Aba Blankson ’99 named as speaker for ’22 Commencement ceremony

FREDERICK, Md., - Hood College is proud to announce that Aba Blankson ’99 has been selected as the speaker for the class of 2022 commencement ceremony.

Blankson attended Hood as an undergraduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics before earning her master’s in computer science at Towson University and subsequently an MBA from the Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business.

“Hood has allowed me to open doors, occupy spaces and break ceilings I never could have imagined, and our Hood spirit, ‘to care, to think, to do’ has guided every aspect of my career,” said Blankson. “I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for the opportunities and experiences I had at Hood.”

In her role at the NAACP, Blankson oversees and develops communication strategies, campaigns and partner collaborations to elevate the NAACP brand's products and services.

Prior to joining the NAACP, Blankson served as marketing and communications lead at the Common Application, where she spearheaded the development of strategic marketing and public engagement plans to advance the association's brand identity as a thought-leader in higher education. Previously, Blankson served as a communications and outreach officer with the U.S. Department of State.

Blankson has served as the Executive in Residence at the UT Austin Moody School of Communications. A member of the Page Society of leading Communications Officers, Blankson is a frequent speaker on national panels and conferences. Blankson's commentary has appeared in outlets such as Forbes, Fast Company, AdAge, Washington Post, and NY Times.

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