Wednesday, March 2, 2016

HU Alumnus Speaks on White House HBCU Panel

HU Alumnus Speaks on White House HBCU Panel 


Some of the nations biggest and brightest graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities came together at The White House Feb. 24 to celebrate the history, accomplishments and continued importance of HBCUs. Hampton University alumnus Shiona Truini, creative consultant & freelance fashion editor and stylist participated in HBCU alumni panel. The event was organized by HU alumnus Stephanie Young, associate director for the Office of Public Engagement at The White House.   

The panel was led by moderator FAMU alumnus Will Packer, film producer and founder of Will Packer Productions; Morehouse alumnus Marcus Noel, founder, Heart of Men; Spelman alumnus Jaunice Sills, VP of program scheduling & promotion strategy at REVOLT TV;  and Howard alumnus C. Brian Willams, founder and executive director of Step Afrika! 

The two-hour event covered topics that included: importance of HBCU's in todays world, HBCU alumni network, importance of pre alumni engagement, alumni giving and a question and answer session with attendees. 

Turini, a 2003 graduate of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, shared how why she attended HU and how it prepared her for life working in the world of fashion. Presently, Turini serves as a freelance fashion editor, contributing fashion editor for New York Magazine's "The Cut," and a creative consultant. Her most recent project, found her serving as the stylist for international recording artist Beyonce, in her latest music video "Formation." 

"My mom is the reason I went to an HBCU," said Turini. "I was not feeling the idea at first, but it was the best decision I could have made. Now that my older sister and I have both graduated from Hampton, I would hope that we have started a legacy in our family in attending Hampton. Hampton made me feel like I could be in any room I wanted to be in," said Turini.

To view the panel watch the video below.