The 2022 class of HBCU Buzz’s HBCU Top 30 Under 30 is here! For the past eight years, we have been honoring the inspiring change-makers that HBCUs have produced and this year’s class is nothing short of HBCU greatness! We’re highlighting students who have been making strides in their fields and showing the world what HBCU grads can do. 

The numbers don’t lie, according to UNCF, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) enroll 10% of all African American students and produce almost 20% of all African American graduates. Additionally, 25% of African American graduates with STEM degrees come from HBCUs. These illustrious institutions have produced countless civil rights leaders, doctors, religious leaders, bankers, writers, Olympians, lawyers, musicians, engineers, actors, humanitarians, professional athletes, educators, scientists, and politicians.

HBCUs provide the foundation and support needed for their students to go out into the world and become prestigious leaders. This year we continue to honor HBCU students from various backgrounds achieving excellence and making their alma mater proud.  Some of the leaders featured include a rocket scientist, an award-winning Broadway actor, accomplished doctors, and more. 

We’re excited for this Homecoming season to partner with DIAGEO and its brands CÎROC, Crown Royal, Tequila Don Julio, and Tanqueray to honor Black changemakers creating lasting change in their communities to uplift and celebrate Black excellence. Together with DIAGEO at the Mecca of HBCUs, we will honor the next generation of Black leaders and industry changemakers at the 30 Under 30 Reception and Alumni Bison Ball to toast to each honoree’s impact and impressive achievements to build a better future.

2. Daniel Okegbu – Howard University

Daniel Okegbu is a Rocket Scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. This Howard University alum was born in Nigeria and grew up in the South Side of Chicago. He is no stranger to adversity and success as he was once a refugee who escaped war in northern Nigeria but did not allow his absence from school to deter his academic goals. While in Chicago, he excelled academically and became a Gates Millennium Scholar. He attended Howard University to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer and is now completing his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Georgia Tech.  

Within the science community, Daniel has been making significant contributions through his research work. Inspired by NASA’s Mars Exploration Mission, Daniel directs his research toward developing a new class of materials with unconventional properties. Such materials will enable the design of stable, lightweight aircrafts and facilitate discoveries during other types of Space Exploration Missions. He is also a VC Fellow at HAX, a deep tech Venture Capital funding groundbreaking technologies. He currently serves as the Principal Officer for UnDelayed, a B2B startup that is disrupting the aviation industry through its flight delay mitigation platform. Daniel continues to serve as a role model and an inspiration to students who wish to pursue a career in science through mentorship programs and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

18 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.