Washington Adventist University Business Department Hosts First Monthly Business Forum for the 2024 2025 School Year

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — The Washington Adventist University (WAU) Department of Business and Communications hosted its first Monthly Business Forum (MBF) on Thursday, September 26th, bringing together more than 30 students and faculty members. The event is part of an initiative to provide business majors with insights from successful entrepreneurs in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.

“Our goal is to have these entrepreneurs share their experiences and the attributes and skills they have used to navigate the business world,” said Dr. Patrick Williams, chair of the Department of Business. “We also hope they offer strategies our students can adopt as they begin to envision their own businesses.”

The forum’s inaugural speaker, local entrepreneur Will Alberts, shared his experiences building several successful ventures, including a cybersecurity business that consults for the Department of Defense and a horse breeding enterprise. Alberts discussed both the personal failures and successes he faced in growing his businesses.

During his presentation, Alberts provided students with strategies he used when working with banks, customers, creditors, and employees. The session concluded with students asking questions and engaging in one-on-one conversations with the speaker.

“It was a wonderful experience to hear from someone who started with very little and built a successful business. It was really inspiring,” said Tatenda Chakanaka, a WAU business student.

Another student, Stephan Moungara, expressed enthusiasm for future events. “We should bring him back,” Moungara said. “He makes me believe I can do it.”

Senior student Emanuel Hylton also praised the forum. “This was a good event,” he said. “We should do it again.”

The forum, which began at 3:35 p.m., officially ended at 4:50 p.m., but students continued engaging with Alberts in discussions well beyond the scheduled time.

WAU’s Department of Business and Communications plans to host future Monthly Business Forums as part of its ongoing effort to provide students with valuable learning experiences.

The department emphasizes practical experience alongside theoretical learning. Core competencies such as managerial accounting, finance, and ethics are integral to the program, preparing students for leadership roles in various industries. For more information, visit the WAU Business Department website at​(Washington Adventist University).