When you ask Jacob Niam MSBA’23 about his favorite moments at Babson, a pattern quickly emerges. Anytime, anywhere, Niam can amplify the voices of underrepresented people.
From the nonprofit she founded to bring support and awareness to adults on the autism spectrum to her campus leadership roles with the Black Graduate Club and Out & Arise Network, Niamh rallies, educates, and It exists above all to empower.
“It was fulfilling to create events and spaces for Black and queer students,” Niamh said. He served as co-president of both clubs. “I also really enjoyed attending the National Black MBA Conference and his ROMBA (Reaching Out MBA) conference with my fellow students.”
Niam, who will technically graduate in December 2023 but the march is scheduled for May, will be part of an ongoing series spotlighting the Class of 2024 ahead of the university’s May 11 commencement ceremony. As part of this, I looked back on my days at Babson.
What are your plans after graduation?
In addition to pursuing a career in finance and data analysis, I will continue to work on my nonprofit organization Kipekee (meaning unique in Swahili) to empower autistic adults like me. There is a lot of support, awareness and care for children with autism. However, as they grow into adults, the level of care and support steadily declines. Many are diagnosed in late adulthood, especially in “high-functioning” adults. Part of Babson’s Butler LaunchPad Fast Track cohort, his Kipekee provides them with the community and resources they need to live their best lives.
Do you have a favorite Babson memory?
One of my favorite memories of Babson was visiting Tulsa, Oklahoma. I knew about the 1921 Genocide from movies, but seeing it in person was a very emotional experience. As we walked along historic Greenwood Avenue, we were greeted by echoes of the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that defined that community in the early 20th century. We consulted with various entrepreneurs on how to scale their businesses. I was fascinated by the resilience and creativity that once flourished there, but I was also hopeful about the resurgence of “Black Wall Street” in the United States and Africa.
Natalie Joseph, director of Babson College’s Multicultural and Identity Program, Dr. Shakena Williams (’94), executive director of Babson College’s Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership, and Babson College Executive Thank you to our director, Cheryl Kaiser. Babson Institute for Social Innovation, for making this trip possible.
Do you have a favorite class or teacher?
My favorite professor was Nada Hashmi, assistant professor of operations and information management. In her advanced programming class, she used Python to consult with companies and tackle business problems. It was great to put theory into action and deliver results to clients.
How has Babson prepared you for your career and life?
Babson gave me the entrepreneurial spirit I needed to make an impact in society.
Through hands-on projects and experiential learning opportunities, you have developed practical skills to leverage data to derive strategic insights and effectively inform business decisions. Additionally, Babson’s diverse and supportive community provides valuable networking opportunities and lifelong connections that continue to enrich my personal and professional journey. Overall, Babson has played a pivotal role in developing me into a positive and adaptable leader who is ready to meet challenges and seize opportunities in all endeavors.
Do you have any advice for new students?
It’s never too early to start networking. Be present as much as possible and soak it up. The program goes by quickly.
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