When finance and accounting student Asa Humphries co-founded the Queer Business Student Association (QBSA) with Colin Adams (24’, marketing), they wanted to create a meaningful space for queer students within Poole College of Management to connect and grow.
“There wasn’t a space for queer individuals within the business school to connect, learn and grow both personally and professionally,” Humphries said. “QBSA aimed to fill that need.”
Together, Humphries and Adams co-founded QBSA in fall 2023 to provide a supportive community for LGBTQIA+ students and allies within Poole. Since then, Humphries has served as treasurer and now president of QBSA and is leading the organization through strategic growth, meaningful programming and student empowerment.
As president, Humphries manages all aspects of the club’s operations. From planning events and leading officer meetings to collaborating with Poole’s other affinity organizations. He also represents QBSA at monthly Presidents Round Table meetings, ensuring the organization’s voice is heard across the college.
“Being president means showing up for our members and continuously looking for ways to improve,” he said. “I reach out to alumni, bring in guest speakers, and assess what went well each semester so we can build on it.”
His leadership has helped establish QBSA as a lasting pillar of the Poole community. “One of my main goals was to ensure QBSA would last well beyond my time here,” Humphries said. “Even through times of uncertainty, our organization has stayed strong in its mission. The Poole community recognizes the importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ students and the value QBSA brings to the college.”
The experience has also helped Humphries grow both personally and professionally. Through his work with QBSA, he’s sharpened his public speaking, communication and leadership skills along with learning the importance of empathy and persistence. “QBSA has taught me to be a more understanding individual,” he shared. “Poole students come from all walks of life, and leading this organization has helped me appreciate that even more.”
“Being president means showing up for our members and continuously looking for ways to improve.”
Humphries credits Gwyn Howard, academic advisor and QBSA’s faculty advisor, as a key mentor along the way. “Gwyn has empowered me to be better, do more and enjoy every moment,” he said. “She’s a testament to the power of the community and QBSA’s biggest supporter.”
As Humphries prepares for his next steps, joining Cisco’s Leaders in Finance & Tech (LIFT) program this summer, he sees a clear connection between his leadership experience in QBSA and his future career in finance. “QBSA was the first of many meaningful initiatives I hope to lead to empower others and improve the business world,” he said.
His advice to students? Take the leap. “To those interested in becoming a student leader…do it,” Humphries encouraged. “You’ll gain hands-on experience, confidence and insights that set you apart. These opportunities help you grow not just as a student but as a person.”
