In partnership with the United Postal Service (UPS), the Business Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) hosted its 2nd Annual Boss-A-Thon: Are You Fit to Be a Boss? event at Dillard University on March 18, 2026.
Students from Dillard University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Southern University arrived for an afternoon packed with networking, insightful fireside chats, and friendly competition.
Students participated in the “Walk the Walk” showcase, where students pitched why they are fit to be a boss, and the “Talk the Talk” competition, where three finalists completed an on-the-spot interview with judges for a chance to win prizes. The finalist received a free trip to the National Urban League Conference in Nashville from July 29 to August 1, 2026.
Past participant Atiba Fletcher, a sophomore marketing major, shared that this year’s competition gave him the opportunity to see other students go through the same journey he did.
“Now knowing the things that I didn’t know last year, it gives me a different appreciation for the effort they’re putting out,” said Fletcher
This year’s three finalists were all Dillard students: Kennedi Brown, a junior public health major, Caleb Jean Marie, a senior finance major, and Cameron Balkit, a senior business administration major. Kennedi Brown took first place and won the trip to the conference.
“Being a part of this competition is great exposure for Dillard University and allows students to see what’s out there if they’re not familiar with what BEEP has for them,” said Brown.
Dwanna Toney, the Director for Dillard’s Center for Career and Professional Development (DUCCPD), explained that this opportunity came because of the lasting partnership between the National Urban League and Dillard. Anytime they reach out, her office makes sure Dillard students are able to participate in any of their events.
“It provides the opportunity for the students [as BEEP would say] to move from the dorm room to the boardroom,” said Toney.
The day gave students from Dillard and partner universities a chance to connect with a lunch reception at 1 p.m., before the main program kicked off at 2 p.m.
The main program featured sessions led by UPS leaders:
- Panel Discussion: Becoming A Boss — Monica Galloway, account executive; Jamichael Thompson, Baton Rouge division manager; and Julia Abadie, area sales manager, shared real-world insights on career growth, challenges, and success.
- Boss Up! Professional Branding Segment — Students learned how to present themselves with confidence and competed in the “Walk the Walk” showcase
- Fireside Chat with a UPS Customer — A powerful conversation on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, time management, and leadership with Corey Lecour, sales representative, and UPS customer Johnathan Humphrey, founder of the Beignet Boys clothing line and co-owner & brand manager/buyer at Foster Manufacturing.
- Mastering the Job Interview — Rhonda Jackson, Delta Coast/Mid-South health and safety supervisor, shared interview tips to help students build confidence in interviewing and public speaking.
Additional sessions, like the Mock Interview, were led by Candace Malveaux, human resource specialist for UPS Mid-South, and the “Boss Up! Professional Branding” segment was led by Kendell Monk, senior director of BEEP.