Alumni Convene for National Leadership Conference

In August, close to 200 alumni attended the National Posse Alumni Leadership Conference in New York City. Sayu Bhojwani, the president and founder of The New American Leaders Project (NALP), delivered the keynote address at the annual networking event sponsored by Deloitte, Goodwin Proctor and The New York Times.

The conference kicked off with high energy discussions about world affairs and how alumni are contributing as leaders in their communities.

Posse President and Founder Deborah Bial gave an engaging presentation about 25 years of Scholar accomplishments, alumni achievements and program growth. Her closing charge reminded alumni to rely on one another and pave the way for others.

Building on the themes of leadership, diversity and change, Dr. Bhojwani spoke about her experience as New York City’s first commissioner of immigrant affairs and her current work with NALP to prepare first-and second-generation immigrants for civic leadership. She encouraged alumni to take action and to take their seats at the American table of power.

Ryan Letada, an alumnus of Wheaton College, was selected as the 2014 winner of the Ainslie Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to the global community through social innovation. He is the CEO and cofounder of NextDayBetter, an organization that connects diaspora communities to create positive social change.

“The Posse Foundation continues to change my life,” says Ryan. “I see this award as a gift and responsibility to create impact and give forward. We all have a strong call to action to use the gift that has been given to us—this scholarship, this community, this moment—to make our mark in the world.”

At afternoon sessions designed to provide alumni with practical advice about pursuing graduate degrees and career advancement, Posse welcomed panelists from some of its graduate school affiliates as well as leaders representing government, STEM and consulting career sectors.

For alumni unable to attend the conference in person, Posse was thrilled to offer access to key conference components through an online live stream, as well as through Twitter and Instagram.

Posse is grateful to all the attendees, speakers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the sixth annual alumni conference such a success.