Celebration of Black Alumni Achievement a Joyous Affair
Foster School community gathers to rejoice, bestow honors on Yophtahe Seyoum and Kelvin Westbrook
Written By: David Fenigsohn, contributing writer, Foster School of Business
University of Washington Foster School of Business alumni, students, faculty, and staff gathered for a lively and festive Celebration of Black Alumni Achievement on Thursday, February 27, coming together for an uplifting and jubilant event.
Boeing Director Yophtahe Seyoum (MBA 2016) received the Emerging Leader Award, while Kelvin Westbrook (BA 1977), President & CEO of KRW Advisors, was honored with the Thaddeus Spratlen Legacy Award.
“I want to express my gratitude to my family and support community — friends, colleagues, and mentors — who have uplifted and guided me,” said Seyoum. “Leadership is never a solo journey; it is built on the wisdom, encouragement, and sacrifices of those who believe in us.”
Seyoum also thanked Foster Professors Christina Fong, Ed Rice, and Lance Young for imparting valuable lessons. “A phrase that I learned here at Foster is ‘Lift as you climb,’ and that’s something I carry with me in every step of my leadership journey,” he said. “Let’s continue to lead not for recognition but for impact — because when we serve others, we all rise together.”
Westbrook shared his journey to Foster with the audience, including his wife of 42 years and members of his extended family. As the sixth of 11 children, he worked graveyard shifts to fund his education. Today, he is committed to uplifting others.
“AIM!” Westbrook exclaimed. “I strive to be aspirational, inspirational, and motivational.”
The program was co-hosted by two outstanding Foster students — Full-Time MBA student Joanna Kabuye and undergraduate business student Elda Theodros — both of whom are actively involved in several of the school’s clubs, organizations, and diversity-supporting programs.
The pair introduced the evening’s speakers, including Associate Dean for Inclusion & Diversity M. Michelle Purnell-Hepburn, who led the audience in singing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Dean Frank Hodge addressed the gathering with a stirring message, reaffirming the school’s unwavering commitment to diversity at a time when such efforts face increasing challenges.
“I want to make crystal clear that executive orders are not law,” Hodge declared to resounding applause. “We will follow the law. The law defines our guardrails, but it does not define our North Star. People do. Which is why our Purpose Statement begins with ‘Together.’ And during this storm, we will stay true to our North Star.”
Provost Tricia Serio echoed this sentiment, expressing her appreciation to the community for their support and resilience.
Following the award presentations, attendees danced to music provided by a live DJ, networked, and enjoyed food and wine. The relaxed and informal atmosphere fostered opportunities for old friends to reconnect and new connections to be made.
Now in its 22nd year, the event honors community leaders while raising funds for the Association of Black Business Students (ABBS) Scholarship and the African American Heritage Endowed MBA Fellowship.
Corporate sponsors include Amazon, Boeing, KPMG, and EY. Additional support was provided by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and his wife, former Fritzky Chair in Leadership Joanne Harrell, Ken Denman, and Spratlen Legacy Award recipient Clyde Walker and Sherrelle Walker.
