My Experience at the Rising Affluent Conference 2012

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 12^th 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