Hobart and William Smith Colleges

15 May 2019 Multicultural Conference Offers Insight

The kind of work that I do didnt exist when I was in college, said HWS Trustee Michael E. Rawlins 80, P16 while offering the keynote address for the 2019 Multicultural Networking and Career Conference. I work in mobile and web application design and it is just thrilling. I stay relevant in my field because of my curiosity and my liberal arts degree. Rawlins serves as a principal user design architect at DTCI Fantasy Tools and Design, Walt Disney Company.

The day-long conference on March 30 involved more than 30 alumni and alumnae of color from a range of professions, generations and backgrounds. With nearly 80 students, they participated in forums, mock interviews and group sessions covering everything from networking and landing a job, to identity in the workplace and navigating life after HWS.

In his remarks, Rawlins described his initial impression of Hobart and William Smith as an incoming Hobart soccer player. He discussed his enduring connection to HWS through networking opportunities and gratitude for his lifelong value of curiosity instilled during his time at the Colleges. He is among five of six children in his family to attend Hobart and William Smith.

Attendees were welcomed to the conference by Afro Latino Alumni Association (ALAA) President Mark A. Darden 87, P17. An attorney/principal of the law offices of Addison Darden, P.C., he encouraged students to build a foundation of support among classmates and alums of color and to take advantage of the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education. Panelists also gave students candid insight to alums career experiences in the business, human services, science and health professions, as well as entrepreneurship and the nonprofit sectors.

Ultimately, the event gave me a feeling of hope that I can actually walk across that stage with confidence knowing that I have people I can turn to whenever things get rocky on my road post-graduation, said Christopher Williams 19, a theatre major.

In recognition of his service to his alma mater, the Honorable Ludwig P. Gaines 88 was presented with an alumni citation by Associate Vice President and Director of Alumni Relations Jared Weeden 91. Gaines, who participated in Hobart Student Court, The Herald, Hobart Student Association and the Black Student Coalition, emphasized the importance of studentschallenging the status quo during their undergraduate careers. Gaines is the vice president of the Hobart Alumni Association and executive director of the Northern Virginia Apartment Association.

When we were students here, we sought leadership positions despite our humble beginnings. We led associations, we figured out how dollars were dispersed to the different clubs. We did that with the intention to participate and to use our access to better our broader community, Gaines said. If youre giving me an award for doing that, I am eternally grateful. I love Hobart and William Smith. Thats why I come back; thats why I give back.

I especially appreciated talking one-on-one to the alums during the networking session and connecting with inspirational alums of color who gave me helpful advice on navigating HWS and the workforce, said Sarah Starks 21.

This years event was held in partnership with the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education, ALAA, Office of Intercultural Affairs, Office of Advancement, Africana Studies Program, Opportunity Programs, International Student Affairs, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Campus Life, Sankofa: the Black Students Union and the Caribbean Student Association.

The following alumni and alumnae participated in career panel discussions:

Life After HWS

Moderated by Mark A. Darden 87, P17, Attorney/Principal, Law Offices of Addison-Darden, P.C.
Walter Cruz 11, Self-employed/creative collaborator
Mark A. H. Darden 17, Accounting and Finance Recruiter at Aston Carter
Algrin A. Flowers 91, CEO, Flow Entertainment Group
Rachel E. Hadley 13, Associate Winemaker, Glenora Wine Cellars and Knapp Winery
Gary DeWitt Marshall 89, Teacher/Actor, Comedian
Shavonne R. Ward 09, Instructional Coach, AmeriCorps/City Year

Interviewing Skills

The Honorable Ludwig P. Gaines 88, Vice President, Hobart Alumni Association, executive director of the Northern Virginia Apartment Association
Rick Wallace 91, Change Management Specialist, KPMG

Leveraging Feedback in the Workplace

Michael E. Rawlins 80, P16, HWS Trustee, Principal UX Design Architect, DTCI Fantasy Tools and Design, Walt Disney Company

Networking

Reinaldo Llano 99, Data Analyst & Digital Marketing Specialist, BISCI

Preparing for a Career in Consulting

Rick Wallace 91, Change Management Specialist, KPMG

Nonprofit Panel

Moderated by Shavonne R. Ward 09, Instructional Coach, AmeriCorps/City year
Kevin M. Collado 18, Food Access AmeriCorps VISTA, City of Geneva
Dan M. DeNose 10, Senior Manager, Newark Public Schools
Stephanie C. Mejia 14, Housing Program Supervisor, Catholic Charities of Buffalo
Joshua M. Serrano 15, Development and Communications Manager, Teens for Food Justice

Sciences & Health Professions Panel

Moderated by Sarah Yoon-Miller Pelkey 09, Director of Marketing and Sales, All About Books
Gregory A. Brown 91, Transition Care Management Social Worker, Dept. of Veteran Affairs
Guanqun Li, M.D. 14, Urology Residency, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Jericsson Pichardo 15, Science Teacher, Vista Academy
Shaakir J. McIntosh-Samuel 16, Medical Student, Ross University School of Medicine
Isabella Latimer 16, BS RN, Strong Memorial Hospital, Golisano Childrens Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Business Panel

Moderated by Michael E. Rawlins 80, P16, HWS Trustee, Principal UX Design Architect, DTCI Fantasy Tools and Design, Walt Disney Company
Linda D. Arrington 88, HWS Trustee; Global Brand Manager & GM of RODIN, an Este Lauder Companies portfolio brand
Innis S. Baah 10, Senior Consultant, Ernst & Young LLP
Mark A. H. Darden 17, Accounting and Finance Recruiter at Aston Carter
Reinaldo Llano 99, Data Analyst & Digital Marketing Specialist, BISCI
Shane M. Samuel 13, Marketing Manager, Amazon

Entrepreneurship Panel

Moderated by The Honorable Ludwig P. Gaines 88, Vice President, Hobart Alumni Association; executive director of the Northern Virginia Apartment Association
Algrin A. Flowers 91, CEO, Flow Entertainment Group
Walter Cruz 11, Self-employed/creative collaborator
Phylicia Robinson Dove 09, Owner, Black Monarchy
Gary DeWitt Marshall 89, Teacher/Actor/Comedian
Ariel E. Trent 14, Founder, Crave Moisture

Graduate/Professional School Panel

Moderated by Joseph Latimer P16, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Diversity and Outreach, College Enrollment, University of Rochester
Stephanie D. Nieves 15, Graduate Student, Johns Hopkins University
Mark A. Darden 87, P17, ALAA President, Attorney/Principal, Law Offices of Addison-Darden, P.C.
Nathaniel M. Smith 00, ASAP Academic Advisor, CUNY Bronx Community College

Networking Session

Rick Wallace 91, Change Management Specialist, KPMG
Chevanne Graham DeVaney 95, P21, P23, Associate Director of Annual Giving, HWS