HBCU Her Voice: Elevating Identity, Purpose, and Power at HBCUs

Samuel Tolbert

How One Podcast Speaks Directly to the Heart of HBCU Students and Mirrors the Mission of Elevated Thoughts Academy

In today’s world, college students—especially those attending HBCUs—are not just seeking a degree. They’re seeking validation, empowerment, emotional clarity, and guidance on how to turn potential into purpose. At Elevated Thoughts Academy (ETA), we believe that transformation happens when students are given tools to think differently about who they are, where they come from, and what they’re called to become.

One podcast doing exactly that is HBCU Her Voice.

This platform is more than a show—it’s a movement that amplifies the narratives of Black women attending or graduating from HBCUs. It offers real stories of leadership, legacy, identity-building, and resilience, all told through the lens of cultural pride and unapologetic authenticity. In many ways, HBCU Her Voice serves as a verbal mirror for the internal work we do at ETA through the Thought Seeking Model (TSM) and the MV-SOAR Framework.

Featured Episode:

“Erica Ahmed (A Founder’s Journey)”

In this powerful episode, Erica Ahmed—a proud graduate of Norfolk State and Bowie State—shares her dynamic evolution from public health professional to social entrepreneur. Her voice, her honesty, and her resilience create the perfect case study of mindset elevation in action.

Let’s unpack how her story aligns with the ETA message and what it offers to current college students navigating similar challenges.

Key Pain Points Addressed in the Episode

Student Challenge	Erica’s Story
Identity Confusion	Erica shared how early in her college experience, she struggled with defining herself outside of societal norms. This mirrors the TSM principle of belief-based identity: you must first challenge inherited beliefs to elevate your thinking.
Purpose Discovery	Initially unsure of her long-term calling, she pursued public health without knowing it would lead to entrepreneurship. Her pivot aligns with ETA’s mission to help students navigate uncertainty with grace and intention.
Imposter Syndrome	Erica spoke about moments of questioning her place in rooms filled with PhDs and policy experts. Her willingness to speak openly reflects the emotional truth many students silently carry—and validates their lived experience.
Leadership Doubt	Despite founding The Green Laundress, she admits to having internal battles around confidence. This speaks to the value of values-based leadership (MV-SOAR), which starts from within—not from titles.

Key Takeaways for Students

Your Path Won’t Be Linear—But It Will Be Purposeful
Erica’s journey reinforces that detours are divine. It’s okay to not have it all figured out. What matters is staying in motion and staying aligned with your values.
Belonging Isn’t Given—It’s Reclaimed
Her pride in being from an HBCU and how that shaped her voice and vision confirms what ETA teaches: when you know your roots, your mindset becomes unshakable.
Mindset Elevation Requires Vulnerability
Erica models how sharing fears can disarm shame and create breakthrough. Vulnerability, when owned, becomes the seed of empowerment.
Cultural Context Matters in Growth
She honors the cultural, spiritual, and academic ecosystem of HBCUs. That ecosystem—when supported by tools like TSM and MV-SOAR—produces unstoppable thinkers and change agents.

ETA Framework Alignment

Thought Seeking Model (TSM)

Beliefs: “I have to have it all figured out to be successful.”
Reinforcement: “Your voice matters now—even before the world gives you a platform.”
Action: Erica launched a brand that reflects her values—without waiting for external permission.
Emotions: She embraced fear and doubt but didn’t stop there.
Thoughts: “I am enough. I bring something valuable to every space I enter.”

MV-SOAR Framework

Mindset: Mindset wasn’t just about positivity—it was about grit, clarity, and faith.
Values: Her brand, her leadership, and her vision reflect her commitment to authenticity.
Strengths: She used her experiences, not her resume, as her superpower.
Obstacles: From imposter syndrome to limited representation—she faced them and soared.
Accountability: She didn’t outsource her growth. She owned her learning curve.
Responsibility: Erica is now helping other women do the same—lead from their lane with excellence.

Why This Podcast Belongs in the ETA Ecosystem

HBCU Her Voice is more than entertainment—it’s an educational asset. Its stories resonate with students who are struggling in silence, doubting in the dark, and questioning if they matter. At ETA, we believe tools must be culturally aligned, emotionally grounded, and spiritually affirming. This podcast checks all those boxes—and more.