The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management honored students that successfully completed a leadership development program titled “The State of the African American Millennial Professionals Symposium: Honoring Leaders of the New School” on Saturday, April 16, at 10 am in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith and Brown Memorial Union.
Executive Director of Student Achievement and Retention Services, Dr. Vaneshette T. Henderson, spoke of how she felt there was a need for student development on campus. As freshmen, a student should be taught the proper speaking, communication and networking skills to carry into their sophomore, junior and senior years.
Henderson wants students to understand the importance of leadership upon completion of the program. “A leader is a doer, a thinker, a believer, an encourager,” said Henderson.
Students were given certificates and participated in a pinning ceremony at the front of the ballroom as family, guests and supporters watched.
“In order for you to be a leader, you have to be a servant as well,” finished Henderson.
The symposium included two guest speakers that were invited to the University by Associate Dean of Students, Ryan E. Tucker.
The first speaker, Rachel Scott, is a recent graduate of the University of Southern California and is a producer for ABC News. Scott shared with the audience her story to success. Some words of encouragement that the producer shared with the future leaders were to embrace all failures, say yes to the smallest opportunities that you may have interest in because they may lead to larger opportunities and how important it is to take advantage of all opportunities offered in our present environment.
“You have to believe that every mishap, every stumble, every failure is leading you closer to your future. Trusting that approach has truly made all of the difference in my life,” said Scott. Pre-Nursing Sophomore, Darrian Favorite of Edgard, Louisiana was an honoree at the Symposium and spoke of how much she enjoyed the speakers. “They gave their experiences and I like the fact that they weren’t afraid to tell us their failures because now I understand that failing helps people become better,” said Favorite.
The second speaker of the ceremony was the Policy Advisor for STEM Education, Innovation and Diversity to the U.S. Chief Technology Officer for the White House, Dr. Marvin D. Carr. A graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, the 28-year-old began his speech with the question, “What is the difference between equality and equity?”
Carr spoke of how important it is as a millennial born between 1980 and 2000; we must set the foundation for younger generations. We must fight for equity for our people which is defined as fairness or justice in the way people are treated.
Carr also spoke of how as young leaders, it is important to be prepared for any disadvantages one may face because he is African-American, especially upon entering the work force. “The most important thing is that you reach back to your neighborhood and you encourage others the same way,” said Carr.
Freshman Mass Communication major and Sophomore Class President Elect, Anthony Kenney of Baton Rouge attended the program and also spoke of how much he enjoyed both presentations. “They talked about being a leader, how to prosper as a leader, how to learn from failure, how to stay in success and how to keep growing as a leader,” stated Kenney.
ABC News Producer Rachel Scott as she gives a speech to students during The State of the African-American Millenial Professionals Symposium on April 16 at 10:00 am in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Student Union.
