Alumnas Legacy Continues with Black Business Society

Name: Gabrielle S. Gray
Major (and minor): Business Management & Minor in Spanish
Campus affiliations / organizations: Black Business Society, Associated Students, SDSU Athletic Department Marketing Intern 
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Job Title: Staffing Manager 
Company: Randstad USA

As a sophomore at San Diego State University majoring in management, Gabby Gray (16’) established the Black Business Society (BBS) in 2013. She hoped to create a space within the Fowler College of Business where students of color could build community and learn from one another.

The Black Business Society continues to thrive as an active organization at SDSU providing it’s members professional development opportunities and academic support. Gray recently reconnected with the Black Business Society for it’s first Alumni Virtual Meet and Greet where she and other BBS alumni discussed their SDSU experience and life as professionals and entrepreneurs with current students.

Gray shares her story from her time at SDSU from establishing BBS to now, working as a Staffing Manager at Randstad USA in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, her legacy at SDSU lives on, continuing to positively impact the lives of students.

Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue management as an area of study?

Upon graduating from high school, I was overwhelmed by the possibilities and choices of what to pursue while attending college. Knowing I was motivated and thrilled by leadership extracurriculars and professional development, I determined that a degree in business management would be the best suited path for me because of the level of exposure to the business community and post-graduate career opportunities. 

Q: Describe the position you are currently in (job functions, key role).

I'm currently a Staffing Manager with Randstad USA, the world’s largest staffing agency. In my role, I am responsible for recruiting top-tier talent for full-time opportunities within the manufacturing and logistics industry, along with executing our department’s business development objectives of acquiring new business. 

2015 Summer Study Abroad trip for Marketing 370 Course in Barcelona, Spain!

Q: Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU (in class or otherwise) that helped you with the role’s qualifications? 

Aside from the leadership experiences I was fortunate enough to obtain at SDSU, the most impactful educational experience I had that has helped me within my young professional career was the capstone BA 405 course, International Strategic Management and Implementation, provided by the Fowler of Business. Overall, the course would eventually become one of my favorite classes because it provided us with real, practical knowledge of key strategic concepts and objectives that I utilize everyday in my role with Randstad. 

Q: Can you share your experience with launching the Black Business Society? When, why, etc.?

The Black Business Society will forever be one of the greatest and most honorable achievements many of us students had the opportunity to take part in because of the legacy and continued endowment to black excellence at a university level. Since 2013, the idea of creation for the Black Business Society was initially sought out to create an educational and professional environment for students of color within the Fowler College of Business to provide academic and leadership opportunities. Organizations like the Black Business Society are crucial to the student experience at SDSU, especially for underrepresented students. 

2014 Diversity Award Recipient on behalf of Fowler College of Business, with Dr. Tita Gray

Q: Have you continued to stay connected to the Black Business Society? If so, in what ways?

Yes! We are certainly proud to have launched the very first Alumni Virtual Meet and Greet this past fall in which current students from the Black Business Society had the opportunity to connect and engage with fellow alumni ranging from careers within Accounting, Human Resources, Finance, Strategy, Entertainment, and much more! 

Q: What advice do you have for SDSU Students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career and land their first job post-graduation?

My best advice for SDSU students looking to jumpstart their career upon graduation is to be patient in the process and enjoy the journey that will allow you to have introspection and thought-provoking conversations with yourself regarding your path and purpose. Your first job straight out of college will not define you or your future career. Strive to lead with conviction and purpose knowing that this experience is a stepping stone into the person you are destined to become. 

Executive Board Members at our very first BBS event!

Q: What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?

The most impactful experience that has shaped my life during my time at SDSU would most definitely be the Black Business Society. Not only was it a gifted opportunity to develop life-long friendships, but most importantly, looking back on the experience, we realized we were planting a seed that was yet to foster and grow our character as ambitious and charismatic young professionals. 

Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?

The best advice that I received during my time at SDSU will always be from my dear friend Jordan J. Harrison who has always encouraged me to have the audacity to believe in the power of my dreams and make them a reality.