Wichita Native and Langston University Scholar Strives for Economic Development in Communities of Color

Lovette Mba, a Langston University scholar, actively supports her community. Born to Nigerian immigrants, Mba grew up in a Nigerian community in Wichita, Kansas. This environment offered her cultural experiences and shaped her values. Her parents, entrepreneurs themselves, encouraged community service.

In high school, Mba joined Destination Innovation Inc., an organization promoting youth leadership through civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and juvenile justice reform. This sparked her interest in economic development in communities of color. To achieve this, she knew she needed further education. Despite her parents' preference for her to stay local, Mba aimed to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Mba's goal to attend an HBCU seemed challenging due to her parents' concerns and the absence of HBCUs in Kansas. However, she negotiated with her parents that if she secured a full scholarship, they would permit her to attend an out-of-state HBCU. Mba succeeded and received the Edwin P. McCabe Scholarship, allowing her to enroll at Langston University in 2020 as a business management major.

Starting college during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mba remained active at Langston University. She joined various organizations, participated in the Student Government Association, and founded the African Student Association. Her primary goal was to build a community of like-minded individuals.

Mba applied for the White House HBCU Scholar program, an initiative recognizing exceptional HBCU students. Mba's journey from a Nigerian community in Wichita to becoming a White House HBCU Scholar at Langston University demonstrates her commitment to supporting communities of color and promoting economic development.

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