HBCU Her Voice, Erica Ahmed (A Founder's Journey)

Erica Ahmed’s journey is a fascinating blend of public health advocacy and innovative entrepreneurship. Growing up in the DMV area and inspired by a pivotal TV show, Erica’s educational path led her through the halls of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), setting the stage for her impactful career in public health and her unexpected venture into eco-friendly business.

Key Insights:

🎓 HBCU Experience: Erica's hybrid experience at Norfolk State and Bowie State provided a supportive and rigorous academic environment.

🌍 Public Health Commitment: Her work with the NYC Department of Health addressed critical housing and community health issues.

🧼 Entrepreneurial Journey: Founding The Green Laundress, Erica developed eco-friendly cleaning products inspired by her daughter's needs.

🤝 HBCU Influence: The nurturing environment and accountability at HBCUs were pivotal in her growth.

Inspiring Quotes:

"Go with your heart. Do what makes you happy. And if you haven't gone to college yet and you want to go, go to an HBCU. It doesn't get any better than that."

"The support of the professors and the way they treated you like you were their own and the way they held you accountable like you were their own. Definitely can't substitute that."

"I called myself the accidental entrepreneur because when I tell you I have no preparation for this, when I tell you I had no interest in this, I did not."

Let's celebrate the resilience and innovation that HBCUs inspire!