Meet Sherry Tshibangu, RIT Minett Professor | October 2023
Sherry Tshibangu has always had a friendly competitive spirit. Perhaps it started when she was at Rochester’s East High School. She not only excelled in the classroom but also as a member of the school’s track team. That trait has served her well over the years.
Sherry Tshibangu is the 2023-24 Frederick H. Minett Professor, appointed to the position by RIT President David Munson and Keith Jenkins, vice president and associate provost for Diversity and Inclusion.
The Minett Professorship invites multicultural professionals in the Rochester area to the RIT campus to share their expertise with students, faculty and staff for one academic year. It is named after Frederick Minett, owner of a tool and die company in the 1920’s. After his death, he left an endowment of more than $5 million dollars to RIT to support career education efforts.
Tshibangu brings a lot to the table—most notably her business acumen. She has 30 years of experience owning and operating small businesses in the areas of retail, service, export, and small business consulting. She’s worked in the finance and business divisions at Xerox Corporation and as director of Community Impact at the United Way of Greater Rochester. She started at Monroe Community College as an instructor in 2003 and was promoted to full professor in 2019, achieving major career milestones along the way. She is now a retired Distinguished Professor Emerita of Business and Entrepreneurship and the owner of Innovative Business Advisors which collaborates with Entrepreneurial Support Organizations to enhance the services they provide to entrepreneurs. Tshibangu is an Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Instructor and mentor, dedicating her time to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs. She has a well-established relationship with RIT, having partnered with the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship (CUE) over the last two years. Recently, she served as an instructor for the CUE's Pitch Competitions and Capacity Building Program.
As the new Minett Professor, Tshibangu says she is looking forward to finding ways to contribute to RIT's priorities while also personally learning and growing.
“I am interested in the Rochester City Scholars program, mentoring, and I am very interested in sharing my real-world experiences with students. I am a graduate of the RCSD and know first-hand the value of a quality education. It can help break the cycle of poverty and inequality by providing one with the means to access better opportunities and resources. I would love to bring greater awareness to this amazing opportunity. I know the profound impact and benefit of having a mentor and would enjoy mentoring students. Furthermore, I will explore offering a few workshops in the areas of networking, personal branding, and or financial literacy.”
Tshibangu recently “explored” the RIT campus.
“I was deeply impressed by the university tour, particularly the diversity among the student body. It was great to see students from various backgrounds and cultures and I look forward to interacting with them. I could not help but notice the striking new buildings and the ongoing construction. The state-of-the-art facilities and the innovative architecture of the new buildings were spectacular, especially the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED). RIT is not only investing in its infrastructure to provide a modern and dynamic learning environment but is also creatively merging Technology and the Arts. I plan to visit the SHED on my next visit to campus. “
Tshibangu earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Rochester in 1975 and an M.B.A. in finance from Clark Atlanta University in 1977. She is an entrepreneur at heart and mentoring others is a high priority for her. She has some tips for RIT students who are interested in following the same path.
“For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, I suggest starting with thorough research in their chosen industry, if possible, consider taking on a temporary job related to your field of interest. This hands-on experience will provide invaluable insights into the workings of the business. Seek out a mentor who can offer guidance and wisdom. Make sure to save money because lenders typically will not finance 100% of your business idea. Most importantly, seize the opportunity while you are young, and do not let your dream fade. While there may be similar businesses out there, it is your unique perspective that can set your venture apart in the market.”
Tshibangu enjoys spending time with her husband, Raphael, their extended family, and grandchildren. Her other passions? Reading and traveling, all in keeping with her need to explore new ideas, places and cultures. And she hasn’t lost that athletic, competitive spirit she embodied while at East High School. When she isn’t working, go to a pickle ball court or golf course. You’ll probably find her there.