Success Tips From Harvard's First African-American Female MBA

A few years ago, I spoke at a conference of the African American Student Union, Harvard University. During the question and answer session a young man asked: "Why would someone with a Harvard MBA choose to go into the janitorial business instead of a more sophisticated profession?"

After taking a deep breath I responded. "I admit there is nothing glamorous about my industry. You're right, it is not an industry where you will find many MBAs, much less a Harvard MBA. But I'll let you in on a secret: It's better to own the mop than to push the mop."