With the theme of “Change Agents: From Classroom to Community,” the eighth annual Student Leadership Conference at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) focused its lens on adult learners who are not only preparing to be a force for good upon graduation; they are already the trailblazers of today.
Hosted by the CUNY SPS Office of Student Life, the virtual conference ran from March 9 through March 12 and featured sessions addressing a wide variety of topics, from civic engagement through data analytics to healthcare innovation through technology.
Following an introduction by CUNY SPS Dean Dr. Lisa Braverman, Michele de Goeas-Malone (feature photo above, left), the co-director of the Education Program at LaGuardia Community College, delivered the conference’s opening keynote speech, where she explored how education serves as a catalyst for personal transformation and community impact.
“Experiential learning, adaptability, and innovation enable students to transform insights into meaningful outcomes that improve processes and foster social impact… We're not talking about some future version of you that will become a change agent after graduation,” said de Goeas-Malone. “We're talking about who you are now today, as you take what you're learning and apply it in your daily life.”
After the keynote, several graduate students conducted sessions where their professional lives anchored their topics, so that participants could gain practical skills and insights.
Mehreen Ali Gillani (MS in Data Science), Jessica King (MA in Disability Studies), Yanil Perez (MS in Nursing Informatics), Angel Sutjipto (MS in Disability Services in Higher Education), and Frieda Erler (MS in Health Information Management ) all spoke on how the theory of their disciplines serves as a springboard for building a better future.
Attendee Dennys Antunish (at left), a BS in Information Science student and Urban Male Scholars peer mentor, was impressed with the student speakers’ dedication.
“What I took away from the sessions was how passionate people are about the work they do,” Antunish said. “They have done extensive research while caring deeply about their topics…It was a great experience because you could truly hear their passion and understand how they think about their work.”
To conclude the seminar, Dr. Sarah Zeller-Berkman, (feature photo above, right) academic director of the Youth Studies programs, delivered the closing keynote address.
“Across all of these presentations, I heard the same call: ‘Do not confuse participation in systems with transformation of systems,’” said Dr. Zeller-Berkman. “Bridge theory and practice. Borrow wisdom across boundaries. And refuse to settle for minimum standards when collective liberation is possible. I hope we carry forward how important this work is.”
As a key organizer of the seminar series, Student Development and Leadership Coordinator Reshma Jaigobin offered praise for their collaborators from the Visionary Voices.
“The Visionary Voices advisory committee saw the importance of what’s going on at CUNY SPS—students aren't just learning theory. They are applying their knowledge in real time to drive positive change in their workplace and in their communities.”
After the conference, graduate student presenter Frieda Erler (at left), reflected on the event’s impact.
“It was great to step outside my own (online asynchronous) Health Information Management bubble and be exposed to fellow students and their learning journey and interests,” said Erler. “CUNY always advertises ‘A Degree for Every Dream,’ and that very much applied to my cohort and their efforts in sharing their passions with others.”
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With over 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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