The NBEF College & Young Professional Network held its Annual Summer Event on Friday, August 9, 2024, at New Brunswick High School. Over 150 high school seniors, college and grad school students, and young professionals gathered for an energy filled conference that encompassed a workshop, motivational speaker, networking, food, music and raffle prizes.
The event featured Dr. Julia Garcia, a nationally acclaimed mental health TEDx speaker who delivered a powerful message along with spoken word poetry that was interactive and highly engaging. Dr. Garcia was captivating with thought provoking and inspirational mantras designed to build self-esteem and address the social emotional well-being of all the young people in the audience.
Following Dr. Garcia, a breakout session (“college readiness workshop”) involving high school seniors was facilitated by NBEF Trainers Edson Martinez, MSW, LSW and Ayanna Slacum, a senior at Albright College. The workshop titled, “Pathway to First Day” provided the seniors with insight that outlined important milestones leading up to their first day of college. These checkpoints included applying for FAFSA and scholarships, acceptance to an institution of higher learning, attending new student orientation, receiving your first term bill, dorming and commuting tips, etc. Students were also engaged in discussions regarding their hopes and fears in anticipation of starting college.
The Summer Event also included “Speed Networking” that was structured with color-codes representing 6 academic and career disciplines that included Healthcare, STEM, Liberal Arts, Social Science, Business and Law/Criminal Justice/ Political Science. The young professionals were called to introduce themselves and their positions/titles, and was then asked to be seated at tables that were color-coded in their particular career and industries fields, that was followed by college students rotating every 5 minutes to ask the young professionals questions and make connections.
The Speed Networking activity was moderated by NBEF Trainer Tahj Burnette, MSW, LSW. Some students expressed, “It was an entertaining event and a great opportunity to connect with other people in a field similar as mine.” Also, “It was helpful and I was able to get more information from young professionals in the career I’m interested in pursuing.”
This conference style event was planned and executed by NBEF’s College & Young Professional Network Planning & Implementation Team consisting of the following: Edson Martinez, Jessica Varela, Tahj Burnette, Aileen Merino, Assie Konneh, Aleshia Rider, Adonis Valdez, Enicely Mojica, Karla Oliva Montiel, Ayanna Slacum, Ashley Caldwell, Arisbeth Garcia, Ismel Martinez, Monika Cunningham, Eva Hernandez, and Wilson Torres.
The NBEF College & Young Professional Network Summer Event was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and New Brunswick Tomorrow. NBEF also gives special thanks to the New Brunswick Public School District.
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