The 7th Annual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium
Join the Boston University Newbury Center, Duke University First-Generation Graduate Student Network, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Carolina Grad Student F1RSTS, along with our Cooperating Sponsor, the Center for First-generation Student Success, for our 7th annual symposium for graduate and professional students on February 2, 2024 via Zoom. This national symposium is open to any student who identifies as a current first-generation graduate or professional student and is studying any discipline. We define a first-generation graduate/professional student as someone whose parents/guardians/caregivers have not completed an advanced degree, e.g. master’s, doctoral, or professional degree (like a JD or MD).
We are excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Angela E. Batista, a proud first-generation student, learner, educator, speaker, facilitator, coach and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) consultant. We will also have opportunities for you to network with other first-generation graduate/professional students at institutions across the country, workshop sessions, and more! All times listed below are EST.
*This Symposium is only for current first-generation graduate and professional students. While we appreciate the support of administrators, faculty, and staff, we would like to reserve the “seats” for students in this limited-capacity virtual event. Thank you in advance for your understanding!
Directions on How to Create a NASPA Profile
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Angela E. Batista
Angela E. Batista, EdD, is a proud first-generation student, learner, educator, speaker, facilitator, coach and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) consultant. Born in the Dominican Republic, she is the first person to graduate high school in her family and to attend college–holding degrees from Brooklyn College, the University of Vermont, and Nova Southeastern University. Over her career, Angela has held key roles in K-12 education, higher education, and non-profit organizations across the United States. She is the former vice president of student affairs and institutional diversity and inclusion at Champlain College and also held senior level positions at Oregon State University, the University of Southern Indiana, and Mills College. She also worked at the University of Vermont and Lynn University.
Angela is also a former marriage and family therapist and an award-winning high school teacher, counselor, and administrator. She is passionate about advancing equity and access and works nationally and internationally–helping individuals, teams, and organizations to strategically design transformation, while centering relationships to self, others, their organization, and the community. Her expertise includes executive and design coaching, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) assessment and strategy development, appreciative and strategic leadership design, student affairs, and the experience of Latinx individuals in American higher education. She served as the 2020-21 NASPA Board Chair and is the editor of Latinx/a/os in Higher Education: Exploring Identity, Pathways, and Success. She enjoys reading, walking, traveling, and spending time with her dog Toby.
Symposium Schedule
1-1:10pm Welcome
1:10-1:50pm Icebreaker/Networking
1:50-2pm Break
2-3pm Keynote Speaker: Angela E. Batista
3-3:10pm Break
3:10-3:55pm Session 1
Back to Basics – Exploring the impacts of chronic stress on academic performance and mental health, skill-building around when, how and who to ask for help, and diet and lifestyle strategies for resilience & recovery. – Lisa Augustine, MB BCh, MHRT/C, Research Fellow, Boston University and Juan Leon Parra, MA LMHC, CEDAR Clinic
Building Your Professional Identity – True professionalism starts with building a professional identity. In this workshop we will discuss how knowing your values, being aware of your presence, and understanding the expectations of professionalism around you all contribute to your ability to be professional while staying true to your identity. We’ll talk about and practice some professional skills that will help you be professional in any setting. – Kristin Russell, NBHWC, Duke University and Amy Kostrewa, MAT, Duke University School of Medicine
Excellence>Perfection: Perfectionism and Self Compassion Workshop – Perfectionism can create unnecessary pressure and diminish the joy we find in our work. This workshop will help you become more aware of how perfectionist thinking may be impacting you. You will be able to differentiate perfectionism from a healthy pursuit of excellence and learn to use the skill of self-compassion to temper the negative influence of perfectionist thinking so you can thrive. – Beverly Chen, LCSW, Boston University
How to Negotiate When Negotiating Makes You Nervous – You negotiate every day, with employers, teachers, family members, friends, and others. Some negotiations are formal, involving jobs, purchases, or business deals, while others are informal, over schedules, assignments, responsibilities, and even where to eat or have fun. Negotiating makes a lot of people nervous – you might be unconfident in your skills, concerned about relationships, or just unfamiliar with the process. This is especially true when the results make a difference to you or where the relationships are important. This session presents skills, strategies, and tactics to help you negotiate more effectively and advocate for your needs even in stressful situations. – Moshe Cohen, MBA, Boston University
Navigating Graduate School as a First-generation Graduate Student – This session will discuss tips, tricks, and resources for building the Graduate School Toolbox – or the things you will help to get you from start to finish with success. This includes topics like time management, self-care, and ways to get and stay organized. – Alexa Friedman, PhD, Boston University School of Public Health/Environmental Working Group
Crisis Budgeting and Credit Scores – Learn the difference between budgeting and crisis budgeting. Assess your income and expenses. Create and maintain a crisis budget, and build and repair your credit. – Erica Vazquez, BBA, Financial Inclusion Leader, Truist
3:55-4:05pm Break
4:05-4:50pm Session 2
Navigating Unwritten Rules of Your Post-Grad Career – This session delves into the complexities of graduate school and post-graduate life from the perspective of first-gen graduates. Accomplished speakers across diverse fields will address the challenges of navigating academia and the transition to post-graduate careers as a first-gen. Gain valuable success strategies and insights into the unwritten rules shaping your professional journey. Join our panelists as they share personal stories and provide practical advice on successfully maneuvering through both graduate school and post-grad life. – Paula Collado Cordon, BA, Duke University. Panelists: Selena Hernandez, Kendrel Cabarrus, and Urann Chan
HIRED! The power of networking and how to do it – Unleash the power of networking! Join us to learn key strategies for building meaningful connections that open doors to new opportunities. From crafting your pitch to navigating events and digital spaces, discover actionable steps to boost your career journey. Elevate your networking game and unlock doors to success! – JAKE Small, MEd, Leadership Brainery
You! The Brand – “Personal brand” is a common term mentioned in many settings today. But what is a personal brand, and how does one create and leverage their brand? This session will help to demystify the concept of a personal brand by sharing strategies and tips for creating and showcasing your own. We will also cover how your background, attributes, and experiences are essential to your unique story for an authentic career search. – Jared Smith, Duke University
Challenging Imposter Syndrome as a First-Gen Student & Professional – Imposter syndrome affects first-generation students more often and at higher levels than other students. Given this data, it’s important for first-generation students and professionals to realize their potential, establish self-trust and confidence, and be courageous in their respective worlds of work. This session will address imposter syndrome and offer tips for navigating the phenomenon throughout graduate school and into early career life. We will embrace leading and living with authenticity and recognizing the tools and resources we can tap into to manage imposter syndrome. – Angela (Ang) Richard, B.S., M. Ed. Higher Education Administration, Boston University
DeMystifying the Scholarly Writing Process as First-generation Graduate and Professional Students – The session will address misconceptions about the peer review process and provide insight as to how to navigate the process as an aspiring author and editorial board member. The session will cover how to understand the mission and audience reach of journals, the varying range of publication formats, submission processes, and how to get involved with journal review boards. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with presenters who serve as editor assistants in their graduate student role. – Terra Molengraff, PhD, University of Michigan and Michelle Rossi, PhD Candidate, University of California Davis
4:50-5pm Closing Remarks
Presenters
Lisa Augustine, MB BCh, MHRT/C, (she/her/hers), Research Fellow, Center for Psychiatric Rehab, Boston University
Lisa is a people-first medical doctor and researcher focused on promoting college student mental health and physician well-being. Lisa is an advocate for her students and patients and is driven by the passion to improve equity and access to mental health recovery tools for minority populations.
Kendrel Cabarrus, BA, MHA, (he/him/his), Administrative Fellow, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Kendrel Cabarrus is a first-generation student from rural eastern North Carolina who is passionate about promoting equitable access, policy reform, and mentorship for personal and professional development. Having earned a BA in English and Master of Healthcare Administration from UNC Chapel Hill, he understands the unique challenges faced by first-gen scholars navigating the academic system. As a student, he served as a peer mentor for the LEDA Scholars Program and as an inaugural member of their Policy Corps dedicated to advancing equity in education policy. Kendrel’s participation in this symposium stems from his commitment to shed light on the importance of support systems for the success of future first-gen undergraduate and graduate students. Outside of academic pursuits, he enjoys reading, spending time with family, and playing the saxophone.
Urann Chan, PhD, (he/him/his), Associate, McKinsey & Company
Urann is currently an Associate at McKinsey & Company in NYC, where he primarily works in the Life Science and Pharmaceutical practice. Prior to McKinsey, Urann completed his PhD at Duke University with Dr. Anne West where he studied brain development and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Having grown up in Cambodia, Urann was both a first-gen college and graduate student and has mentored many other students through different TRiO programs, Cientifico Latino, as well as Duke F1RST, where he served as co-outreach coordinator and VP.
Beverly Chen, LCSW, (she/her/hers), Director, Wellbeing Education and Training at Boston University
Beverly Chen, LCSW is currently the Director, Wellbeing Education and Training at Boston University. She leads life skills workshops and teaches classes that promote Student Wellbeing. She also has a small private practice. She has been a licensed clinical social worker for over 20 years and received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan. She has worked in a variety of settings including Duke University Counseling Center and Harvey Mudd College. She has been an adjunct faculty at Westmont College and Azusa Pacific University. Her passions include mentoring young adults, teaching, writing, traveling, hiking the great outdoors and savoring diverse cuisines.
Moshe Cohen, MBA, (he/him/his), Senior Lecturer at Questrom School of Business, Boston University
Moshe Cohen has been teaching negotiation, leadership, conflict resolution and organizational behavior as founder of The Negotiating Table since 1995 and as a senior lecturer at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business since 2000. He has worked with thousands of students as well as companies worldwide. As a mediator, Moshe has worked to resolve hundreds of matters, and also coaches executives, managers, and individuals on leading others and negotiating effectively. He is the author of two books – Collywobbles, How to Negotiate When Negotiating Makes You Nervous and Optimism is a Choice and Other Timeless Ideas. He has also written numerous articles and cases, and appears in podcasts, videos, and interviews. Moshe studied Physics at Cornell University and has a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, specializing in robotics. After a dozen years in robotics, he completed his MBA from Boston University and fell in love with negotiation, mediation, and leadership.
Paula Collado Cordon, BA, (she/her/hers), PhD Candidate at Duke University
I am a first-gen graduate student from Granada, Spain. I moved to the US to attend college, and I stayed to continue my education and pursue a PhD in Biology at Duke University. I work on plant-microbiome interactions and climate change from a molecular biology perspective. I am very involved in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality initiatives, as I want to help prospective students feel more welcomed and supported as they navigate the grounds of graduate school.
Alexa Friedman, PhD, (she//her/hers), Senior Scientist at Boston University School of Public Health/Environmental Working Group
Alexa is an environmental epidemiologist working in the non-profit space. Alexa completed her doctorate in environmental health at Boston University School of Public Health. During graduate school, Alexa participated in and led efforts to break down barriers to applying to and interviewing for graduate school. She is committed to helping first-generation students and others have equitable experiences in graduate education.
Selena Hernandez, MEd, (she/her/hers), Higher Education Administration, Stonehill College
Selena received her bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz in sociology and a minor in education. She is the first in her family to graduate from a university with a bachelor’s degree. She also received her master’s degree in higher education administration at the Wheelock College of Education of Boston University and is also a first-generation master’s graduate. She found her passion in supporting students, especially underrepresented students in higher education, relying upon her own personal college experience to support them.
Amy Kostrewa, MAT, (she/her/hers), Director, Office of Biomedical Graduate Education, Duke University School of Medicine
Amy serves as the Director of the Office of Biomedical Graduate Education at Duke University School of Medicine. Among other things, her office oversees admissions and recruiting, program assessment, student professional development and wellness, responsible conduct of research curriculum, course evaluation, and competency-based evaluation for the 18 PhD programs in the Duke School of Medicine. Amy helps lead and design curriculum for PhD student professional development courses on topics including professionalism for first-year students, internship preparation, and leadership. Prior to this role, she worked in graduate admissions and student services at Duke and taught English at a public high school in Hillsborough, NC.
Juan Leon Parra, MA LMHC, (he/him/his), Clinician, CEDAR Clinic
Juan Leon Parra is part of the CEDAR clinical team, is a bilingual first-generation mental health professional, and higher ed instructor. He has more than 13 years of experience supporting and collaborating with underrepresented individuals and communities in the Boston area. He has significant experience facilitating wellbeing-oriented classes, trainings, and one-on-one coaching.
Terra Molengraff, PhD, (she/her/hers), Program Director of First-Generation Initiatives, University of Michigan
Terra Molengraff is the Program Director of First-Generation Initiatives at the University of Michigan. She graduated with her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota’s Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development Graduate Program. Her research focuses on how colleges and universities support FG college students with an emphasis on institutional change agents and organizational change. As a FG college student who attended and graduated from graduate school and now supports FG students, her work focuses on the intersections of the FG identity and how the structures of higher education can be changed to support students.
Angela (Ang) Richard, BS, MEd Higher Education Administration, (she/her/hers), Assistant Director of Career Education at Boston University’s Center for Career Development
Ang Richard is an Assistant Director of Career Education at Boston University’s Center for Career Development. As a Gen Z, first-gen student and professional, Ang is passionate about empowering early career professionals to thrive in the world of work. She is a LinkedIn Community Top Voice in Career Counseling & Resume Writing, and she strives to foster a sense of belonging wherever she goes. She is a course facilitator in the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development at Boston University, as well as an active EACE, NACE, CCC, AERA, and ACPA member.
Kristin Russell, NBHWC, (she/her/hers), Assistant Director of Trainee Development, Duke University
Kristin Russell is a national board-certified professional development and wellness coach. She coaches biomedical graduate students in the School of Medicine at Duke University and teaches workshops and courses on professional development.
Michelle Rossi, PhD Candidate, (she/her/hers), Editorial Assistant, Associate Instructor, Graduate Research Assistant, University of California Davis
Michelle Rossi serves as the editorial assistant for the NASPA Journal of First-Generation Student Success. As a PhD Candidate in Sociology at UC Davis, she has served as an Associate Instructor and Teaching Assistant. As well, she works for the Center for Educational Effectiveness as a Graduate Student Researcher and for Student Affairs as a Success Coach and Learning Strategist, where she combines research and practice that aims to make the university a more inclusive space for all students. Her dissertation research explores advanced degree programs and the structural mechanisms that reproduce inequalities for first-gen students.
JAKE Small, MEd, (he/they), Director of Strategic Alliances, Leadership Brainery
With over seven years of experience in higher education and workplace equity consulting, JAKE Small is passionate about advancing educational equity at every level of formal learning. As the Director of Strategic Alliances at Leadership Brainery, a nonprofit organization that addresses inequitable access to graduate degrees and workforce leadership opportunities for underrepresented students, JAKE leverages his skills in leadership, training, and coalition-building to initiate, cultivate, and sustain strategic partnerships with organizations that strive for equity. JAKE brings diverse perspectives and experiences to any team and leverages his greatest skill: building momentum around a shared vision.
Jared Smith, (he/him/his), Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Duke University
Before joining the Duke Career Center, Jared worked to provide holistic care to first-generation, low-income, and students with undocumented status at Tufts University’s FIRST Resource Center. In his current role at Duke, he works closely with student leaders, faculty, and staff, supporting diverse student communities to enhance and uplift career readiness and preparedness for Duke’s diverse student communities.
Erica Vazquez, BBA, (she/her/hers), Financial Inclusion Leader, Truist
Erica Vazquez leads the Financial Wellness division for Truist Bank in the Chapel Hill, Durham, Cary and surrounding cities. Her passion has always been to support others and has been able to fulfil this through the Financial Wellness division at Truist, providing financial literacy education, resources and tools that will aid her audience in gaining financial confidence and reach those aspired goals.