Black Professional Series

1. Objectives Facilitate programming aimed specifically to activate Black students (of African descent) Utilize a critical perspective for all content Provide relevant and culturally competent information Prompt students towards action for their professional development Connect Black students with resources Increase awareness of opportunities both on- and off-campus Expose students to Black faculty and staff mentors, role models, alumni and resources Share action-based materials to help structure students’ paths Professional development of Black students Demonstrate successful strategies for utilizing the UCC Direct students to appropriate services to bolster career readiness Gain early entrance to (in person) Career Fairs through participation in this programming 2. Description of Series Join the Black Professional Series to engage with successful Black professionals, alumni and faculty around a variety of culturally relevant topics. Through this programming, students can interact with professionals as they engage in dialogue regarding critical issues including leadership, networking and branding. The series stems from the need for students to see people who look like them across campus and also to be able to acknowledge and understand the lived experiences of being Black. We want students to be career savvy, but we realize the diverse set of challenges of being Black (in life/workplace) and we have created a space where there is safe dialogue and productive conversation about how to navigate the challenges. Ultimately, we hope to facilitate programming designed specifically to activate Black students; connect those students with resources; and help them progress their professional development.
AJ SImmons
Assistant Director of the Peer Professionals, Career Coach
704-687-8090