About us

Main
History
Leadership
From
MBAN
to
Hoos4Commerce

Student & Alumni Networking

Black Commerce Connect

NYC Networking Breakfast

Hoos4Commerce Inaugural Board Meeting

Hoos4Commerce Leadership

Meet the Hoos4Commerce Board
Chair

Patty Brooks-Nobles

Patty Brooks-Nobles is a business consultant and retired Bank of America executive with 40+ years of leadership advancing business and empowering communities.
President

Tony Parchment

Tony Parchment is co-founder of Buchanan & Edwards, where he served as President until 2015. Prior to founding the firm, he held roles at Price Waterhouse and Apple.
Vice President

Ryan Stevens

Ryan Stevens is the Founder of Digital Reference. Prior to this entrepreneuship endeavor, he held executive leadership roles at PE-backed technology companies.
Secretary & Treasurer

Lazetta Rainey Braxton

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP®, is a wealth advisor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Real Wealth Coterie and Lazetta & Associates, advancing human capital.
2018

How It Started

MBAN is envisioned
Designed to feel both welcoming and energizing, the gatherings center conversation, mentorship, and relationship-building—reinforcing the idea that alumni networks are most powerful when they are active, accessible, and intentional.
2019

First Gathering

MBAN’s inaugural networking event
Hosted at Bank of America in Washington, D.C., MBAN brings together Black McIntire alumni from across the region for its first in-person convening.
2020-2021

Community Without Walls

Virtual growth & student partnership
As the world shifts online, MBAN expands its reach through virtual gatherings and begins an intentional partnership with the Black Commerce Student Network (BCSN).
2022

Back Together

In-person events resume
MBAN restarts its Summer Networking Events in D.C., welcoming McIntire students interning in the DC/MD/VA (DMV) area to join alumni in conversation, mentorship, and connection. Featured speakers have included Tom Baltimore (McIntire ‘85), CEO of Park Hotels & Resorts), Bryan Myers (McIntire ‘09), CEO of Solidcore, and Ashley Young (McIntire ‘23), CEO of BridalBabes.co, and others.
2023

Black Commerce Connect Launch

A cornerstone is established
BCSN Co-Presidents Tracy Agyemang (McIntire ’23) and Tresure Gary (McIntire ’23) presented the Black Commerce Connect (BCC) concept to former McIntire Dean Nicole Thorne Jenkins and her team, including Greg Driscoll (McIntire ‘04). Tracy and Tresure envisioned a full-day professional development experience for Black upper-class McIntire students.

Championing the idea, McIntire leadership introduced Tracy and Tresure to Ryan Stevens (McIntire ’12), who offered to host the inaugural event in partnership with Clutch. Ryan also joined MBAN leaders, Patty Brooks-Nobles (McIntire ’82), Tony Parchment (McIntire ‘90), and April Wiggs (McIntire MS) in ensuring the success of the inaugural BCC event by inviting alumni speakers and attendees. BCC was held in Washington, D.C. (Feb 2023), featuring Lazetta Rainey Braxton, (McIntire ‘95) CEO of The Real Wealth Coterie (formerly Financial Fountains), as the inaugural keynote speaker.
2024

Expanding the Footprint

BCC continues; MBAN goes bi-coastal
Building on the momentum of its launch, the second annual Black Commerce Connect (BCC) was held in February 2024. MBAN expanded its summer networking events to New York City (NYC), hosted at Bank of America offices, while Washington, D.C., gatherings continued to grow.
2025

Momentum & Maturity

Annual BCC + NYC Rooftop Event
MBAN hosts the third annual BCC and summer events in Washington, D.C., and New York City, reflecting sustained growth under the shared leadership in collaboration with McIntire’s DEI and Advancement offices and BCSN student leaders.
Fall 2025

Formalizing the Future

Hoos4Commerce, Inc. is formed
To ensure long-term sustainability, governance, and growth, MBAN leadership formally establishes Hoos4Commerce, Inc. as a nonprofit organization in the state of Virginia. The founding Board members include Patty Brooks-Nobles (Chair), Tony Parchment (President), Ryan Stevens (Vice President), and Lazetta Rainey Braxton (Treasurer & Secretary).

Hoo4Commerce Leadership

Meet Our Inaugural Board
Chair

Patty Brooks-Nobles

Patty Brooks-Nobles is a business consultant and retired Bank of America executive with 40+ years of leadership advancing business and empowering communities.
President

Tony Parchment

Tony Parchment is co-founder of Buchanan & Edwards, where he served as President until 2015. Prior to founding the firm, he held roles at Price Waterhouse and Apple.
Vice President

Ryan Stevens

Ryan Stevens is the Founder of Digital Reference. Prior to this entrepreneuship endeavor, he held executive leadership roles at PE-backed technology companies.
Secretary & Treasurer

Lazetta Rainey Braxton

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP®, is a wealth advisor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Real Wealth Coterie and Lazetta & Associates, advancing human capital.

Patty Brooks-Nobles

Chair

Tony Parchment

President

Ryan
Stevens

Vice President

Lazetta Rainey Braxton

Secretary & Treasurer