On Saturday May 12, 2012 my sister and I hoped on the train
with tickets in hand to attend the Rising Affluent Advancement &Achievement Conference 2012: Reaching Your Full Potential, at the Faculty House
at Columbia University. It was definitely an insightful event. It is always a
great time when there are opportunities to network and learn from peers and
experts and share knowledge and experiences in various areas.
I found out about the conference while reading a tweet from
Demetra Lucas author of “A Belle in Brooklyn” (good book by the way) and a
panelist for, “The Gentle Art of Side Hustling and Moonlighting with an End
Goal”. I looked into the conference and saw that it was in New York City, which
would be an easy commute for me. I also enjoyed reading about the conference
from last year and saw some Hampton Alumni, in the pictures and knew that if my
fellow Hamptonians attended the conference last year it must be a cool event. J
The main themes of Reaching Your Full Potential we segmented
into two focal points, Personal Branding and Entrepreneurship. This was right
up my alley since my master thesis , completed in October 2012, was “Personal
Branding: A Case Study of four Entrepreneurs on their Quest to Achieve
Professional Success in the Age of the Personal Brand”. I really enjoyed
Christina Brown, Editor, Fashion Blogger and Social Media Expert, of the first
panel “Me Inc.” in which she and her fellow panelist discussed personal
branding, social networking and social media. Christina Brown built her
personal brand “Love Brown Sugar” (www.lovebrownsugar.com) through social media.
One of the great points that Christina made about personal branding was to “Ask
your friends and family what you really do well...Sometimes it is about self
reflection. Other times it is a reflection from others.” In other words, self
identity versus self image. This panel discussion reiterated points in my
academic research and continued its practical use of personal branding for
entrepreneurs and young professionals. I must have been on to something when I
decided on my thesis topic. I love to see my research come to life unexpectedly
to help and empower other young professionals and see it play out in other’s
lives much as it has helped my own. Needless to say that was one of my favorite
panel discussions.
Another panel discussion that I really enjoyed was “Exit
Strategies: Changing Career Lanes Without Losing Control”. This panel really
spoke to me because this is exactly where I am in my life. My career trajectory
has evolved and changed from corporate international marketing to Higher
Education Administration, more specifically study abroad/ international
programs. This is something I am truly passionate about and has allowed me to merge
my educational background, work experience, travel, and interest into a career
that I enjoy pursuing. Sheena Neal, who moderated the panel, Toni A. Harrison
and Tiffany Gooden all work in Higher Education Administration and were among
the panelist for this session. They had various paths to get to where they are
in their present Higher Education Administration careers. It was enlightening
for me to hear their stories and receive the advice they shared with my fellow
conference participants and I. Of the great advice that was shared one thing that
stuck with me is the value of letting others know who you are and what you want
to do. I used to have a hard time with this. My former shy tendencies used to
kick into gear along with self doubt and nervousness but once I tapped into my
passion and allowed myself the space and time to cultivate that passion my
confidence began to soar and my new/evolved career choice organically presented
itself. I realized how much easier it was to open up not only to value who I am
but to confidently share my passion and career choice with others.
Going Global was another panel that I loved. As you can tell
from the major premise of this blog I am geeked about discussions on global
topics and issues. I was very intrigued to see how this panel discussion was
going to unfold. Two of the panelist that I really enjoyed were Michael J.
Cooper and Yetunde Odugbesan. It was interesting to hear Michael’s perspective
of being born and spending his early childhood in Trinidad before moving to
South America and eventually the United States all before deciding to give back
to his homeland by going back as an adult to work in trading and securities. I
appreciated the love and pride that he exudes for his home country. I enjoyed
the aspect that no matter where you go and the experiences you have when a love
and loyalty for your homeland has been cultivated from childhood there is
really no other place like it. Having Nigerian cousins, I was very intrigued to
hear about the work that Nigerian-American, Yetunde Odugbesan does as she
pursues her Doctorate in Global Affairs, is the CEO and Founder of Yetunde Global
Consulting LLC. and the Founder and Executive Director of Young Womans Guide
that provides mentorship, empowerment events, resources, etc for women and
girls in the United States and Africa. Hearing all that she does on a global
scale is truly inspiring. Knowing that she has accomplished so many things and
is serving her community and the world is very humbling and has given me even
more drive and determination to accomplish my international goals.
There was no place that I’d rather be than at the Rising
Affluent Conference on Saturday May 12th and to share the experience
with my sister made it that much better. The networking opportunities with
other young professionals, the caliber of speakers, panelists, and moderators,
and the overall experience exceeded my expectations. I look forward to
attending the Rising Afflunent Conference again next year. A big thank you to Kyle
McCullers, Managing Partner, Michael J. Cooper, Partner , the panelists, moderators, guest speakers, attendees and all who made this conference such a
success.
KoMiSa’s Take Away Thoughts: This goes to show you that when you
are in the place that you are supposed to be at the appointed time it becomes
evident as you indulge in the experience. I have no doubt that this is where I
was supposed to be and my decision to attend the conference was correct. When
you are presented with opportunities that you feel would be extremely beneficial
whether it be attending a conference or a study abroad experience pursue it.
Gather the information that is needed to make the right decision for you, even if
everything is not spelled out, then go for the experience. If it is anything
like my experiences studying abroad or attending this conference they are more
than worth the time and resources that it take to invest in yourself to pursue
it.
For more
information about the Rising Affluent Conference visit www.risingaffluent.com
Be on the look
out in the coming months for an interview with Christina Brown about her study
abroad experiences. I am so happy to have her in the Study Abroad Corner in a
few weeks.
Hasta el Proximo
Vez,
KoMiSa
