#United States #Atlanta #AI Academy #National Black MBA #Orlando Ashford

National Black MBA Association Launches AI Advisory Council

On October 23, 2025, the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) announced a significant development in its journey towards workforce empowerment by establishing an AI Advisory Council. This initiative, spearheaded by Interim CEO Orlando Ashford, aims to equip association members with essential resources and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy through the NBMBAA AI Academy.

Empowering the Community with AI

The formation of the AI Advisory Council brings together a distinguished group of leaders who are at the forefront of artificial intelligence, reflecting NBMBAA's commitment to facilitating equitable participation in the digital landscape. Ashford emphasized the necessity for members to recognize their skills and leverage AI effectively in their professional lives, whether by enhancing their current roles or pursuing new opportunities.

"We want our members to understand their superpower and what enables them to show up as their best self at work, armed with the knowledge to pivot," Ashford stated. He highlighted that the Council's mission includes identifying tools and resources that acknowledge and address existing community biases, which are often embedded within technological advancements.

Meet the Inaugural Council Members

The inaugural Council comprises trailblazers and ethical leaders who will guide the curriculum and partnerships for the AI Academy, which is anticipated to include collaborations with higher education institutions. Some notable members include:

• - Angle Bush | CEO of Black Women In Artificial Intelligence™

Angle is a visionary leader who founded the organization to foster a global movement for inclusion in AI, partnering with tech giants like Microsoft.

• - Dwayne Dixon | AI Practitioner & Executive Advisor

With over 40 years of experience in enterprise technology, Dwayne founded Dwayne Dixon International and advocates for responsible AI and ethical governance.

• - Charlotte Lewis Jones | Founder & CEO of Grey AI

She leads Gray AI in assessing and enhancing AI maturity through research-backed methodologies, ensuring inclusive AI development and practices.

• - James Francis | Founder of Artificial Integrity™ & Sole.AI™

James focuses on empowering underrepresented communities through AI literacy and fostering ethical AI practices in business and technology.

A Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

The establishment of the AI Advisory Council is a testament to NBMBAA's ongoing commitment to not only advancing careers but also addressing systemic inequities within the technology sector. It seeks to position underrepresented individuals at the forefront of AI innovation, thereby fostering a more inclusive digital future.

The National Black MBA Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to creating educational and economic opportunities for Black professionals and entrepreneurs. With a network of over 11,000 active members and numerous strategic partnerships, NBMBAA aims to cultivate intellectual and economic wealth within the Black community through its wide range of programming focused on career development, education, and entrepreneurship.

To get involved or learn more about NBMBAA and its initiatives, please visit nbmbaa.org or follow them on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.