Nylah Whitaker, C’2025, an economics major from Middletown, Delaware, will graduate with cum laude honors on Sunday, May 18, already poised to launch her career at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington. This August, she will begin her role as a business program manager, focusing on cloud infrastructure acquisition through data analysis—a position she secured following a successful internship with the tech giant in summer 2024. For Whitaker, the road ahead is “bright, serendipitous, and purposeful.”
“I’ve worked hard to build a future full of possibility, from interning at companies like Microsoft and Amazon to leading projects that reflect my creativity and ambition. I know there’s light ahead, not just for me but also for the people I hope to uplift along the way,” Whitaker said. “Serendipitous because some of my proudest moments — like discovering my love for economics or stepping into leadership roles — weren’t part of a set plan; they came from saying yes to new experiences and trusting the journey. And purposeful because everything I do, whether mentoring students, building a brand, or analyzing policy, is rooted in a deep desire to create impact and open doors for those coming behind me.”
Whitaker earned Dean’s List honors for four years and was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and M.A.S.T.E.R.S., a math tutoring organization. She also served as the co-activities coordinator, an National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) general body member, and participated in SpelREADS, Spelman’s literacy tutoring organization. Whitaker also received the UNCF scholarship and a Seth & Beth Klarman scholarship.
She plans to cultivate strong networks and secure grant funding to launch a public relations firm committed to uplifting and enriching Black-owned businesses. Her goal is to create a space where businesses gain visibility and thrive through intentional storytelling, strategic branding, and authentic community engagement. She believes Spelman helped to shape her vision.
Graduating from this amazing institution, I can confidently say Spelman College has transformed how I envision my life after graduation. Before college, I planned to go into finance and work in a corporate bank office. However, one of the most valuable lessons Spelman taught me is that I have the power to write my destiny,” Whitaker said.
Spelman placed me in rooms filled with opportunities, like internships, fellowships, scholarships, advanced degree programs, and full-time roles that helped me discover what aligns with my purpose. More than that, Spelman deepened my appreciation for Black women. I've found a lasting connection to my community through shared hymns, collective experiences, and intentional knowledge-building. Moving forward, I will always seek and create spaces that celebrate and promote Black excellence.”