By Emmanuel C. Mosley, MarComms Intern at RICE
On May 5th, I had the opportunity to visit BlackRock’s Atlanta office alongside a group of fellow interns from the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). As a junior at Morehouse College and a proud RICE Intern, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard of BlackRock but knew little beyond the name.
The moment we stepped into the office, it felt like we had entered a different world, where everything from the layout to the energy felt intentional. The space was sleek, upscale, and modern, with open floor plans, glass meeting rooms, and an overall atmosphere that felt vibrant yet professional. But beyond the aesthetics, what stood out most was the mood, an excited hum of activity that made you feel the gravity of the work being done. You could tell this was a place where people were free to be themselves and contribute meaningfully.
The tone was set from the moment we arrived, receiving a warm greeting from Karlos Emmanuel, Vice President of Legal & Compliance, and Ed Maydon, Director of Advisory Compliance. There was a palpable sense of warmth, intentionality, and openness that challenged every preconceived notion I had about corporate finance. Throughout the visit, we engaged directly with professionals at every level, from financial analysts to managing directors, who generously shared their stories, career advice, and lessons learned. One moment that truly stuck with me came from analyst Tawfik Yassin, who said, “You don’t always have to figure it out all at once, just take one piece of the puzzle at a time.” That simple insight reminded me that growth is a process, even at the highest levels of business.
Karlos later gave us a glimpse into the scale and complexity of BlackRock’s global operations, highlighting how they compete with firms like Goldman Sachs and Chase through proprietary systems and innovative strategy. Then came Managing Director Marc Balizer, who brought levity, honesty, and a refreshing perspective. He contrasted the hustle culture of New York with Atlanta’s collaborative spirit, and in doing so, shared the story of how BlackRock’s partnership with RICE was built on shared values of trust, equity, and community impact.
An interesting fact I learned during the visit was how BlackRock got its name. Originally part of Blackstone Financial Management, the firm split off in 1992 and rebranded as BlackRock. The name reflects strength and stability, two core qualities that align with the company’s mission to help clients build better financial futures.
My biggest takeaway? Success isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about showing up with curiosity, staying adaptable, and growing through community. This visit wasn’t just a learning experience; it was a reminder of the power of exposure and the value of being part of the RICE family. I left BlackRock more inspired, more grounded, and more committed to shaping my path, one step at a time.
