As the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) begins the new year, it makes history by appointing Racquel Oden as its Board Chair. Oden is the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s 37-year history, marking a significant step forward for TMCF’s commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all.
Established in 1987 by Dr. N. Joyce Payne, TMCF has been a strong advocate for Black students pursuing higher education. Oden’s appointment as Board Chair is a powerful symbol of TMCF’s dedication to promoting equity, especially in the face of challenges to diversity and inclusion efforts following recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action.
In a time where the importance of diversity is being questioned, TMCF’s legacy of championing inclusion and equity stands out. Oden’s leadership reinforces the organization’s genuine commitment to these values, demonstrating that TMCF’s pursuit of equity goes beyond mere words.
Racquel Oden, who leads Wealth and Personal Banking as the Head of the US for HSBC Bank, is a trailblazer in the financial world. Her wealth of experience uniquely positions her to serve as an advocate for securing new partnerships to add to TMCF’s impressive roster of corporate partners.
Oden, a dedicated member of the TMCF board for 16 years and an alumna of Hampton University, has actively contributed to enhancing the lives of the students served by TMCF. Her dedication to upholding TMCF’s values and raising the bar of excellence reflects her commitment to the organization’s mission to promote equity and inclusion.
TMCF’s reputation has been built on empowering ambitions through education and equity. With Oden’s new role alongside TMCF’s dynamic leader, President and CEO, Dr. Harry L. Williams, the organization is poised to expand its impact by increasing resources to provide Black students with access to high-quality education and transformative career opportunities. TMCF remains true to the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall and his fight for equity and inclusion, which began nearly 90 years ago. This new era at TMCF signifies a movement toward a brighter, more inclusive future, rather than just a moment.
