Joshua Ajadi, a Business Analytics major at the University of North Texas, has taken on leadership with vision and purpose. With aspirations spanning business analysis, project management, and campus ministry, Joshua’s journey is defined by his drive to make an impact. As the President of UNT’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), he has embraced student leadership while balancing a rich personal life filled with thrifting, basketball, and different creative ventures.
The Beginning: A Bold Step Into Leadership
“My journey as a student leader on campus reached its apex when I stepped into my role with NSBE,” Joshua shares. While his background is in business rather than engineering, he didn’t let that stop him. “It takes work to fight the lies that I’m not qualified enough to lead, but I’ve learned to push through.” His commitment to service and leadership led him to reshape the organization’s reach and impact.
A Milestone to Celebrate
One of Joshua’s proudest achievements is the dramatic increase in attendance at the NSBE Fall Regional Conference (FRC). In 2023, NSBE could only sponsor three students, with a few others securing external sponsorships. Determined to change this, Joshua and his team took strategic action.
“We fully sponsored 20 students to attend FRC in 2024, with a total of 26 UNT students experiencing the conference,” he explains. The success was a testament to the team’s dedication and creative problem-solving. “Thanks to Hansley Omozane and Noella Ndiho, we had 2 senators represent the interests of our chapter at the conference.”
Turning Vision Into Reality
To achieve this, Joshua and his team focused on three key areas: member engagement, retention, and funding. They introduced unique events, such as “UNT NSBE 20v1: 20 Companies, 1 Applicant,” a creative spin on a popular YouTube trend, to drive participation. With innovative social media strategies and campus outreach, meeting attendance soared.
While growth was important, Joshua and his team needed to ensure that the new members remained engaged. “Our Programs and Communications Zone, led by Anita Akpu, Maryam Yinusa, Vice President Muriel Nicholas, and I, played a pivotal role in keeping members involved and invested in NSBE.”
However, securing funding was crucial. The Finance Zone, led by Treasurer David Ene-Ita, worked tirelessly to secure over $17,000 in sponsorships during the summer alone. Even when a major grant faced processing issues, their persistence ensured the funds were recovered, allowing them to sponsor more students than ever before.
The Challenges of Student Leadership
Joshua’s biggest leadership challenge has been overcoming imposter syndrome and battling exhaustion. “There’s always more to do, more to plan, more to execute,” he admits. “At times, it’s crippling, but the counsel of mentors and my support system helps center me.”
Personal Growth Through Leadership
Through leadership, Joshua has learned to optimize his time effectively. “I’ve developed a system that allows me to lead NSBE without sacrificing the other things that make me who I am,” he explains. Time-blocking has been his most effective strategy so far. “I block out specific times in my week to think about the organizations I lead, do assignments, and Sabbath.” Working from a place of rest rather than exhaustion has helped him bring his best self to his leadership endeavors.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Joshua offers this wisdom: “Be humble enough to accept that you can’t do everything and regularly assess your commitments.” He adds that many leaders feel pressure to constantly do more, possibly out of anxiety, boredom, or a genuine desire to effect change. However, “Impact isn’t measured by how many leadership roles you hold, but by the sustainable change you create.” He encourages students to resist the pressure to take on too much and instead focus on making a meaningful difference where they are.
What’s Next for Joshua?
This summer, Joshua will be interning as a Business Analyst for Bank of America in his hometown, Dallas, TX. Beyond that, he is focused on graduating in December with a full-time job while cultivating his creative and fashion interests in his free time.
Who’s Next?
Joshua nominates Paula Agyeman, Co-Programming and Events Chair for UNT’s herScript, an emerging organization supporting Black women in tech. Recognized as a Top 40 Leader at UNT, Paula’s journey is one to watch.
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