once you're enrolled, every purchase you make using your Kroger card helps us continue the work we do in the community.

Already enrolled? Make sure your account is still linked to our organization—Kroger requires annual re-enrollment.



Thank you for supporting us in such an easy and impactful way!

Support the Kentucky

Leaders of Tomorrow Program

When you give to the Kentucky Leaders for Tomorrow Program, you’re doing more than making a donation—you’re helping shape confident, prepared, and purpose-driven young leaders. Your support funds programming that equips students with leadership skills, professional exposure, and the tools they need to succeed beyond high school.

Support the next generation of leaders.