Build a Community, Not a Competition | Azaniah Israel

What we talked about.

In this episode of the Sunny Ray Show, host Sunny Ray talks with Azaniah Israel, President and CEO of the National Black MBA Association's Austin Chapter. Israel traces his path from a technology and project management career to community building, explaining how he found his tribe in the chapter after moving to Austin. He shares a lighthearted story about a Founder's Day celebration where the audio and visual equipment failed and his calm approach kept the event steady. The conversation covers how members find the chapter, the lessons of a half million dollar fundraising milestone, and the focus areas of education, lifestyle, entrepreneurship, networking and career. Israel also previews the chapter's 20 for 20 campaign, which aims to award 20 scholarships in its 20th year in Austin. He addresses the misconception that members must be Black or hold an MBA, reflects on how AI will reshape professional life, and describes the resilience that carried the chapter through the pandemic and recessions. He closes by explaining how listeners can volunteer, donate, or partner.

Azaniah Israel explains how the Austin Black MBA chapter built a 20-year community that lifts professionals up and funds 20 scholarships.

The questions, and the answers.

How did a career in technology and project management lead you into building a professional community?

I have been in tech my whole career, and I moved to Austin because tech was the thing here. I did not expect to love it, but the National Black MBA was one of the first organizations I connected with. I found my tribe, like-minded people, and we built together.

What is the funniest way a community event has gone off plan?

Every event goes off plan, and with technology the microphones, speakers, and AV tend to fail at the last minute. At our Founder's Day celebration people were panicking, but I stayed calm and told them to relax. To outsiders, nothing looked wrong. Only we on the inside knew.

What did the half million dollar fundraising milestone teach you about how people give to a cause?

It taught me there are good people in the world who want to see you win. If you make it easy for them to help, they will. I look for people who both receive and give, because when those who have received give back, the cycle keeps going.

What does the Austin chapter do today, and where is it focused?

We provide professional programming that connects you with a network to help you climb from the bottom of the ladder to the top, whether you need a mentor or want to be one. Our pillars cover education, lifestyle, entrepreneurship, networking and career, and every event touches several of them.

What does the next 90 days look like for the chapter?

We are pushing our 20 for 20 campaign for our 20th year in Austin. Applications were so strong that we want to award as many scholarships as possible, so we aim to give 20 and are actively fundraising through social media, outreach, sponsorships, and partnerships.

What would an AI assistant planning your 20th anniversary event get wrong about community?

I joke that I am AI because my initials are A.I. But we always clarify that you do not have to be Black or have an MBA to join our community. AI cannot read your mind and only responds to what you tell it, so I think it might miss that.

What are you most proud of as you approach the 20th anniversary?

I am most proud that we have pivoted and adapted as the city and its needs changed. We have come through the pandemic, recessions, and leadership transitions. Some organizations did not make it through those times, but we are still here and continuing to move forward.

If someone listening wants to help, what is the best first step?

Go to austinblackmba.org. You can volunteer, donate, or become a partner or sponsor. We are a nonprofit, but we are also a business that runs on money, and donations are what let us stay an impactful movement in this community.