In this blog, Jay Gipson, Amani Tristan, and Jason Coleman—co-chairs of the Black Coalition at Booth—share more information about the newly formed student group and open up about what makes their MBA journey at Booth so rewarding. Plus, they talk about the ways they’ve been celebrating Black History Month. Keep reading to learn more!
Jay is a finance professional with a background in credit and asset-based lending. He chose to pursue his MBA at Booth because he wanted to sharpen his analytical skills, expand his professional network, and challenge himself in an environment that values both competition and collaboration.
Jay Gipson
Amani is originally from Southern California and has a broad background in human resources. She moved to Chicago specifically to fully engage in all that Booth offers. Her objective for pursuing the program is to expand and diversify her network, explore new career paths that resonate with her personal and professional ambitions, and acquire the skills necessary for a strategic career pivot.
Amani Tristan
Jason chose to pursue an MBA to broaden his skill set and gain exposure to new industries and business models. Having spent so much of his career in engineering and the nonprofit sector, Jason wanted to sharpen his strategic and leadership abilities to drive greater impact. This experience continues to equip Jason with the tools to scale initiatives, navigate complex challenges, and explore new ways to create meaningful change in the world.
Jason ColemanJay Gipson: Honestly the people. Booth is full of extremely smart and driven individuals, and the conversations that I have with peers and faculty constantly push me to think bigger. I’ve found that the relationships I’m constantly building are just as valuable as the coursework.
Amani Tristan: I most enjoy the social and academic aspects of Booth. Socially, Booth's endless networking events have allowed me to meet diverse individuals and deepen my understanding of different professional landscapes. Academically, my curiosity fuels me; so Booth's flexible curriculum has allowed me to tailor the program to align with my interests and engage in class discussions that challenge and expand my thinking.
Jason Coleman: I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to explore new areas of business and experiment with different fields through my coursework. Booth’s flexible curriculum has allowed me to sharpen my skills in entrepreneurship while also expanding my knowledge in emerging industries like AI. This ability to tailor my learning experience has been invaluable in broadening my perspective and preparing me for future challenges.
Jay Gipson: A lot of us juggle work, school, and personal lives, so having a space where we can connect, share experiences, and uplift one another is incredibly important. I decided to take on a leadership role because I’ve always been passionate about building community. Representation and connection matter, and I wanted to help create an environment where we can thrive both academically and professionally while staying true to who we are.
Amani Tristan: As co-chair of Black Coalition at Booth (BCB), my organizational goals are to foster community among the relatively small number of Black students in the Part-Time MBA Program and to bridge the general gap between the Part-Time and Full-Time MBA programs through collaboration. Personally, co-leading BCB has been a great opportunity to develop leadership skills within an organization that deeply matters to me. As an aspiring entrepreneur, this role offers a glimpse into the startup world, challenging me to innovate and manage dynamically (similar to a startup founder) while balancing the demands of daily life.
Jason Coleman: Joining the Black Coalition at Booth (BCB) as the co-chair was essential for me, as I wanted to help create a community for students with shared identities and values. While expanding my network and engaging with classmates is important, having a supportive space to share personal experiences and navigate challenges is equally vital. My decision to become co-chair stemmed from a deep commitment to building and strengthening communities. I wanted to contribute meaningful resources to the Booth community and create a space where minority students feel empowered and supported. Fostering inclusive communities has always been a priority for me, and BCB presented the perfect opportunity to do so.
Jay Gipson: They’ve made Booth feel like home. It’s one thing to go through an MBA program, but it’s another to have a tight-knit group of people who understand your experience on a deeper level.
Amani Tristan: The connections I've made through BCB have added fun and depth to my experience. Interactions with Chicago-native members have been especially eye-opening, helping me learn about the city's history and vast community development efforts.
Jason Coleman: The connections I’ve made through the Black Coalition at Booth have been invaluable to my MBA experience. Building relationships with peers who share similar experiences has created a strong sense of support and community. I’m grateful for the organization’s role in bringing Black Booth students together to celebrate our achievements, uplift one another, and navigate this journey collectively.
Jay Gipson: I want prospective students to know that this is more than just a student group, we’re a family. We’re here to support each other, push each other, and create opportunities that extend far beyond Booth. If you’re seeking a community that will challenge you, celebrate you, and help you navigate the intricacies of being a working professional while navigating this MBA journey, this is it.
Amani Tristan: BCB is centered around community, personal, and professional growth for Black students at Booth, and we warmly welcome non-Black students as allies. As a new organization, we encourage your engagement and value the fresh ideas and energy that new members bring to our events and initiatives.
Jason Coleman: We want prospective students to know that the Black Coalition at Booth (BCB) is more than just an organization, it’s a welcoming and supportive community where you can build meaningful relationships and feel a sense of belonging. BCB provides a space for students to connect, celebrate shared experiences, and support one another throughout the MBA journey. Booth can be a challenging environment, but you won’t have to navigate it alone. BCB is here to uplift and stand by you every step of the way.
Jay Gipson: We're focused on expanding professional development opportunities, bringing in speakers from diverse industries, and deepening our connections within both the Booth and broader Chicago communities. A key priority is strengthening the bridge between Black Part-Time and Full-Time students. Additionally, we’re committed to creating more structured mentorship opportunities, both for current students navigating Booth and for prospective students looking to join our community, so that everyone feels supported and set up for success from day one.
Amani Tristan: We are excited to continue building the foundation of BCB and developing the relationship with our Full-Time MBA counterpart. Our focus is on creating sustainable support for our members and strengthening our presence within the Booth community. BCB is more than just a student group; it's a platform for community, empowerment, and leadership.
Jason Coleman: We’ve done a lot of social events, but would like to do some service events to give back to the local community. We’d also like to host more professional development events to help students build their network and social capital.
Jay Gipson: For me, Black History Month is a time to honor those who paved the way for us, while also recognizing that we have the power and responsibility to keep pushing forward. Black history isn’t just about the past, it’s about shaping the future, and I see this month as a reminder of the work we still have to do.
Amani Tristan: Black History Month (BHM) is a time to acknowledge our country's turbulent past; celebrate the significant contributions of Black individuals across the past and present; and recognize both the strides we have made and the steps still needed toward true equity/equality.
Jason Coleman: Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Black individuals to our society. While I make it a priority to honor Black heritage every day, February provides a dedicated moment to amplify these achievements on a larger scale. Too often, Black history is presented through a narrow lens, focusing on a select few figures. For me, this month is an opportunity to highlight a broader spectrum of Black excellence, share lesser-known stories, and actively support Black-owned businesses. By expanding our collective understanding of Black history, we not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to continue a legacy of innovation, resilience, and creativity.
Jay Gipson: I’m planning to celebrate by supporting some of the events that AAMBAA (our peers in the Full-Time program) are hosting. Additionally, we’re having a Black History Month mixer on the 28th at Etc., a Black-owned restaurant here in Chicago, that I’m extremely excited for. On a broader level, this month is an important time for me to check in with myself. How am I contributing to the legacy? What impact am I making?
Amani Tristan: I celebrate BHM by supporting Black-owned businesses, educating myself about the influential roles Black individuals have played (and currently play) in the US, and including friends in fun/charitable activities that support the community.
Jason Coleman: As a Chicago native, Black History Month holds special significance for me. There's a saying that everything great about America started in Chicago, and I truly believe that. I grew up in a culturally rich environment where celebrating Black history was part of everyday life. Chicago has a deep and powerful Black history, filled with remarkable achievements and trailblazers who have shaped our world. From Bessie Coleman and Jean Baptiste Point DuSable to Ida B. Wells, John Johnson, Fred Hampton, and Margaret Burroughs, the city is home to a legacy of Black excellence.
During Black History Month, I love immersing myself in this history by visiting cultural landmarks and institutions like the DuSable Museum and Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville. These spaces not only celebrate our past but also showcase the creativity and resilience of Black artists and visionaries today.
To keep up with the Black Coalition at Booth, we encourage you to check out their website.
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