By Kimatni D. Rawlins
It was an honor venturing to Greensboro, NC from Maryland in a blazing Turbo Blue Audi RS 3 to connect directly with our HBCU interns from NC A&T as part of The Driving Force (TDF). The internship program consists of mentoring sessions introducing the students to journalism, communications, marketing, and PR opportunities within the mobility sector.
We showcased two featured vehicles including an Audi S3 driven from Atlanta, GA by Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG) founding member Greg Morrison. Our students were inquisitive, focused, and dedicated to the program’s core values, which prepare the next generation of thought leaders for corporate world transitions. Before the gathering, the Aggies participated in media activities taught by professional automotive journalists and sat in on presentations from Audi guest speakers from communication executives to product planners.
“The Driving Force is an HBCU internship program designed for students interested in hands-on, real-world professional development within the automotive industry,” stated Daniel Weissland, president at Audi of America. “It’s one small way we are changing and bringing diverse backgrounds and perspectives into the business.”
The gathering allowed the interns to come full circle with TDF’s tutelage while exploring the German vehicles in person to witness Audi’s evolutionary technology, advanced safety features, and stylish characteristics. While this internship is supported by automobile manufacturers seeking diverse talent pipelines for future employment, participating enrollees additionally learn about upward mobility at the multimedia, marketing, and supplier levels.
Yes, it certainly takes a village to expand our youth’s horizons and help them learn from the various denominations of industry experience. So, please keep shining and elevating Aggies!
