Honoring our past while building our future

A Two-Year MBA reflects on how hands-on leadership experiences outside of the classroom have deepened her sense of social responsibility and helped her cultivate community.
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Sidney ONeal giving a warm welcome to Kellogg admits during Day at Kellogg
O’Neal warmly welcoming admitted MBA students during Day at Kellogg, a weekend dedicated to showcasing the school's vibrant community and inclusive culture.


By Sidney O’Neal ’26 Two-Year MBA

Black history is a legacy of resilience, achievement and responsibility. Our ancestors’ sacrifices and triumphs have paved the way for Black professionals to step into spaces of leadership and influence. As I transition from my tenure as president of the National Society of Black Engineers at its Philadelphia Professionals Chapter to my journey at Kellogg, I am deeply aware of the responsibility to carry that legacy forward and create lasting impact.

I chose Kellogg because of its strong ethical foundation. Here, leadership is not just about professional advancement but about fostering a community that upholds integrity, purpose and collective well-being. The school’s culture emphasizes values-driven leadership, where students and faculty are willing to make trade-offs for the greater good of humankind. This commitment to ethical leadership aligns with my own aspirations of creating meaningful impact, both within business and in the broader community.

This sense of responsibility has informed my work within the Black Management Association (BMA) and Day at Kellogg (DAK) and the leadership roles I’ve assumed to ensure that we cultivate an environment where every student can thrive and lead with purpose. These organizations aren’t just extracurricular commitments — they are platforms for empowerment, connection and transformation. They allow us to create spaces where Black voices are celebrated, where Black professionals are supported and where the next generation of leaders can see themselves reflected in business and beyond. 

 

DAK: Welcoming the next generation of Kellogg Leaders

One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at Kellogg was serving as the co-lead and Master of Ceremonies during Day at Kellogg (DAK). DAK is more than just a weekend visit — it’s designed to welcome admitted students while giving them an authentic experience of what life at Kellogg is like. It’s a crucial moment for incoming students since it allows them to envision themselves thriving here.

For Black students, this moment is particularly meaningful, as often, we find ourselves as one of the few — or sometimes the only — Black individuals in a room making these spaces sometimes feel unfamiliar or even isolating. Seeing a strong, supportive Black community at Kellogg can be the reassurance they need to take the next step. As the MC, I had the opportunity to not only welcome them but to set the tone — to show them that Kellogg is a place where they belong, where they can lead and where they will be supported in every aspect of their journey.

It was an honor to help shape that experience, to share my story and to ensure that every admitted student felt seen, valued and inspired to join this incredible community. 

“Every time I step into a leadership role, mentor a fellow student or advocate for more opportunities for Black professionals, I am contributing to a legacy much larger than myself.”
Sidney O’Neal
Two-Year MBA

 

BMA: Building lasting impact beyond Kellogg

At Kellogg, the Black Management Association (BMA) is more than just a student organization — it’s a movement. Our goal is to uplift, support and prepare Black students and allies for success in business and beyond. Whether it’s through networking events or professional development initiatives, BMA is committed to ensuring that Black students don’t just make it through business school but that they leave as empowered leaders ready to make a global impact. 

Within BMA, we reflect on the legacy we are continuing. We are following in the footsteps of trailblazers who fought for representation, equity and economic empowerment. But we are also writing the next chapter, ensuring that those who come after us have even greater opportunities and fewer barriers. 

Sidney with other Black Management Association student club members during a ski trip
Bonding outside the classroom. O’Neal (first from the left) and fellow BMA members enjoying a ski trip.

Why Black history is more than a celebration

For me, honoring Black history isn’t just about looking back — it’s about building forward. The work I do in BMA and DAK is a testament to that. Every time I step into a leadership role, mentor a fellow student or advocate for more opportunities for Black professionals, I am contributing to a legacy much larger than myself. 

We often talk about “lifting as we climb,” and that is exactly what I aim to do. Whether it’s through welcoming the next generation of Kellogg students at DAK or ensuring that BMA continues to be a powerful force for Black excellence, my mission remains the same: to create spaces where we
thrive, lead and redefine what success looks like for Black professionals.   

Because history is still being written — and we are its authors. 

Read next: A journey through silence to innovation: The power of alignment 

 

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