Mission
The Cal State LA Black Alumni Network was founded in 2018 to grow, sustain, and promote a thriving community of black students at Cal State LA, a premier comprehensive public university in Los Angeles. It is the energy, hard work, and passion of our students that inspires us to support and mentor our future alumni. As alumni, we value supporting students in higher education to continue with their personal and professional development. The Black Alumni Network exists to establish formal provisions to create opportunities that elevate our community through increased visibility, constructive programming, charitable initiatives, and fostered connections.
We are proud of your success and thank you for your support.
Network Leadership
Nene Ogbechie (’21), Chair
Executive Officer of Housing
City of Los Angeles Mayor's Office
Nene Ogbechie serves as the executive officer of housing in Mayor Karen Bass's Office of Housing and Homelessness Solutions. In this role, Nene oversees the housing policy team's workflow under the guidance of the deputy mayor of housing and provides operational support to the deputy mayor. Prior to this role, she worked as a policy analyst and supervisor in the government affairs department at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), where she conducted research on issues relating to homelessness, housing, and service programming and provided guidance on policy issues to LAHSA's internal and external stakeholders. Nene previously worked as the public affairs and communications specialist for the College of Natural and Social Sciences at Cal State LA, overseeing the college's marketing, communications, and public affairs efforts.
Nene is passionate about serving the community, as seen in her two-year tenure as an AmeriCorps member—first as a Literacy AmeriCorps member and later as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. She is a member of the Junior League of Los Angeles, an international organization dedicated to training women to become leaders in the community through professional development and volunteer opportunities.
Nene received a Master of Public Administration from the College of Natural and Social Sciences in 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, hiking, reading, and spending time with cherished family members and friends.
J.T. Chestnut (’23), Co-Chair
Outreach and Retention Specialist
Cal State LA Guardian Scholars Program
J.T. Chestnut serves as the outreach and retention specialist for the Guardian Scholars Program at Cal State LA, where he connects with and supports former foster youth as they pursue their college degrees. Prior to this role, he worked in New Student and Family Engagement at Cal State LA, welcoming newly admitted first-year and transfer students to the university. He is known for being a beacon of welcoming energy on campus.
J.T. received a bachelor's degree in marketing from the College of Business and Economics in 2023. He is in his final year of the master's program in public administration at Cal State LA. In his free time, he pursues his passion for running, having completed 20 marathons both domestically and internationally. J.T. enjoys connecting with people, singing Whitney Houston songs, and supporting the Liverpool Football Club, the Carolina Panthers, and the UNC Tarheels.
Upcoming Events
We are currently working to add more exciting activities to the calendar. To receive event updates and exclusive invitations, please be sure to join the network using the form below.
Past Events
Black Alumni Network Mixer 2024
The greater Cal State LA community celebrated Black History Month alongside the Black Alumni Network.
Black Alumni Network Mixer 2023
On February 16, 2023, the Black Alumni Network reunited for their first in-person event since the Network's founding in 2018.
Inaugural Brunch
Connect with Us
Should you want to get further involved with the network — whether it be interest in a leadership role or ideas for a future event — please contact us at [email protected] or (323) 343-2586.
Join the Network