Saturday, November 9
9am-5pm
Willard Straight Hall

 

REGISTER HERE

Interested in presenting? Session proposals can be submitted here.

 

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack

Anthony Abraham Jack is the renowned author of the award-winning and widely acclaimed book The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges are Failing Disadvantaged Students. Dr. Jack’s research reframes the conversation surrounding poverty and higher education and details how class divides on campus create barriers to academic and career success. Once a low-income, first-generation college student himself, Anthony is now the faculty director of Boston University’s Newbury Center, which serves first-generation students and focuses on student success and inclusion.

Additionally, Anthony is the author of Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price. His research has been cited by The New York Times, the Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, The National Review, The Washington Post, American RadioWorks, WBUR, and MPR. He is also the recipient of the Thomas J. Wilson Memorial Prize by Harvard University Press for his, The Privileged Poor.

What is this conference?

This event is hosted by the First-Generation & Low Income Student Support office at Cornell - and run by staff from across campus that way to support YOU! This is a chance to meet your peers, find community, be celebrated and learn about all the resources available on campus.

Who is this conference for?

Any student on campus who identifies as a first-generation college student. At Cornell, we consider you a first-generation college student if you come from a family in which neither of your parents or guardians has obtained a four-year college degree.

Although you may feel like you are alone in that experience, 19.9% of the students in the incoming class of 2026 identified as first-generation college students!

What should I expect at the conference?

The conference will touch on a wide variety of topics that may interest you including things such as campus life, financial literacy, life transitions, and well-being. Themes will include learning about yourself, defining your passions and taking action.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Conference schedule:

9:00 - 9:40am | Welcome & Refreshments (40 min)
9:40 - 10:30am | Breakout Sessions (Concurrent) (50 min) 
10:40 - 11:30am | Breakout Sessions (Concurrent) (50 min) 
11:30am - 12:50pm | Sit-Down Brunch & Keynote (1 hr 20 min)
1:00 - 1:50pm | Life Skills Fair (50 min)
2:00 - 2:50pm | Fireside Chat (50 min)
3:00 - 3:45pm | Conference Closing/Alma Mater ( 45min)

*Please be aware that the committee is still finalizing aspects of the conference, so details may change.

Breakout Sessions

What is a breakout session? Breakout sessions are blocks of time within a conference where attendees can choose to break off into smaller groups in order to explore specific topics in depth. These sessions could look like group discussions, panel talks or workshops. Led by expert facilitators, this format enhances engagement and fosters meaningful connections among participants.

FIRST BREAK OUT SESSION
9:40-10:30am

You choose one of the four options

1. Learn to Network and Find Research Opportunities
Presented by: Barbara Oh, Associate Director in the Health Professions Advising Center

In this interactive workshop, students will improve their networking skills to become super-connectors, learning reusable frameworks for meaningful connections and the relationship between networking and research. They'll practice new skills and receive a customizable action framework along with email and messaging templates for various contexts, including academic and professional settings.

2. Interrupting Intersectional Imposter Syndrome
Presented by: Sam Benson, Assistant Director for Graduate Affairs in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Perdita Das, Assistant Dean at the Hans Bethe House within the West Campus House System

Have you been told not to tell others that you feel like an imposter? That you shouldn't challenge yourself too much? Like you’re at Cornell by mistake or luck? BINGO! This workshop will validate you, unpack these experiences, and provide a space for collective reflection and action.

3. First-Gen Futures: Creating Resumes & Cover Letters for Success
Presented by: Heather Fortenberry, Assistant Director for Career Readiness at Cornell Career Services

This workshop will help you to create standout resumes and cover letters. Learn essential steps, create impactful bullet points, develop strong cover letter strategies, and identify helpful resources. Gain the tools and confidence to elevate your application materials for internships, jobs, or academic opportunities

4. Stories and Advice from First-Generation Graduate Students
Presented by  Dana Brenklin, PhD Student in Literature (Graduating 2030)
Anyerys Diaz, PhD Student in Genetics (Graduating 2029)
Christopher Wray, Master of Health Administration Student (Graduating 2025)
Pei Wen Xiao, PhD Students in Biomedical Engineering (Graduating 2029)

Attending college is a significant milestone toward a successful career in a person's life; but for first-gen and low-income students, reaching these milestones can be a challenge due to the disparities in finances and resources. This panel aims to address the struggles first-gen students face and highlight their perseverance.

SECOND BREAK OUT SESSION 
10:40 - 11:30am

You choose one of the three options

1. Forging a Research Path with the Library
Presented by: Hannah Toombs, Engaged Learning Librarian and Liaison to LACS, Latinx Studies, Spanish & Portuguese within the Cornell Library
Robin Gee, Critical Pedagogy & Equity Librarian at Cornell Library

Learning research skills can be overwhelming, so Cornell University Library is here to make that process easier! This presentation introduces library services that support student success including library spaces, technology rentals, workshops, borrowing services, databases, and examples of meaningful collaboration between the library and FGLI students on campus.

2. We Take Care of Us: Mental Health 101
Presented by: Juliana Garcia, Counselor/Latinx Community Liaison at Cornell Health
Elizabeth Jonas, International Student Community Liaison Therapist at Cornell Health

During this presentation you will (1) learn what’s happening in your brain and body when you’re feeling at peace and feeling stressed/overwhelmed (2) practice mindfulness and grounding skills that you can add to your well-being toolbox (3) explore your values and how to use them as an anchor.

3. Planning Economic Mobility: Managing & Investing Your Money
Presented by: Steven Cox, Financial Literacy Coach

This presentation will cover the 7 core elements of a strong financial plan and teach participants how to build a personalized budget that aligns with their unique habits. Additionally, attendees will discover effective saving strategies designed to enhance economic mobility and secure long-term financial success

FIRESIDE CHAT
2-2:50 PM

Everyone goes to this one!

Being a First-Generation College Graduate: Yesterday, Today, and Beyond
Presented by: Dannemart Pierre, Associate Dean for Student Empowerment and Director of First-Generation and Low-Income Student Support within The Center for Student Equity Empowerment and Belonging

A facilitated conversation with Dr. Anthony Jack, Jerry Goldman '72, and Ben Dalusma '15.

Dr. Anthony Jack is an award-winning author and renowned speaker. His research reframes the conversation surrounding poverty and higher education and details how class divides on campus create barriers to academic and career success. Once a low-income, first-generation college student himself, Anthony is the faculty director of Boston University’s Newbury Center, which serves first-generation students and focuses on student success and inclusion.

Jerry Goldman is an active Cornell alum serving on the Dyson Advisory Council and playing an integral role in the development of the Accounting Program on campus. Upon retiring in 2011 Jerry has devoted his energies to non-profit activities including working closely with an inner-city public school in the Bronx as a baseball coach, tutor and college counselor.

Ben Dalusma is is a first-generation Haitian-American specializing in business analytics. He is currently the Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group, where he advises companies on digital, pricing, corporate strategy, and marketing topics.

 

We can't wait to meet you!

REGISTER HERE

 

Faculty & Staff:

We want you to be involved, too!

 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Request to Become a Presenter

    We invite you to submit a proposal to present at this conference. We are seeking engaging sessions, workshops, and presentations that will empower, inspire, and equip first-gen students with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally. This is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise, connect with trailblazing students, and contribute to the success of future first-generation college graduates. We welcome proposals from educators, professionals, alumni, and organizations who are passionate about supporting this incredible community. We look forward to receiving your submissions and creating an impactful experience for our first-gen students!

    Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

    • Navigating the transition from high school to college
    • Building networks and support systems
    • Academic success strategies for first-gen students
    • Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence
    • Financial literacy and managing student debt
    • Preparing for internships, jobs, and post-graduation success
    • Mental health and wellness for first-gen students

    Submission Details:

    • Deadline: October 9, 2024
    • Submit your proposal here!

  • Become a Sponsor

    We offer several sponsorship opportunities that provide visibility for your organization, along with the chance to directly contribute to the success of Cornell’s trailblazing first-gen students. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable exposure while directly supporting first-gen students’ academic, personal, and professional journeys. Together, let’s empower the next generation of leaders!

    Sponsorship Opportunities:

    Champion: Keynote Sponsor ($3,000+)

    • Company logo featured on all swag bags distributed to conference attendees. Logo submission deadline October 11th.
    • Premier branding on all conference materials and promotion
    • VIP access to meet the keynote speaker
    • Invite two students to join the keynote session

    Advocate: Swag Bag Sponsor ($1,500+)

    • Company logo featured on all swag bags distributed to conference attendees. Logo submission deadline October 11th.
    • Include two branded promotional items in each bag (125)
    • Recognition on the conference website, program, and signage

    Supporter: Conference Ribbon Sponsor ($300+)

    • Company name/logo on custom ribbons worn by all attendees
    • Recognition on the conference website and program

    Interested in Sponsorship?

    Contact Shannon Musgrove at smm448@cornell.edu  for more details or to confirm your sponsorship.

    Commitment Deadline: October 20, 2024.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Conference Planning Committee Members

  • Shannon Musgrove, Associate Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment; Committee Chair-Person
  • Max Mandeville, Senior Conference and Event Planner; Logistics
  • Bridget DuBrey, Student Engagement Systems Analyst; Registration
  • Foula Dimopoulos, Senior Advisor for EOP, HEOP & Pre-Professional Programs (P3), First Gen Program Coordinator; Registration
  • Laura Gallup, Communications Lead; Marketing and Communications
  • Carrie Bauer, Upward Bound Program Coordinator; Life Skills Fair
  • Pa Nhia Yang, Assistant Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment; Sponsors & Keynote
  • Elaine Lu, Career Readiness Coach; Breakout Sessions
  • Erika Crawley, Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards; Breakout Sessions
  • Victor Cuicahua, Associate Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment, Undocumented/DACA Student Support; Breakout Sessions
  • Dannemart Pierre, Associate Dean of Students, Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Empowerment; Conference Advisor & Breakout Sessions