NAAAHR

What NAAAHR does

NAAAHR (National Association of African Americans in Human Resources) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association incorporated in Maryland in September 1998, positioned as the oldest and largest organization dedicated to the growth, development, and advancement of HR professionals in the community of People of Color and the African Diaspora. It serves HR practitioners, students, corporate HR departments, and HR-focused business owners through a five-tier membership structure (Student $30/year, Professional $175/year, Business Owner $450/year, Corporate $1,500/year covering up to 10 members, and Lifetime Professional at a one-time $2,500), reporting 40,000+ members and network affiliates across 17 partnering organizations and 32 chapters spanning the U.S. and U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization delivers professional development through webinars, workshops, an annual National Conference (2026 scheduled October 7-11 in Norfolk, VA), the Global Leadership Institute developed with KornFerry, the Young Professionals Network for ages 18-30, and a Career Connections job board operated via careerwebsite.com.

The revenue model blends recurring membership dues with corporate sponsorship packages for the national conference (ranging from $5,000 YP Silver to $35,000 Platinum), event registration and exhibitor fees, and affiliate/referral commissions from HRCI certification exam discounts ($75 off using code NAAAHR75), HR Cert Prep Pros (10% off), AIHR (20% off HR courses), and tuition discounts negotiated with academic partners including University of Maryland Global Campus, Columbia Southern University, and Northcentral University. The technology footprint is intentionally light: no proprietary platforms, with membership management, job board delivery, and learning management outsourced to third-party SaaS providers including careerwebsite.com. Distribution combines a self-serve online membership funnel (member.naaahr.org), 25+ locally led chapters, direct corporate membership sales, and event-driven acquisition anchored by the annual national conference. Strategic alliances with HRCI/HRSI (including ISO 30415:2021 D&I certification alignment), KornFerry, AIHR, OneTen, and a roster of universities form the principal moat and differentiation rather than any internal technology or AI capability.

Name

NAAAHR

Legal name

National Association of African Americans in Human Resources

Website

https://naaahr.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NAAAHR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association founded in 1998 that serves 40,000+ HR professionals of color through tiered memberships, 32 local chapters, an annual national conference, HRCI certification partnerships, and academic alliances with universities and HR technology vendors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Resources Professional Association

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Human Resources (HR) & Talent (SHRM/HRCI) Certifications (EDAAANAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Training, Enablement & Talent Development Summits (THAHAMAH), Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums (MPAGAGAK)

Keywords

• HR professional association
• Diversity and inclusion
• Career development services
• HR certification preparation
• Professional membership organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: NAAAHR generates revenue through annual membership fees across five tiers: Student ($30/year), Professional ($175/year), Business Owner ($450/year), Corporate ($1,500/year for up to 10 members), and Lifetime Professional ($2,500 one-time). These fees provide recurring annual revenue from the 40,000+ member network.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship packages for the National Conference range from $5,000 (YP Silver) to $35,000 (Platinum). Sponsorship provides brand visibility, networking access, and marketing exposure to the NAAAHR member community of over 40,000 HR professionals.
3. National Conference Revenue: Annual national conference generates revenue through registration fees, exhibitor booth fees, and event sponsorship. The 2026 conference is being held October 7-11 in Norfolk, VA with discounted rates for members and HRCI recertification credits.
4. HR Certification Partnership Revenue: Partnership with HRCI and HR Cert Prep Pros generates revenue through certification exam discounts, preparation course sales, and affiliate arrangements. Members receive exam fee discounts ($75 off) and course discounts through promotional codes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

NAAAHR is a nonprofit professional association that sells tiered individual and corporate memberships to HR practitioners of color and the African Diaspora, providing access to networking events, mentorship, HRCI certification preparation and recertification credits, a Career Connections job board, and the annual National Conference. Its offerings are bundled around career development, leadership training, and corporate sponsorship access rather than standalone software or physical products.

Product overview

NAAAHR operates as a professional membership organization offering a multi-tiered membership structure (Student, Professional, Corporate, Business Owner, and Lifetime Professional) serving over 40,000 members and network affiliates. The core offerings include membership programs with access to professional development resources, HRCI certification preparation and discounts, a Career Connections job board, and a Young Professional Network. The organization's flagship event is the annual National Conference providing HRCI recertification credits, expert-led workshops, and networking opportunities. Additional offerings include the Global Leadership Institute for executive development, local chapter networks for regional engagement, and N.E.S.S. (NAAAHR Elite Signature Services) providing VIP-tier benefits for lifetime members including exclusive conference access and pampering services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NAAAHR Professional Membership Annual individual membership for HR practitioners offering access to webinars, workshops, expert-led training, national networking with HR professionals and mentors, job boards, career fairs, mentorship programs, and discounts on HRCI certification exams and preparation materials. Priced at $175/year.
• NAAAHR Student Membership Full-time undergraduate or graduate student membership for those majoring in Human Resources or related fields, offering networking opportunities with HR professionals, access to local and national events, internship and job opportunities, and the student track at the National Conference. Priced at $30/year.
• NAAAHR Corporate Membership Corporate membership covering up to 10 Student or Professional memberships submitted together, with all members listed in their local city. Includes HR Certification Master Class discounts and access to the diverse HR talent pipeline for employer members. Priced at $1,500/year.
• NAAAHR Business Owner Membership Business owner membership including Professional membership benefits, ongoing bid opportunities, increased marketing to corporations, B2B networking, access to the NAAAHR Marketplace, and the ability to purchase from other members. Priced at $450/year.
• NAAAHR Lifetime Professional Membership One-time payment lifetime membership providing all Professional member benefits plus N.E.S.S. (NAAAHR Elite Signature Services) at National Conferences, including VIP seating, pre-conference reception, designated reserved seating, makeup artist, photo with musical guests, and VIP lounge access. Priced at $2,500 one-time.
• N.E.S.S. (NAAAHR Elite Signature Services) Exclusive VIP conference and special event access including room access with refreshments, VIP Pre-Conference Reception, early event entry, designated reserved seating, Groom Room pampering services (hair, makeup, massage, shoeshine), and VIP photo opportunities with special guests.
• Career Connections Job Board NAAAHR's job board providing members access to top employers, exclusive job postings, career resources, and a diverse HR talent pipeline for employers seeking HR professionals, with a 25% member discount on services.
• NAAAHR National Conference Annual premier gathering for HR professionals featuring inspiring keynote speakers, expert-led HR panels and workshops, unmatched networking opportunities, career opportunities, and exclusive professional development including HRCI recertification credits.
• Young Professional Network Program for young leaders ages 18-30 providing education resources for professional certifications, leadership development, financial literacy, access to professional coaches and mentors, and internship and early career opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40,000+ members and network affiliates served across 17 partnering organizations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• HR Certification Institute (HRCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership between HRCI and NAAAHR to promote HRCI certification and advance the goals of NAAAHR. HRCI is the leading certification provider for the global HR profession with more than 135,000 certified participants in 100 countries. The partnership supports collaboration on HR research, professional development and certification. Members receive $75 off exams and 3 automatic HRCI recertification credits.
• University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation alliance providing NAAAHR members with up to 25% tuition discount on out-of-state tuition and $50 application fee waiver. UMGC offers 175+ degrees and certificates with online and hybrid options for working adults.
• KornFerrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Leadership U For Humanity cohort - a free 8-week leadership training program for NAAAHR members. The program develops new management skills, personal brand, and professional network. Focus on developing diverse leaders who champion conscious inclusion.
• Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIHR provides NAAAHR members exclusive 20% discount on any course or license. AIHR offers the world's most extensive curriculum of online HR courses and certifications, all SHRM and HRCI accredited. Members gain access to resource library, HR career map with coaching, AIHR Copilot, and community events.
• HR Cert Prep ProsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to provide members with high-quality certification preparation for aPHR, PHR, SPHR, and GPHR exams. NAAAHR members receive 10% discount on all courses. Student program available for HR students with reduced rates including course, prep materials, and exam voucher.
• OneTenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to close opportunity and wealth gaps for skilled talent without four-year degrees in the U.S. Connects NAAAHR community with OneTen's mission to create pathways to high-quality careers in HR. Members access the OneTen Career Marketplace for job opportunities.
• Columbia Southern UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partnership providing NAAAHR members with 10% tuition discount, no application fees, free course materials, and complimentary transfer credit evaluation. CSU offers 100% online degrees including HR management and organizational leadership.
• Northcentral UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partnership providing NAAAHR members with 15% tuition reduction on graduate programs. NCU offers 50+ online graduate programs including Master of Human Resource Management and PhD in HRM, with one-to-one learning model.
• Human Resource Standards Institute (HRSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership expanded to include ISO 30415:2021 D&I Organizational Certification through HRSI, a subsidiary of HRCI. Through HRSI's association with ISO, NAAAHR verifies that its HR processes align with global best practices.
• Lotus Consulting & MarketingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBranding and marketing partnership with CEO Tamiko Drummond providing NAAAHR members 15% off branding and marketing services. Services include strategic brand audits, social media campaigns, website content, and visibility strategies.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Association of Black Accountants (NABA): Affinity-based professional association for Black accountants and finance professionals, operating chapters, an annual convention, certification prep and corporate partnerships. Same playbook as NAAAHR but in the accounting/finance profession; useful as a comparable community, conference, and sponsorship model.
• The Executive Leadership Council (ELC): Membership organization for Black executives and senior leaders developing pipeline, leadership programs and corporate partnerships. Comparable to NAAAHR's Global Leadership Institute and corporate partnership motion, with a more senior/executive audience.
• HR Certification Institute (HRCI): Leading global HR certification body (aPHR, PHR, SPHR) with 135,000+ certified participants. Comparable as a credentialing and certification organization serving the same HR professional community that NAAAHR targets, and an explicit strategic partner of NAAAHR.
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): Long-standing affinity-based professional association serving Black engineers with chapters, annual conventions, corporate sponsorships, and student programming. Closely comparable model to NAAAHR — community-of-color professional development, membership dues, regional chapters, national conference, corporate sponsorship tiers.
• National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA): Pre-eminent affinity-based professional association for Black business leaders and MBA holders, with chapters, an annual conference, corporate sponsors, and a career center. Operates with the same chapter-driven, conference-anchored, corporate-sponsor-funded model as NAAAHR.

Broad incumbents

• National Urban League: Historic African American civil rights and economic empowerment organization with affiliate chapters in many of the same cities as NAAAHR. Comparable as a community-affiliated nonprofit with chapter-based local engagement, corporate partnerships, and workforce development programming.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): Largest global HR professional membership association offering certifications, conferences, and learning to HR practitioners of all backgrounds. Directly comparable as an HR membership organization serving overlapping audiences, but at vastly larger scale and broader demographic scope than NAAAHR.

Emerging players

• Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE): Affinity-based professional association advancing Hispanic professionals through leadership programs, mentorship, and corporate partnerships. Closely analogous model to NAAAHR but targeting a different community-of-color professional segment.
• Catalyst: Global nonprofit advancing women in the workplace through research, advisory, and corporate partnerships. Comparable as a DE&I-focused nonprofit serving HR-adjacent corporate buyers, though focused on gender rather than race.

Others

• OneTen: Coalition hiring 1 million Black Americans without four-year degrees into family-sustaining jobs, with a Career Marketplace for partner organizations. Already a strategic partner of NAAAHR; comparable as a DE&I workforce intermediary working with HR leaders and corporate sponsors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/naaahr-state-of-michigan
• Facebookfacebook.com/NAAAHRNational1998

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NAAAHR