Jaylah Dorman, Founder Of HBCU ABLE, Inc., Is A Howard University Alumna Who Earned Her Bachelor Of Science In Honors Health Education With A Concentration In Community Health And A Minor In Chemistry. Originally From Durham, North Carolina, She Speaks Passionately About The Mission And Impact Of Her Organization:

“HBCU ABLE, Inc. Is A 501(C)(3) Nonprofit Organization That Was Piloted At Howard University In 2023. HBCU ABLE, Inc. Stands For Historically Black Colleges And Universities Alumni Building Lasting Engagement And Amplifying Brilliance In Leaders Through Empowerment. Our Organization Is Dedicated To Advancing The Legacy And Future Of HBCUs By Investing In Both Students And Alumni Through Two Core Initiatives.”

Dorman Continued, Reflecting On The Inspiration Behind The Organization: “I Began Developing HBCU ABLE, Inc. As A Freshman After Personally Experiencing How Difficult It Was To Access Internships And Professional Opportunities. When I Finally Secured An Internship With A Health-Tech Startup Founded By Two HBCU Alumni Who Looked Like Me, It Became A Full-Circle Moment. It Showed Me That Our Alumni Already Possess The Networks, Resources, Knowledge, And Influence That Students Need To Thrive. At That Moment, I Realized That If I Could Build A Platform That Intentionally Bridges That Gap, I Could Help Transform Shared HBCU Experiences Into Tangible Pathways For Success.”

Furthermore, Dorman Further Emphasized, “At HBCU ABLE, Inc., We Believe In The Power Of Community, Access, And Opportunity. This Organization Exists For Every Student Who Needs Support, Guidance, And A Sense Of Belonging. Our Goal Is Not Only To Connect Students With Alumni, But Also To Reduce Financial Barriers, Expand Access To Critical Resources, And Affirm That The HBCU Student Experience Is Powerful, Valid, And Worthy Of Investment. When We Bridge The Generational Divide Between Alumni And Students, We Create Something Larger Than Opportunity. We Are Creating Legacies, Excellence, And Impact That Will Continue To Grow For Generations To Come.”