[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Winter-Conference-Blog-Post-Image-.png” alt=”HEAF Winter Conference 2022″ title_text=”HEAF Winter Conference 2022″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]HEAF Winter Conference is a four-day event that serves as an opportunity for current HEAF college students to come back \u201chome to HEAF\u201d during winter break, connect with one another and HEAF staff, and gain practical skills and access to resources that will help them continue to accomplish their educational and professional goals. <\/p>\n
Day 1 included two panels for our students. The first was a conversation with Timothy Thompson, Coordinator of Diversity and Education and Support Services at SUNY Tompkins Cortland Community College, on the value of belonging and how it can affect someone in their educational and professional careers. The second session was a workshop on Personal Branding with Hannah Tenadu, Columbia University.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Mr. Thompson talked about his academic career and gave advice to our students about what he has learned throughout the years. One of the topics he talked about was Imposter Syndrome, the feeling that you do not belong or are not good enough to belong in a certain space \/ social setting. When talking about students doubting themselves in college, Mr. Thompson said, \u201cif you start to think \u2018wow I do not belong\u2019 remember this school accepted you, yes you do belong\u201d.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/HEAF_Timothy-Thompson_WC.png” alt=”portrait of Timothy Thompson” title_text=”Timothy Thompson” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Hannah-Tenadu.png” alt=”portrait of Hannah Tenadu” title_text=”Hannah Tenadu” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|2%||2%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Ms. Tenadu hosted a workshop for our students on building a Personal Brand. Topics discussed included resume writing basics, online presence and building professional relationships (networking). While talking about resume writing and how to help your resume stand out, Ms. Tenadu highlighted that, \u201cwhen considering how to define your personal brand, think about the attributes that you feel are unique to you and that make you YOU\u201d.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Day 2 focused on the topics of Resilience and Mental Health. HEAF\u2019s Youth Development team led a session on Boundaries & Healthy Relationships focused on proactive ways to implement healthy boundaries in their personal and professional lives.<\/p>\n
Day 3 was packed with multiple panels focused on the theme of Social Justice. \u201cOur Voice for Change Panel\u201d featured Crystal Joseph, Vice President of Communications at The League of Women Voters of the City of New York, and Marti Gould-Cummings, Drag Artist, Activist, and Former City Council Candidate. In addition, a Financial Literacy: Budget and Savings panel was led by the Santander Team. The night concluded with the Hunger and Food Security for College Students with Leondra Taylor, SUNY Environmental Science Forestry.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Crystal-Joseph.png” alt=”portrait of Crystal Joseph” title_text=”Crystal Joseph” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||6%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
During the \u201cVoting and Being a Voice for Change Panel\u201d, Crystal Joseph and Marti Gould-Cummings talked about their personal experiences in politics and the \u201clight-bulb\u201d moment that made them want to get more involved. They also discussed the importance of being consistent and using the mindset of \u201chow will this affect those around me instead of how will this affect me\u201d.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Marti-Gould-Cummings.png” alt=”portrait of Marti Gould-Cummings” title_text=”Marti Gould-Cummings” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”76%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Leondra Taylor, SUNY Environmental Science Forestry, led the panel \u201cHunger and Food Security for College Students\u201d with an energetic discussion centered on the challenges of food security when students leave home for college. Leondra explained how colleges and organizations are placing more emphasis on understanding, communicating and addressing these issues and shared resources all students can tap.<\/p>\n