He packed his bags for Los Angeles with one dream:

🎤 Become a rapper.

God had another plan.

Instead, Derrick "Penny" Hardy found himself working behind the scenes at Universal Music Publishing and Motown Records, where mentorship from industry legend Ethiopia Habtemariam changed the course of his life forever.

Today, he's helped develop artists, discover talent, launch careers, build businesses, and prove that success isn't always found where you expect it.

In this powerful Episode 20 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Derrick shares the setbacks, sacrifices, mentors, HBCU lessons, and relentless hustle that transformed him from an aspiring artist into one of the music industry's respected executives.

Sometimes the dream you start with isn't the one you're meant to finish with.

🎧 Full episode available now! Hashtags

#HBCU4U #DerrickHardy JacksonState #MusicBusiness #CareerPivot

Success doesn't start on the first day of school—it starts long before that.

🎙️ In Episode 19 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Jackson State University alumna Teshanda Middleton, CEO of Ready for School, Ready for Life, shares why transforming education requires transforming entire communities.

From HBCU leadership and financial literacy to purpose-driven careers and systems change, this conversation will challenge the way you think about college readiness and creating opportunities for every child.

One of the biggest takeaways:

"Don't chase titles. Chase purpose."

If you believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, this episode is for you.

Watch the full conversation, share it with someone who's passionate about education or youth development, and don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from outstanding HBCU alumni.

#HBCU4U #JacksonStateUniversity #HBCU #Leadership #Purpose #FinancialLiteracy #CollegeReadiness #Education #CommunityImpact #BlackExcellence #StudentSuccess #Podcast #YouthDevelopment #SystemsChange

What if your HBCU didn't just prepare you for a career—it prepared you for every room you'll ever walk into? 🐅💙

Ashley N. Wicks proves exactly that.

From graduating summa cum laude at Jackson State University to becoming an attorney, CPA, and one of America's Best Lawyers, Ashley's journey is a masterclass in confidence, leadership, service, and purpose.

In this inspiring conversation, she shares: ✨ How Jackson State built her confidence ✨ Why she stopped doubting she belonged ✨ The power of mentorship and networking ✨ What success really means after the awards ✨ Why giving yourself grace can change your life ✨ How she's helping transform underserved communities through her work

If you're a student, young professional, entrepreneur, or simply chasing your purpose, this episode is full of wisdom you don't want to miss.

🎧 Watch the full episode, subscribe to HBCU4U, and share it with someone who needs this encouragement today.

#HBCU4U #JacksonState #Attorney #CPA #Leadership