Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt Career Symposium Connects Women with Theme, Maximizing Your Full Potential

Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 established an endowment to provide and advance this highly successful symposium that brings together women for day-long symposium, FREE to all Douglass alumnae, and financial contributors to the AADC.

Join Douglass alumnae and friends for the AADC Ninth Annual Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ‘42 Workplace & Professional Development Symposium on campus this fall at the Douglass Student Center on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 established an endowment to provide and advance this highly successful symposium that brings together women for day-long symposium, FREE to all Douglass alumnae, and financial contributors to the AADC.

Non-alumnae may attend for a nominal cost. Registration online is required. (https://douglassalumnae.org/events/victoria-dabrowski-schmidt-42-career-symposium-and-luncheon/)

The day-long symposium features 13 powerful presenters exploring the theme, “Maximizing Your Full Potential: Using the Power of Your Strengths and Talents for Professional and Personal Development,” with keynote by Executive Coach and DEI Specialist Tynisha Coleman ‘08, who is founder and CEO of Exalt Consulting, along with a panel discussion, workshops, and networking opportunities.

The symposium is designed to bring women and their allies across professions, whether beginning or advancing a career, exploring new professions, or considering retirement, the program will focus on embracing a holistic approach to offer powerful keynote, sessions, a panel of mental health care experts and signature workshops to educate, empower and engage attendees.

Dynamic speakers will share perspectives on a range of topics including neurodiversity, the impact of physical and emotional health on career success, dealing with burnout, professional, professional etiquette, redefining retirement and transitioning from employee to entrepreneurship. There will also be opportunities to network throughout the day.
Benefactor Victoria Dabrowksi Schmit ‘42 says she “wants to help women achieve through supporting workplace and professional development.”

The Symposium luncheon will feature the AADC Society of Excellence Induction Ceremony, which honors the distinguished careers and community achievements of three graduates.

2024 Honorees are Jennifer C. Bender ‘93, Esq.; Pamela Brug ‘84, MD, MS; and Debra Lynch ‘79, Ph.D.

To attend only the Society of Excellence Induction Ceremony Luncheon, register here. www.douglasslaumnae.org/upcoming-events/aadc-society-of-excellence-luncheon-only-2024/

Symposium Keynote, Panel, Sessions and Speakers Line Up
Speakers will address a range of career development and advancement issues facing today’s women as they move forward in all aspects of their lives:

Keynote Address Unleashing Your Full Potential: Catalyst for Transformation (Tynisha Coleman ‘08, CEO and Founder of Exalt Consulting)

• Beyond Limits: Building Resilience Amidst Life’s Obstacles Panel Discussion (Melody Gratic, Alison Maloney, Benita Talati ’03, and Lisa Taubenblat ’95)
• You Can Do It!: Follow Your Calling without Fear (Kaila Boulware Sykes ’15)
• Running Positivity Campaigns for Marginalized Communities in the Workplace (Sangeetha Subramanian ’08)
• Is Imposter Syndrome Burning You Out? (Nichole Inya-Agha ’08 and Sharmaine Lewis)
• Redefining Retirement with Estate Planning Tools (Tina M. James ’06)
• Empowering Educators: Nurturing New Teachers and Aspiring Educators (Tina Dorio Perri ’90 and Lauren Stone)
• From Handshakes to Heartbeats: Maximizing Potential Through Networking and Volunteering
  (Catherine Sackey ’22)

About the Symposium
Major funding for the ninth annual Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace & Professional Development Symposium was provided by centenarian Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt, Class of 1942. She recently celebrated her milestone 103rd birthday, and previously celebrated with Douglass alumnae at the AADC 100th Anniversary Proud History to Bright Future Gala held in June 2022. The AADC Symposium Planning Committee is led by volunteer Co-Chairs Candice Batts ‘02 and Fabiola Paul ‘09, and Lorrie Delaney, Director of Alumnae Relations, Class of 2018, as well as committee volunteers.