Creating pathways to opportunity: Norfolk Southern hosts UNCF leaders in Atlanta

Oct 30, 2026

Group photo from UNCF Fireside Chat held at Norfolk Southern's Atlanta headquarters

Norfolk Southern welcomed leaders from UNCF, along with members of Atlanta’s business and community sectors, to its Atlanta headquarters for a conversation focused on expanding educational opportunities and supporting the next generation of leaders.

The annual gathering helped build momentum ahead of UNCF’s Mayor’s Masked Ball in December, which raises critical funding for scholarships and educational programs benefiting students and historically Black colleges and universities. Norfolk Southern will serve as title sponsor for the third consecutive year.

Top Takeaways

Norfolk Southern hosted UNCF and Atlanta business and community leaders for a conversation centered on education and opportunity.
The event brought business and community leaders together ahead of UNCF’s annual Mayor’s Masked Ball.
Norfolk Southern will serve as title sponsor of UNCF Atlanta’s upcoming Mayor’s Masked Ball for the third consecutive year and has provided more than $1.2 million to UNCF Atlanta since 2024.

Creating pathways to opportunity
Nate Smith, Norfolk Southern General Counsel, participated in the fireside conversation, highlighting the importance of partnerships that help students pursue their goals.

“Education creates pathways to opportunity, and partnerships like ours with UNCF help ensure more students have the resources and support to pursue their goals. At Norfolk Southern, we’re proud to invest in the people and communities that will shape the future," said Nate Smith.

UNCF's Fireside Chat held at Norfolk Southern's Atlanta headquarters

Investing in the future

Norfolk Southern supports educational and career pathways through programs including Thoroughbred Scholars, Trades on Track, and direct university funding. Last year's UNCF gathering at Norfolk Southern similarly highlighted the company's support for HBCUs and educational opportunities. Since 2024, Norfolk Southern has provided more than $1.2 million to UNCF Atlanta.

“When businesses and community leaders come together around education, we create more than opportunities for individual students. We invest in the future of our entire community. We are grateful to Norfolk Southern for its continued partnership and commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Justine Boyd, Assistant Vice President, UNCF.

Looking ahead

The fireside conversation comes ahead of UNCF’s annual Mayor’s Masked Ball in December, where Smith is slated to represent Norfolk Southern. Norfolk Southern will serve as title sponsor for the third consecutive year.

Through partnerships with organizations like UNCF, NS continues to invest in educational opportunities and the communities it serves.

Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern as a Communications Manager, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.