HonorSociety.org Chapter President Spotlight: Alpha Nu Chapter at the University of Houston

The Fall of 2016 marks the first official semester of the Alpha Nu chapter of HonorSociety.org at the University of Houston. The chapter is led by its founder and president Nnenna Umelloh, who worked diligently last year to ensure that everything was set up properly for a successful first semester.

Nnenna Darlene Umelloh, the founder and president of the Alpha Nu chapter at the University of  Houston - Main Campus is a junior who has been a member of the society since August of 2015. Nnenna took the time to answer questions about her experience and what she's learned as the founder at president of her chapter. She's not afraid of a challenge and has the hard work and leadership skills to succeed.

What made you join and look forward to being involved with Honor Society?
The organization is dedicated to the success of its members.

How has being a member of Honor Society helped you academically, professionally or both?
Establishing this organization on campus further developed my leadership skills. One value skill I acquired was learning how to trust other people and judge a person's character quickly and accurately. I am a very independent person, but starting an organization is not a one-person effort. I really learned how to rely on my team.

What made you decide to apply to become a chapter founder on your university’s campus?
I wanted to do something that seemed overwhelming so I could challenge myself to grow. I wanted to prove to myself that I can do hard things. Plus, the other organizations did not really offer exactly what I wanted. I thought HonorSociety.org would allow me to provide another way for students to be successful.

How will the Honor Society chapter benefit your university’s community?
The chapter is set up to connect students to resources to be successful academically and professionally. There are many resources on campus and through HS.org that go underutilized. This organization helps connect students to those resources.

What is your major? What drew you to that major?
B.B.A in Marketing B.A in Liberal Studies. University of Houston has an excellent business program and I have always valued a liberal arts education. I thoroughly enjoy what I study and I am able to apply what I learn to everyday tasks and what I want to do in the future. The reason why I chose those degrees because in those classes I do not feel like I am working. It is effortless because I like what I am learning so much.

What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I learn languages, workout, work on my magazine and manage my startup. I love languages. My goal is to become a polyglot. I am currently teaching myself my third language, Korean. Speaking different languages allows me to foster deeper, genuine relationships with more people. I enjoy pushing my body to the limit because I like proving to myself that I can do hard things. I started my own magazine Empower! because magazines targeted to young women and girls are superficial in nature. They offer very little to uplift young women and girls. I want to provide a product that teaches young women and girls how to be independent women. I started a academic and professional consulting business called Achievement Consulting by Nnenna Umelloh. I help clients achieve their academic and professional goals. My website is achievementconsulting.org

What impact do you want to have on the world and on your community?
I want my success to be determined by how many lives I have affected and how many people I have inspired to make meaningful changes in their lives and the lives of others. On a global scale, I want the world to see the power and potential women of color have to influence and shape the way people see the world.

Why do you think it is important to be an active member of Honor Society?
Being an active member of HS.org allows you to fully benefit from the resources to which you paid to have access.

Why are community service and networking opportunities important elements of professional development?
Community service helps you keep your work life and other demands on your time in perspective. I encourages you to look outside of yourself and consider the welfare of your community. It is also a chance to develop new talents and socialize. Community service, done right, can add more depth to your character.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"I dream it, I work hard, I grind till I own it" Beyonce

Who is your mentor and how have they helped you succeed. Tell us about a time they were a huge influence on you.
Jamie Belinne was one of my professors. She taught a class about professionalism. She is also the Assistant Dean of the Rockwell Career Center. She is so enthusiastic and passionate about her work. I was motivated by her energy and her reliability. In addition, her class has done wonders for my professional career. I know I would not be where I am today without the benefit of the knowledge I gained in her class. Her class was the catalyst for a lot of opportunities I gained afterwards. In addition, she has always been accessible and willing to help me despite her busy schedule.