Sodexo Encourages HEAF Students to Pursue Their Passions and Own Their Futures

Furthering its commitment to bridge academic and opportunity gaps for our students, HEAF’s corporate partner Sodexo hosted two panels in March aimed at helping our students pursue their passions and hone the soft skills necessary to build networks and forge alliances to drive success.

The “Soft Skills to Pay the Bills Workshop” panel included Sodexo employees Pamela Smith, Vice President, Talent; Brigette Philpot, Vice President Health, Safety and Environment; and Robbi Stiell, VP, Business Development & Community Engagement. During the panel, our students learned why soft skills are important in the workplace. Soft skills are attributes and personality traits that help employees interact with others and succeed in the workplace. Some include critical thinking, body language, manners, problem solving, communication, listening, teamwork, and work ethic. Each panelist talked with our students about the type of soft skills they personally look for in a person, and shared advice for developing and sharpening soft skills.

Sodexo’s Industry Immersion panel “Pursuing Your Passion” included panelists Mike Grey, Regional Vice-President, K12 Schools; Kenneth Johnson, Assistant General Counsel, Law Department; and Gloria Puentes, Director Community Relations, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. These Sodexo leaders from various sectors of the company came together to share their knowledge and experiences on the importance of pursuing your passion. The panelists discussed their own passions, how they shaped their career journeys, and which individuals in their lives helped them discover those passions. Their messages inspired our students to dream big and seek mentors and allies who can help them make their dreams a reality.

“We are so grateful to Sodexo for its continued support of HEAF and our students,” said Marie Hu, Director of Career Connections. “Volunteers from Sodexo are always among the first to raise their hands to participate in our classes, workshops and career skills development activities for our students, and their impact is truly tangible.”