About Nasir Quadree, Onyx VII '08
Nasir C. Qadree is the Founder & Managing Partner of Zeal Capital Partners, a premier mission-driven venture capital firm headquartered in Washington, DC. Under his leadership, Zeal has grown to manage $184 million in assets across three accounts, deploying capital to scale high-growth businesses across the future of learning and work, financial technology, and health equity verticals.
As the architect of Zeal’s Inclusive Investing™ approach, Nasir has positioned the firm as a leading force in advancing equitable access to capital, earning recognition on the Impact Assets 50 list for three consecutive years. He also chairs Zeal’s Investment Committee, overseeing strategy, portfolio value creation, and post-investment growth initiatives.
Before founding Zeal, Nasir served as Associate Director at AT&T’s $400 million Aspire Social Investment Fund, leading direct investments. Prior to that, he was Global Head of Education Investments and U.S. Economic Opportunity Lead at Village Capital. He began his career in the public markets at Goldman Sachs and State Street Corporation.
A Kauffman Fellow (Class of ‘26) and 2022 Venture Capital Journal Rising Star. His insights have been featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fortune. Beyond venture, Nasir is an avid vinyl DJ and an endurance athlete on a mission to complete 51 marathons—one in each U.S. state and DC. He holds a B.A. from Hampton University, graduating magna cum laude, and resides in Washington, D.C.
Leslie (Onyx ’84) and Gerald (Ogre Phi Ogre ’82) Smith
Dr. George White, Ubiquity '80
Each year, the Atlanta Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association hosts the Blueteenth Experience, our annual Scholarship and Recognition event. The mission is clear and urgent: to raise critical scholarship funds for students pursuing their education at our beloved “Home by the Sea.”
This year, we’ve launched the 4OurScholar Campaign—an ambitious initiative to raise at least $100,000 for student scholarships. This effort comes at a pivotal moment, as our national education system faces unprecedented challenges that threaten to limit access and affordability for countless students.
Now more than ever, your support matters. Together, we can push back against these barriers and ensure Hampton students continue to thrive, dream, and lead. I’ve committed to doing my part—and I invite you to join me.
Every donation makes a difference. Your one-time gift can spark a lifetime of achievement. Thank you in advance for standing with us and amplifying the voices of the next generation—so their lives can do the singing.
Darryl Armstrong, Ogre Phi Ogre VI '88
I always enjoy celebrating the Blueteenth Experience because I am surrounded by the Hampton spirit and the amazing energy of fellow Hamptonians! It’s a special time to connect, reflect, and honor our shared legacy together.
I have provided financial support to the Blueteenth Experience at the Double Platinum and Platinum level for the last three years because Hampton University holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a school—it’s family, tradition, and pride. Celebrating the Blueteenth is a powerful reminder of our rich heritage and the incredible community that continues to uplift and inspire me.
