Events
Stay connected with UDCNAS, through career connections and professional networking, traditional events, and opportunities for involvement. UDCNAS connects you to the people, places, and programs you care about most as a Firebird.
News
By UDCNAS
A Defining Moment for UDCNAS: Firebird Pride Takes the Stage During CBC Week
President Bernard M. Grayson Jr. reflects on UDCNAS’ growth, its inaugural CBC Week collaboration, and what’s next for Firebird Nation.
September 2026 marks a milestone for the University of the District of Columbia National Alumni Society.
For the first time, UDCNAS will host a collaborative event during Congressional Black Caucus Week, creating an opportunity for Firebirds to network, build relationships, and participate in one of Washington, D.C.’s major weeks of convenings and professional engagement.
For UDCNAS President Bernard M. Grayson Jr., the significance extends well beyond one evening.
“It is a great feeling of pride and significance as the District’s only public institution of higher learning steps onto this very historic stage.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Grayson sees UDCNAS’ CBC Week presence as another marker of the Society’s evolution. He is quick, however, to emphasize that the progress did not begin with the current administration.
“We have definitely grown in leaps and bounds over the last decade. I would like to attribute that to the many leaders who came before us. They were able to set the foundation of the Society.”
That foundation has continued to grow through the work of leaders, volunteers, alumni and strategic partners who believe in the Society and its future. Grayson describes the opportunity to host a CBC Week reception as another “building block” for UDCNAS—and says there is much more ahead.
“The work is not done, and we have so many more amazing goals to reach.”
Why Firebird Representation Matters
For Grayson, having UDCNAS represented during CBC Week carries particular meaning because of the University’s connection to Washington, D.C.
Many UDCNAS members were born, raised, educated and built their careers within close proximity to the institutions where national decisions are made. That makes representation important not only for today’s alumni, but also for current UDC students and future Firebirds interested in government, public service and the legislative process.
Grayson hopes Firebirds take away one thing immediately from seeing UDCNAS represented: pride.
“Firebirds should walk around with their heads held high and their chests out.”
He also hopes alumni and students recognize CBC Week as an opportunity for learning, professional development and engagement—not simply social events.
Stronger Together
This year’s event brings together UDCNAS, the UDC Office of Alumni Affairs, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators’ Washington, DC Chapter. For Grayson, the collaboration reflects the spirit behind the week itself.
“We are stronger together than separate.”
By bringing multiple organizations together, each group can reach beyond its individual membership and create opportunities for people to connect across industries and geographic lines. The partnerships also allow organizations to combine their respective strengths while sharing the responsibilities associated with creating meaningful programming. Grayson believes relationships like these will remain essential as UDCNAS continues growing.
Showing the Strength of Firebird Nation
Beyond networking, Grayson wants the event to communicate something larger about the University and its alumni.
UDC graduates are working and leading throughout government, education, business, public service and communities across the region and beyond.
UDCNAS’ presence during CBC Week, he says, reinforces that Firebirds belong in spaces where relationships are built, ideas are exchanged and opportunities are created. It also demonstrates the potential of alumni working collectively.
“When the Firebird community comes together, our collective voice and influence are even stronger.”
From Rebuilding to Reaching Higher
Having witnessed UDCNAS’ rebuilding and growth firsthand, Grayson says what makes him proudest is that people continued to believe in the organization.
Even through challenges, alumni, volunteers, leaders and partners continued showing up. That commitment has helped UDCNAS strengthen its visibility, expand partnerships and develop new ways to engage Firebirds.
“Most importantly, we continue to build upon the foundation established by those who came before us while creating something future generations of UDC alumni can inherit and be proud of.”
The Beginning of a New Tradition
Grayson does not view September’s event as a one-time accomplishment. He sees the inaugural collaboration as something UDCNAS can learn from, strengthen and potentially build into a recurring presence during CBC Week.
“I see this inaugural event as the beginning of what can become a signature tradition for UDCNAS.”
In future years, he envisions opportunities extending beyond a reception to include professional development, alumni engagement, student participation, advocacy and meaningful conversations highlighting UDC and its impact. And CBC Week is not the only place he wants to see UDCNAS represented.
His vision is broader: national conferences, professional associations, higher education forums, civic and government spaces, HBCU initiatives and partnerships throughout the country.
“UDC may be rooted in Washington, D.C., but the accomplishments and influence of our alumni extend far beyond the District. Our visibility should reflect that.”
A Message to Firebirds: Come Home
As the Society's profile grows, Grayson also has a message for alumni who may have lost touch with UDCNAS or are considering becoming involved again.
It begins with two words: “Come home.”
And reconnecting, he says, does not have to mean immediately assuming a major responsibility. Attend an event. Reconnect with a classmate. Volunteer for a project. Become a member. Or simply take the first step toward learning what UDCNAS is doing today.
“There is room for you here. Whether you graduated last year or several decades ago, your experience, knowledge, relationships, and Firebird pride have value.”
For Grayson, the inaugural CBC Week event captures where UDCNAS stands today—and where the Society hopes to go next.
“This is a defining moment where Firebird pride, partnership, and purpose are coming together to position UDCNAS for its next chapter of visibility, influence, and impact.”
Once a Firebird, Always a Firebird. ❤️💛
Firebirds on Fire
Meet Jamila Shipman: Welcoming Firebirds Home
For more than two decades, Jamila Shipman has built a career around relationships, philanthropy, and creating stronger connections between people and the institutions they care about. Today, she brings that experience to the University of the District of Columbia as Director of Alumni Affairs. Being a proud Firebird herself, Shipman is helping strengthen the connection between UDC and the generations of alumni who make up Firebird Nation.
Originally from Hampton Roads, Virginia, Shipman began her fundraising and nonprofit career in Washington, D.C. in 2001. She later earned a master's degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary's University and became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2016. Her career has included work supporting youth development, affordable housing, military families, higher education, fundraising, and alumni engagement.
At UDC, Shipman's focus is on strengthening connections throughout Firebird Nation—from graduates of UDC and its legacy institutions to today's students. She sees tremendous potential in bringing generations together through mentorship, professional connections, philanthropy, volunteerism, and shared Firebird pride.
Her introduction to UDCNAS at the HBCU Alliance 5K gave her an early look at that pride in action. Seeing alumni volunteering, welcoming participants, and representing UDC reinforced her belief in the power of collaboration between Alumni Affairs and the alumni community.
Shipman also wants more people to know about the accomplishments happening throughout UDC and among its graduates.
“UDC can no longer be the best-kept secret; the world deserves to know what is happening here.”
For alumni who haven't connected with the University recently, her invitation is equally clear: come home. Whether through mentorship, service, philanthropy, professional expertise, or simply reconnecting, Shipman believes every Firebird has something valuable to contribute.
For Jamila Shipman, strengthening Firebird Nation starts with relationships—and ensuring every Firebird knows there is still a place for them at UDC.
