At Douglass, we aim to bridge the gap between the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow. Douglass students are intelligent, insightful, and eager to take on the world. The College recognizes the importance of creating spaces for our students to engage in critical conversations with established professionals. These conversations serve as catalysts for bold new ideas and dreams that will one day contribute to national and global solutions. We want to ensure our students are given the language, mentorship, and vision they need to not only develop as leaders, but to dare to strive for excellence.
This month, Douglass students had many opportunities to dialogue with leaders in various professions. At our Annual STEM Lecture and Awards Ceremony, we hosted Dr. Ashanti Johnson, one of the first African American chemical oceanographers in the country. Dr. Johnson spoke to us not only about her cutting-edge research, but also the importance of empowering underrepresented groups in STEM. Her lecture sparked critical discussions in our community about diversity and equity in STEM.
Additionally, the BOLD Center hosted the Christiana Foglio DC’84 Douglass Career Conference. The keynote speaker, Catalina Bajenaru, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at AT&T, offered her valuable insight as a human resources leader with over two decades of experience. Afterwards, students had the opportunity to dialogue with alumnae and professionals from various industries. Students not only had the chance to network, but also to gain wisdom about the professional world.
These instances of connection and conversation are integral to our students’ development. That’s why the Career Conference is the first step in the new Reilly Program at the BOLD Center at Douglass for Advancing Professional Development. Created thanks to a transformational gift from Stacy (DC’80) and Brian (ENG’80) Reilly, the Reilly Program at the BOLD Center at Douglass for Advancing Professional Development is a program for undergraduates that combines a specialized professional development curriculum with an immersive workplace experience known as an externship. The Program will offer a unique, step-by-step model for undergraduate career development. From the moment students first walk onto campus to the moment they accept their first job offers, The Reilly Program will be there for them every step of the way.
Due to the dedication of the Douglass community, we are able to create incredible opportunities for growth for our students. I want to extend my thanks to Douglass alumnae and all others who make our mission possible. Bold conversations encourage bold ideas, and I am certain that this will carry us into a brighter future.
