I’m Michelle Ngome, a proud Cameroon-American woman based in Houston, Texas. Over the past 20 years, I’ve been blessed to navigate diverse industries, from banking to marketing, and now entrepreneurship. Through this journey, I discovered my true purpose: empowering others. Today, I’m the founder and president of the African American Marketing Association (AAMA), a nonprofit I created to uplift and equip Black marketers with the resources, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive—not just in their careers, but in life.
My proudest achievement, without question, is establishing AAMA. The seed was planted in 2013, during a time when fear and doubt clouded my vision. I had just graduated and taken the bold step of leaving corporate America to launch my business. Starting this organization seemed like too big of a leap. But the dream refused to die, and in the fall of 2018, I finally decided to turn that vision into reality. By February 2019, AAMA was born.
Since that moment, I’ve witnessed the incredible power of community. Hearing the stories of our members—those who earned digital marketing certifications, built valuable partnerships, or gained new clients through our network—continues to affirm why AAMA exists. These testimonies serve as a reminder that when we create spaces where Black marketers can grow, connect, and thrive, we build not just careers, but legacies.
One of my favorite scriptures is, “Do not despise small beginnings.” This simple yet profound truth has guided me throughout my life. It’s not about where you start; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the courage to keep pushing forward, even when the road gets tough. Every setback, every obstacle, is a stepping stone to something greater.
Recently, we launched the Business of Marketing Bootcamp (BOMB) at AAMA—a 12-week program designed to teach small business owners the fundamentals of marketing. Let me be honest: the first session didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. We were late setting up, the fire alarm went off, and we had technical issues. But despite the chaos, something beautiful happened. By week four, our scholars were not only learning—they were thriving. They applied the concepts immediately, made impactful changes in their businesses, and showed the true power of perseverance and resilience.
To all the dreamers, entrepreneurs, and professionals reading this, remember: focus is everything. Set your goals high, map out the steps to achieve them, and celebrate every milestone along the way. Opportunities will come when you are excellent at what you do. But here’s the key—don’t chase every opportunity. Stay aligned with your purpose, and take on only what feeds your vision and elevates your capacity. Remember, momentum is powerful, but rest is just as essential. Protect your energy.
Looking ahead, my dream is to see AAMA grow beyond what I ever imagined. I envision us with multiple chapters across the nation, stronger programming, and perhaps even our own building here in Houston. I see our annual Marketing For The Culture Summit expanding to over 300 attendees, with partnerships that elevate the experience for everyone involved.
The future is bright. And for all of us striving to make our mark, know this: your journey matters, your voice matters, and every small beginning can lead to something extraordinary.
Let’s keep going, together.
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