2026 Inspiring Graduate | Solomon Gbara

If you've spent any time in the McKinnon Center for Management on The University of New Mexico's central campus, chances are you have crossed paths with Solomon Gbara. He is a constant presence in the second-floor open study area. It's his favorite place to connect with his fellow students, study, and coordinate impactful meetings and events, all of which make him a cornerstone at the Anderson School of Management.

Gbara entered UNM knowing he wanted to get the most out of his education. He learned early on that it's not just what you know, it's also who you know. So, he hit the ground running, knowing that an education from the Anderson School with a concentration in entrepreneurship would leverage his skills and future.

For the past four years, Gbara has seamlessly balanced coursework, while he organized meetings and conferences for his fellow students across campus, supported his family through challenging times, and built meaningful personal and professional connections along the way, all with a sense of grace, humility and drive rooted in the values instilled at home.

Gbara has left a lasting impression on everyone he meets, from his classmates, faculty, and business professionals, because of his ambitions, hard work, compassion, and focus on helping others. His legacy can easily be summed up as "Sol has helped others win."

He shared that "helping students win means all students should have the resources and the know-how needed to get closer to reaching their goals, whatever they may be."

Videography and edits by Dylan DeYapp. Video produced by Megan Borders.

Through his own journey, he recognized that others often faced gaps in access to resources, mentorship and networking opportunities, and he was determined to help close those gaps.

This mindset culminated in a one-night conference he coordinated this year, called "How to Win." His belief is that succeeding in college need not be a guessing game. He pulled together a team of interdisciplinary students from programs across campus to help lead multiple concurrent sessions for one night.

The goal wasn't just about programming but also about connecting students with one another to learn from each other's lived experiences. In doing so, Gbara helped others connect dots, have their "aha" moments and learn what it takes to succeed in college and, therefore, after graduation.

"Just this year, I know I have helped students move the needle in their lives, and that means a lot to me." - Solomon Gbara

"Everyone is from different backgrounds and experiences, and with all of this richness in culture and diversity, there is so much insight to be derived from each other," Gbara said. "The whole goal is how do we turn from students into professionals, and that's starting now with sharing our lessons to help others win."

Gbara has spent his four years at UNM learning from his own experiences. During his freshman year, when his family faced an uncertain housing situation, and he stepped up to help his siblings get to school, he learned about UNM's Financial Resource Center, which quickly became one of his favorite resources on campus. So much so, he came to be its executive director for a year. This center helps students set budgets, file taxes and learn how to be financially fit, among many other offerings.

In addition to the conference, he founded the student club New Mexico Innovation Ecosystem, which brings together students and professionals to turn ideas into collaborative entrepreneurial projects. Ultimately, creating a local think tank to power New Mexico's economy.

Throughout his time at Anderson, he noted how positive and supportive Professor Robert DelCampo was, who is also the executive director of corporate and community engagement.

"Whenever I would talk with Professor DelCampo about an idea, he never told me it was a bad idea," said Gbara. "He would tell me what I need to do and who I would need to connect with to make it happen. Instilling my confidence and showing me how to get things done and make them succeed."

With graduation drawing nearer, Gbara is trying to make the most of every opportunity and ensure that what he has built is sustainable even after his graduation. This semester, he launched an initiative called TalentSync to connect students with employment opportunities in New Mexico. He hopes TalentSync will build an in-state pipeline between students and employers, solidifying what he started with the student group.

"Just this year, I know I have helped students move the needle in their lives, and that means a lot to me," he said. "Ultimately, I have helped them get closer to landing a job or an internship."

After graduation, he looks forward to staying connected with his campus contacts and continuing to help students win. Look for him on campus now and in the future. Solomon Gbara is one to know.