In coordination with the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), Cognizant has sponsored an endowment of $50,000 in honor of Senior Vice President Steven Skinner. The NBMBAA is a professional business organization that celebrates and promotes Black economic sustenance and empowerment.

A member of the Cognizant team beginning in 2010, Skinner’s involvement with the organization went beyond his day-to-day activities. He served as executive sponsor for the African American and Latinx Affinity Group. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Naval Commander, Skinner was also involved with the Cognizant Veterans Network. He earned many professional awards and honors during his career, including Consulting Magazine’s Top 25 Consultants, the Cognizant CEO Leadership Award, the IBM Golden Circle Award, and the Monmouth College Hall of Achievement Award. Skinner passed away in February 2019.

Skinner also mentored many Black MBA students in their careers. To that end, the Steven Skinner Endowed Scholarship Fund will focus on first-generation MBA students who are members of the NBMBAA with at least two years’ work experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

“It is our privilege to honor Steven’s memory with this scholarship fund,” said Shameka Young, Global Head, Cognizant Diversity & Inclusion. “With this endowment, we can ensure that his legacy of leadership, mentoring, and community involvement lives on in young and talented professionals.”

Learn more about the NBMBAA here.