“KEEPING IT REAL ” Series

The Conversations Our Community Needs to Have

BPIA Monthly Professional Development Series

Every 4th Thursday of the month 

Google Meets: meet.google.com/ndw-zwtc-fer

• August 27, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM ET — Durags, Bonnets & the “Real World”
• September 24, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM ET — You Work Hard. So What?
• October 22, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM ET — Maybe They Just Don’t Like You. Now What?
• November 26, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM ET — Is It Time to Quit—or Are You the Problem?

Series Description

Professional development isn't just about résumés, networking, and landing the next job. Some of the most important lessons about navigating college, careers, and professional spaces are the ones no one formally teaches us.

Keeping It Real is BPIA's monthly professional development series creating space for candid conversations about the realities Black students and professionals encounter as they navigate academic and professional environments.

From cultural expression and professional presence to workplace politics, advancement, conflict, and knowing when it's time to move on, these conversations tackle the questions we often discuss privately—but rarely address openly in professional development spaces.

No corporate jargon. No pretending. Just real conversations, practical guidance, and perspectives you can actually use.

Sessions are held virtually every fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30–7:30 PM ET.

For questions, you can email professionaldevelopment@iabpia.org