Pitt Business e-newsletter Issue 10, July 2008
CBA Junior Takes the Reigns of the Roberto Clemente Minority Business Association
In her first two years at Pitt, Christina Whittaker, a student in the College of Business Administration (CBA), became involved in a number of worthwhile organizations, including Mission Acceptance, Emerging Leaders, Some of God's Children Gospel Choir, Blue & Gold Society, Ambassadors for Christ, Project Bundle Up, and Urban Impact. According to Whittaker, one of her most rewarding experiences was assisting local high school students along the path toward a college education through Mission Acceptance. She has served as a peer facilitator in the Emerging Leaders program and has been responsible for leading groups of students through team-building exercises each semester. As vice president of Some of God's Children Gospel Choir, Whittaker acted as a liaison between the organization's executive committee and its general members and coordinated activities to promote group cohesion.
But it has been with the Roberto Clemente Minority Business Association (RCMBA) that Whittaker has found her wings. Her devotion to the organization stems largely from her personal identification with its mission. "I truly believe in all the ideals of RCMBA," says Whittaker. "We [RCMBA] are inviting, informative, and important. Our goals are to help develop our members both professionally and personally, regardless of the person's race, age, gender, or ethnicity." Previously, Whittaker served the organization as alumni chair, initiating a significant effort to create honorary alumni with the goal of recognizing and connecting with Pitt graduates who identified with the ideals, mission, and goals of RCMBA. The effort resulted in greater visibility for RCMBA both within and outside of CBA.
In April, Whittaker was elected RCMBA's president for the 2008-09 academic year. As president, she will lead a 15-person steering committee in implementing the organization's annual activities, including professional development and networking programs, academic support initiatives, service projects, and social events. One such activity is the annual Minorities in Pittsburgh Conference, which brings together members of the academic and corporate communities for two days of professional development and networking workshops. This year, Whittaker plans to concentrate on building even stronger personal and professional relationships between RCMBA's 100-plus members and new corporate partners. She is also looking forward to working with the organization's steering committee to bring fresh ideas to RCMBA and CBA. Her aim is to ensure that the organization remains open and inviting to all CBA students who identify with RCMBA's ideals and goals.
A native of Washington, D.C., Whittaker became interested in business during high school when she observed problems that arose in government and other areas as a result of the mismanagement of funds. To gain a proper understanding of the business world in general and financial management in particular, Whittaker decided to major in finance. She also chose to round out her experience with a minor in economics; a certificate in public and professional writing; and a certificate in international business, focusing on the Spanish language.
Whittaker's professional record to date is as impressive as her academic and leadership record. The summer after her freshman year, she landed an internship in the Washington, D.C. lobbying office of Pfizer Inc. This summer, she is interning with PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. in the credit policy department. When she graduates in 2010, Whittaker would like to attend graduate school to earn her MBA and then gain experience in the management and consulting fields. She looks forward to traveling abroad during the early stages of her career, but eventually hopes to settle in Washington, D.C. to be close to her family.
