2025 Career Week
A Better Chance offers Career Week as an exclusive benefit to our Scholars and college-aged Alumni. Join us from March 15-22, 2025 for over 35 career exploration and skills development sessions.
Each 45-minute session requires a separate registration. We encourage you to sign up for as many sessions as you have the capacity to attend!
How to Engage During Career Week
To make the most of Career Week, follow these best practices for participation:
✅ Use Your Full Name – When joining each session, ensure your display name includes your First and Last Name so presenters can recognize you.
📷 Turn Your Camera On – Engage actively by keeping your camera on during sessions. This helps create a more interactive and professional experience.
📝 Register for Each Session – You must sign up for each session individually to receive access links and important updates.
Explore the Career Week Schedule
Click the dates below to view the full schedule for each day of Career Week.
Bookmark this site to stay informed about new sessions, speakers, and opportunities designed to help you navigate your future.
Saturday, March 15
Check back regularly as new sessions and speakers are added—don’t miss the opportunity to expand your career possibilities!
2025 Career Week Kick Off
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM EDT | 11:00 AM PDT
Presenter: Deval Patrick | Former Governor of Massachusetts | A Better Chance Alum
Description: "My own career has not been linear. If there was a through-line it was about what could I do with the talents and the capacities I had to leave something better."
Career Week kicks off with ABC Alum and former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick in conversation with ABC Board Member Gennell Jefferson (The Vistria Group), sharing wisdom and inspiration from his over 40-year career in both the private sector and public service.
How to Create a Standout Résumé
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM EDT | 12:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Vinaya Shah | Deloitte
Description: Need help crafting a compelling résumé? This session will equip you with the tools and confidence to create a résumé that effectively showcases your qualifications and enhances your job search success.
#ProfessionalGrowth #RésuméTips #JobSearch
Careers in Cybersecurity
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM EDT | 1:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Whitney Kassel | Morgan Stanley
Description: Dive into the world of cybersecurity where you can be the protector of data and networks from cyber threats. Learn about the different roles available and how to get started in your career!
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much faster than average
#CareerExploration #CyberSecurity #STEM #ComputerScience
The Chaos, The Growth & The Glow-Up
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM EDT | 2:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Dr. Karen Traylor-Adolph, Ph.D. | A Better Chance Alum
Description: Learn about Dr. Traylor-Adolph's journey from failing out of college to becoming a licensed psychologist.
"My 6th-grade 'My Future' essay never predicted I’d fail my first psych courses and get kicked out of college. But guess what? That failure set me up for the comeback of my life. From battling depression at boarding school to proving people wrong when they literally said, 'You’re not going to make it,' my journey to becoming a licensed psychologist was anything but a straight path. If you’ve ever felt lost, doubted, or like success wasn’t in your cards—this talk is for you. Spoiler: You can still make it."
#PersonalGrowth #Failure #Success #Resilience #ABCAlum
Monday, March 17
Check back regularly as new sessions and speakers are added—don’t miss the opportunity to expand your career possibilities!
Navigating Different Management and Leadership Styles While Still Getting Ahead
Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM EDT | 1:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Andrew Cardamone | Loop Capital
Description: Every company has unique leaders, organizational structures, and promotion paths. In this highly interactive session, a Managing Director at Loop Capital Markets will share their 25-year career journey across various banks and financial institutions. You'll learn examples of how to leverage your skills and experience to climb the corporate ladder. This session also offers the opportunity to ask any and all questions about building a strong and stable career in finance.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Faster than Average to Much Faster than Average
#ProfessionalGrowth #Finance #CareerLessons
Developing Financial Fundamentals: Making Money Moves
Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM EDT | 2:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Rodney Bolden | Morgan Stanley
Description: What is money, what does it mean to you and how can you build strong money habits? In this session, attendees will learn the building blocks on how to create a healthy financial life for years to come. We will discuss how making smarter spending decisions today can help you achieve a brighter financial future tomorrow.
#PersonalGrowth #FinancialLiteracy
Careers in Media & Entertainment
Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM EDT | 3:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Kelly Turner | A Better Chance Alum
Description: Learn about the exciting world of media and entertainment where you can be involved in a variety of fields including movies, television, journalism, and content creation.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: As fast as average
#CareerExploration #Media #Entertainment #CreativeArts #ABCAlum
Crafting Your Story Through A Cover Letter
Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EDT | 4:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Jen Boren | Stanley Black & Decker
Description: Unlock the power of storytelling in your cover letter that highlights your skills and experiences to captivate employers and showcase your unique journey and strengths.
#ProfessionalGrowth #CoverLetter #Storytelling #JobSearch
Navigating the Chaos: Embracing Your Passion and the Unpredictability of Career Exploration
Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM EDT | 5:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Jasmine Johnson
Description: Success isn't a straight line, but rather a series of twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities. This session will help you embrace the chaos of career exploration and turn uncertainty into opportunity. We’ll dive into strategies for identifying what you're passionate about, how to approach uncertainty, and why sometimes the detours lead to the most fulfilling destinations.
#ProfessionalGrowth #CareerExploration #Opportunity #Success
Amplifying Success and Empowering Meaningful Careers
Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: LeAnne Armstead Randolph | Kroger | A Better Chance Alum
Description: Learn essential skills to achieve higher levels of career advancement. Discover how to embrace your role as a catalyst for change in empowering yourself to drive innovation. Finally, learn about highlighting the importance of cultivating a positive mindset to enhance your leadership effectiveness and inspire those around you.
#ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipSkills #PositiveMindset #Innovation #ABCAlum
Careers in Asset Management - Jennison Associates: Investment Excellence & Client Commitment
Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Melvin Acevedo, Sara Moreno and Ryan Rampersaud | Jennison Associates
Description: Since its founding in 1969, Jennison has been dedicated exclusively to managing client assets, utilizing an unwavering investment approach, where success is defined as helping our clients achieve their investment objectives. As a group, we will discuss what it means to manage assets on behalf of our clients and the skills necessary to perform those efforts. You will also hear about our Client Relationship efforts and what it means to service clients across the globe.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #InvestmentManagement #Finance #Business
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Tuesday, March 18
Check back regularly as new sessions and speakers are added—don’t miss the opportunity to expand your career possibilities!
Tips for Success in the Workplace
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM EDT | 1:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Celia Santana | Personal Risk Management Solutions
Description: Ready to crush it in your future career? Join us for an inspiring session where successful business leader and entrepreneur, Celia Santana, President and CEO of Personal Risk Management Solutions, will share insider secrets for owning your success at work by focusing on three key areas: developing and mastering skills, managing and maintaining those skills and building and growing for long-term success.
Success isn’t accidental; it’s the result of continuous effort and strategic action. Whether you’re just starting out in your first job or advancing in your career, mastering these areas will help you take control of your growth and unlock your full potential.
#ProfessionalGrowth #Success #Opportunities
Résumé 101
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM EDT | 2:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Erin Fast | Global Atlantic
Description: Discover essential tips and tricks to craft a standout résumé that grabs attention and opens doors for your future.
#ProfessionalGrowth #RésuméTips #JobSearch
Nailing your Interview
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM EDT | 3:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Amanda Rodriguez, Diana Fudiman, Shatoiya Irby and Argenis Rojas | Morgan Stanley
Description: Master the art of interviews with expert tips and techniques to confidently impress and land your dream job.
#ProfessionalGrowth #Interviews #Storytelling #JobSearch
Personal Branding: Crafting Your Stories
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EDT | 4:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Julia McCurdy | Morgan Stanley
Description: What is a brand? Have you ever wondered how you could promote your personal brand? Do you have an elevator pitch for your personal brand? Come join this workshop to learn how to craft your personal brand!
#ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalBrand #Storytelling #Self-Advocacy
Google to Signal Fire: An ABC Alum’s Leadership Journey
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM EDT | 5:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Sadasia McCutchen and Morgan Massey | SignalFire | A Better Chance Alum | A Better Chance National Advisory Council
Description: Hear from an ABC Alum about their leadership journey from Google to Signal Fire, gaining insights into career transitions, strategic decision-making, and the skills needed to navigate and lead in the tech and venture capital industries.
#CareerExploration #ABCAlum #Leadership
The Future of AI and Automation
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Jan Enderle | Xerox
Description: Unlock the potential of AI and automation to shape the future of industries, revolutionize technology, and transform the way we live and work!
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #AI #Science #Technology
The Power of Design: Shaping Your Life, Career, and Future
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Will Dubose
Description: Design is all around us—it influences our daily lives, our careers, and even our personal growth. In this session, Will DuBose will explore how the world of design, architecture, and construction impacts us. Join into to learn how these fields shape the world we live in. Hear firsthand how design impacted his journey from youth to professional and discover the exciting career paths available in this dynamic industry.
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Wednesday, March 19
Check back regularly as new sessions and speakers are added—don’t miss the opportunity to expand your career possibilities!
Navigating the Broad Industry of Finance
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM EDT | 1:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Jonathan Gardner | A Better Chance Alum | Brown Advisory
Description: Unlock the secrets of private investment careers! Join this dynamic panel session featuring top professionals from Brown Advisory, a leading private investment firm, and discover the diverse paths you can take in this exciting field.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #Investor #Finance #Business
Careers in Medicine & Science
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM EDT | 2:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Dr. Ayodele Adesanya, M.D. | A Better Chance Alum
Description: Over the past years, medicine, science, and society have been closer than ever. Come share time with A Better Chance Alum and primary care physician-scientist, Dr. Ayo Adesanya as he describes his journeys in these fields and highlights opportunities for you to launch your own!
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: As fast as average
#CareerExploration #Medicine #MedicalResearch #ABCAlum
Designing your Future: A Creative Director’s Journey
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM EDT | 3:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Scotto Kim | Medtronic
Description: A passion for creativity, combined with hard work and resilience, can open doors to incredible opportunities. Discover how to identify your own creative strengths, embrace your unique story, overcome challenges, and build a successful career.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: As fast as average
#CareerExploration #Branding #Creativity #Marketing #ArtDirection
Careers in Medicine
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EDT | 4:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Dr. Ashanda Saint Jean, M.D. | A Better Chance Alum
Description: This insightful session on women's health, public health, and mental health, will center a career in the healthcare industry focused on access for underrepresented minority women. Learn how to advocate for yourself and others, and discover resources to support a healthier future for all.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: As fast as average
#CareerExploration #Medicine #PublicHealth #ABCAlum
How Do You Keep NYC Moving?
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Cesar Miranda | Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Description: With over 8 million residents and nearly 65 million annual visitors to New York City, the MTA's ridership exceeds more than one billion per year across subways, busses, and commuter rail lines. This session will break down how the largest transportation authority in the US uses data to drive the decisions which help to make New York the city that never sleeps.
#CareerExploration #Transportation #NYC #DataDriven
A Road to Private Wealth Management
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Anthony Shropshire | A Better Chance Alum
Description: A career can start in one place and take you somewhere unexpected. Learn about the world of private wealth management from an A Better Chance Alum whose journey has led him to the top of the field providing personalized financial planning and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #Finance #WealthManagement #Money #ABCAlum
Mastering the Markets: Becoming an Investment Manager
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Christopher Baxter | Morgan Stanley
Description: Becoming a successful investment manager requires a blend of analytical expertise, strategic thinking, and a world view. Following this session, you will have gained a better understanding of global financial markets and learn why adaptability and continuous learning are critical to staying ahead in this dynamic industry.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #Finance #Investments #GlobalMarkets
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Thursday, March 20
Check back regularly as new sessions and speakers are added—don’t miss the opportunity to expand your career possibilities!
Careers in Electrical Engineering
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM EDT | 1:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Deb Banerjee | Stanley Black & Decker
Description: Explore the endless opportunities in electrical engineering and discover how you can power the future through innovation and technology.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #Engineering #Science #Technology
STAR Method for Interview Questions
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM EDT | 2:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Esteban Perez | Morgan Stanley
Description: Cameras on for this highly interactive workshop on the STAR Method, where you'll learn how to effectively structure interview responses using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework, and gain hands-on practice to master this essential interview technique.
#CareerExploration #STARMethod #Interview
Resilient Superpowers: Paving Your Own Path into Tech
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM EDT | 3:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Kade Cahe | Calendly , Lidia De La Cruz | Poderosa Coding
Description: You don’t need to be a math genius—or even know math at all—to break into tech. You don’t have to be obsessed with computers or plan to major in Computer Science in college either. If you're interested in a tech career but have doubts about succeeding, Kade and Lidia invite you to explore what it takes to persevere: resiliency superpowers. Bring your questions and join us for an inspiring conversation about overcoming obstacles and thriving in the tech industry through untraditional journeys!
#CareerExploration #Software #Engineering #Coding
Leadership Through Relationships: Focusing Your Energy Where It Matters Most
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EDT | 4:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Clinton McClain | A Better Chance Alum
Description: Leadership is more than titles — it is about the relationships we build. Scholars and Alumni will gain insights on fostering connections and leading with kindness, knowing that relationships built today can shape the future in unexpected ways.
#ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #Networking #Connections #ABCAlum
Our Money Story
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM EDT | 5:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Berna Anat | New Dimes
Description: Learn from a finance influencer how to manage your money smartly and honor your stories and experences! Do you remember the first thing you ever bought with your own money? What was your first memory of money, ever? A lot of people think being good at money is about math and discipline, but the way we handle money has so much more to do with our emotions than logic. In this session, we’ll dig into some questions and activities to look at how our personal lives — our families, our cultures, even the people we follow on social media — affect our wallets.
#PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneur #Self-Advocacy #Finance
Careers in Law & the Legal Industry
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Lisa Blackburn, Kaya Mosley, Samantha Mon, Tiffany Jang, Seb Gomez, Nataniel Tsai, Andra Popa, Laura Hoya Noel, William Omorogieva, Ebony Miles | Arnold & Porter
Description: Whether you are considering a career in law, wondering about types of jobs in the legal industry, or just starting to explore, take the first step towards learning more about your options and achieving your goals!
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: As fast as average
#CareerExploration #Law
Cultivate Authentic Relationships: Effective Networking Techniques
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT | 6:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Rosie DiVincenzo | Manhattan Theatre Club
Description: Have you ever heard the sentiment, “It’s not about what you know—it’s about who you know”? We will play myth-busters with that age-old conundrum and break down a step-by-step method of cultivating authentic relationships that will help to get you where you want to be. Spoiler alert: introverts can do this too!
#ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #Connections
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Friday, March 21
Check back regularly as new sessions and speakers are added—don’t miss the opportunity to expand your career possibilities!
Careers in Engineering
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM EDT | 1:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Renee Carter | Xerox
Description: Join us to learn about the transformative influence of technology and how you can be inovlved in the various roles!
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much faster than average
#CareerExploration #Engineering #Technology
Internship Prep
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM EDT | 2:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Lily Wong and Cesar Moran | A Better Chance
Description: In this session, students will strengthen their professional workplace skills to ensure a successful internship experience. Through reflection and discussion, they’ll explore how to handle challenging workplace situations, develop strategies for responding effectively, and learn about key resources for support.
#CareerExploration #Internship #Preparation
Growing the Future as an Automation Engineer
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM EDT | 3:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Hope Smith | Stanley Black & Decker
Description: Do you like 3D design, programming, and/or robots? If yes, then please join this session to learn how these items can be used to create new production lines, make safety improvements, and grow your career. Overview of engineering careers, pathways, and industry insights.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #STEM #Engineering
Standing Out in the Interview Process
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EDT | 4:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Jennifer Gordon | Stanley Black & Decker
Description: Master the art of storytelling to ace your interviews and stand out from the competition! Join this session to learn the secrets of a successful interview process.
#ProfessionalGrowth #Interviewing #Storytelling #JobSearch
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Saturday, March 22
Check back regularly as new sessions and speakers are added—don’t miss the opportunity to expand your career possibilities!
AI 101: Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Your Present & Future
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM EDT | 10:00 AM PDT
Presenter: Abrielle Moore, Layo Ogunwusi, Alexandrea Morson, Jennifer Davidson, and Millicent Auma | Morgan Stanley
Description: Join us for a fun and exciting session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and discover how this innovative technology is changing the way we learn and opening up awesome new career paths! In this session, we'll break down what AI is all about, showing you how it works and how it's used in schools and various jobs.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Employment through 2033: Much Faster than Average
#CareerExploration #AI #LargeLanguageModels #FutureOfWork
Make Mentoring Matter
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM EDT | 11:00 AM PDT
Presenter: Yetta Toliver | Xerox
Description: Unlock the power of mentorship in your academic and professional journey. Discover how to find the right mentor, build meaningful relationships, and leverage their guidance to achieve your goals. Define what is mentoring and how it differs from coaching and sponsoring. Explain why mentoring is important. Describe how to have an effective mentoring relationship.
#ProfessionalGrowth #Mentorship #Relationships
From the Backboard to the Board Room: A Conversation with Former NBA All Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM EDT | 12:00 PM PDT
Presenter: Shareef Abdur-Rahim | President, NBA G League
Career Week concludes with Georgia native Shareef Abdur-Rahim — retired pro basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, and current President of the NBA G League — sharing how the lessons learned on the court have influenced his sports management career.
“Thinking about my A Better Chance journey, I say that obstacles shouldn’t limit one’s education as long as a person has the conviction to pursue their dreams and the support to help them. That conviction and encouragement, more than anything else, is what A Better Chance has given me”
Caitlin Chen, A Better Chance Alumna ‘19
Share Your Success!
We are truly excited to be a part of your family's extraordinary journey!
Our mission is to showcase the remarkable achievements of our community and celebrate your successes. Whether your family has reached a milestone, received a college acceptance, secured a scholarship, excelled in a performance, initiated a community service project, or accomplished something else noteworthy, we would be honored to feature your story on our social media platforms.
Your accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all of us and demonstrate the incredible potential within each student. Please share your updates, along with any photos or videos, and let us unite in commemorating these exceptional moments together!
Don’t forget to follow us on social media @abetterchance
Please email us your success stories at media@abetterchance.org!
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