Celebrate First-Generation College Student Week During Legacy Conference

One of November’s marquee events at FSU is the Legacy Conference, a weeklong celebration honoring First-Generation College Students. Hosted by the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), the conference runs from Wednesday, Nov. 5, through Wednesday, Nov. 12, and features a dynamic lineup of activities, workshops, and keynote presentations.

 

WORKSHOP/PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

 

November 5th, 2025

Session: Hidden Curriculum, Visible Impact Workshop

Time and Location: 2:30 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: Shekena Mompremier, Por’sha Williams, and Chris Joseph

Description: Hidden Curriculum, Visible Impact is an interactive workshop designed to empower first-generation students to uncover the hidden curriculum of college life, the unspoken lessons, opportunities, and relationships that are often overlooked. Participants will explore how everyday actions, such as introducing themselves to professors, connecting with advisors and deans, and navigating campus resources, are powerful forms of leadership that extend beyond executive board positions. The session will highlight campus programs, professional development opportunities, study abroad funding, community service, and alumni networks, demonstrating to students how to effectively leverage these resources to diversify their undergraduate experience. By integrating the hidden curriculum with the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, students will learn to strengthen resilience, build professional readiness, and develop holistic leadership skills. Through practical strategies, insider tips, and guided reflection, this session equips first-generation students with the confidence and knowledge to thrive, lead, and make a visible impact on campus and beyond.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared

 

Session: Surviving to Thriving: Building a Legacy Panel

Time and Location: 2:30 PM in Thagard 105

Presenters: Sauvenson Cadet, Jessica Pierre, Joyce Bun

Description: The First Gen Community (FGC) is hosting an interactive panel to empower first-generation students with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to not just survive, but thrive at FSU. This session moves beyond survival tips and focuses on actionable steps that will help students unlock their leadership potential and begin building their own legacies. It's a space to learn, share, and grow as a community. Networking Stations: After the panel or during Task Force Engagement, create networking stations where students can meet board members and discuss specific topics (e.g., managing finances, joining organizations). Also here we will form groups based on major interest, they will be added to a Groupme where on the board member with the same interest will provide guidance as needed.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Informed

 

Session: Emerging Professionals: Branding & Networking Essentials

Time and Location: 3:45 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: Justin Mohabir

Description: This engaging session is designed to equip students with the practical skills needed to secure internships and full-time job offers. We won't just lecture. We'll be active and hands-on.

The workshop utilizes a visually rich presentation to simplify key career concepts and maximize impact. Crucially, the session incorporates interactive activities and discussion periods to ensure active participation and real-time application of the material.

Key areas of focus will include:

Job Search Mastery: Sharing essential tips and career advice for navigating the application and interview processes.

The Power of Personal Branding: Emphasizing why self-marketing is vital and providing practical strategies for building and effectively presenting your personal brand in professional settings.

Walk away with actionable strategies and the confidence to market yourself successfully to employers.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared

 

Session: The Power of the Fit

Time and Location: 5:00 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: Alen Felix and Enock Nturubika

Description: Join us for an engaging fashion workshop celebrating First-Gen Week! We’ll explore different styles, personal preferences, and practical tips on what to wear, how to style it, and when it’s appropriate. This interactive session empowers students to express themselves confidently through fashion while embracing individuality and cultural identity.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared

 

Session: Presentation with Kristie Kennedy Ward

Time and Location: 5:30 PM in HCB 215

Presenters: Kristie Kennedy Ward, MCPC, LIC, CPT* TEDx Speaker, Keynote Speaker, Image Consultant

Description: Kristie Kennedy Ward, TEDx Audacious Leadership Keynote Speaker and Authentic Lifestyle Author is the owner of Queenfidence Global Image Consulting. Her inspirational gift empowers people with confidence and clarity keys to find their voice, free their voice and look fabulous using their voice. She specializes in four areas of peak performance: mindset mastery, massive momentum, magnetic messaging and potential maximization. She is a Certified Radical Resilience Trainer whose thought-provoking teaching style elevates your self-perception from stuck to unstoppable. Her bodacious belief is a testament that you can shift from mediocrity to magnificence one daring action step at a time.

 

November 6th, 2025

Session: Exchange Programs! Yes, it’s possible!

Time and Location: 3:45 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: Rocio Sosa

Description: Drawing on my personal journey as a first-generation student who successfully navigated the process independently, Rocio Sosa will provide practical, step-by-step guidance for those interested in pursuing an exchange. Attendees will learn that studying abroad is not only possible but highly accessible, often extending beyond traditional study abroad locations. Join her to learn how to turn the dream of international study into reality and gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pursue an enriching global experience.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Informed

 

Activity: First Generation Shark Tank 2025

Time and Location: 4-6 PM in Innovation Hub, 142 Collegiate Loop

Description: Put your creative problem-solving skills to the test during FGEN Week! In collobaration with the FSU Innovation Hub , Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, and Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), this exciting competition is your chance to pitch innovative ideas and make an impact. Step into the spotlight for the First Generation Shark Tank Competition. Your innovative ideas should tackle real challenges faced by First Gen college students. Compete for cash prizes, enjoy refreshments, and join a community of changemakers ready to turn bold solutions into reality.

SHARK TANK SIGN UP: https://jmc-fsu.startuptree.co/event/s/8RH7iWNKDKYYvukejpMbYL/First-Generation-Shark-Tank-2025

 

Session: Stress Management Workshop

Time and Location: 4:00 PM in Thagard 105

Presenters: FSU RENEW

Description: Learn skills for managing daily life stressors such as establishing healthy coping skills, self-care, sleep hygiene, healthy exercise routine, budgeting, and basic nutrition tips.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared

 

Session: Values, Voice, and Victory: A First-Gen's Journey to Self-Belief Workshop

Time and Location: 5:00 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: A’Kaysha Studsill

Description: This workshop guides first-generation students to explore their identity and values, building self-awareness and confidence. We'll discuss overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome, drawing on personal experiences to show how staying true to oneself leads to purpose and resilience in college.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Informed

 

Session: Mindfulness Workshop

Time and Location: 5:00 PM in Thagard 211

Presenters: FSU Growth Lab

Description: Do you ever feel stressed? Or overwhelmed? Maybe because of classes? Or relationships? Or something else? Mindfulness is a useful stress management skill to learn and have in your toolbox. It will help you to manage challenging times. In this workshop you’ll learn what mindfulness is, when to use mindfulness, and how to practice mindfulness. Leave this workshop with some skills that you can start using today to manage stress!   

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared

 

November 10th, 2025

Session: From First to Fearless: Building Leadership & Legacy as First-Gen Students

Time and Location: 2:30 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: Darian Atwood

Description: This workshop will empower first-generation students to embrace their journeys, overcome challenges, and intentionally shape their legacy. Drawing on lived experiences as a first-gen student navigating higher education, leadership, and career preparation, participants will engage in interactive discussions and reflective exercises centered on growth, resilience, and empowerment. The session will highlight practical strategies for thriving academically, professionally, and personally, while also building strong support networks. Students will leave with tools for goal-setting, leadership development, and self-advocacy that they can apply immediately. Ultimately, this workshop affirms that being first-gen is not a limitation, but a foundation for building fearless leaders who carry forward a powerful legacy.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared

 

Session: DREAMing Forward: First-Gen Student Leaders Panel

Time and Location: 3:45 PM in Thagard 105

Presenters: The FSU Chapter of DREAM, Inc.

Description: A dynamic student leadership panel hosted by DREAM during FGEN Week, featuring leaders from diverse student organizations across FSU. Panelists will share their personal experiences navigating leadership as first-generation college students, highlighting both the challenges and successes they encountered. Topics will include time management, balancing leadership with academics and well-being, and the motivation behind pursuing leadership roles. Attendees will gain insight into practical strategies for stepping into leadership positions on campus. The session will provide a space for networking, mentorship, and inspiration, empowering first-generation students to see themselves as future leaders.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared

 

Session: The Tailored Man Workshop

Time and Location: 3:45 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: Jamaal Lockwood

Description: Join Jamaal Lockwood for a powerful session on confidence, presentation, and purpose. Tailored Men inspires first-gen men to embrace their style, sharpen their image, and step boldly into success on campus and beyond.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Informed

 

Session: Locked In: Goal Setting Workshop

Time and Location: 5:00 PM in Thagard 202

Presenters: Larry Harper, Jr.

Description: This presentation introduces a shortened, actionable model of Goal Setting Theory, originally developed by psychologist Edwin A. Locke. This foundational theory provides a powerful framework for translating aspirations into achievements. For first-generation students, who often enter academia without pre-existing knowledge of these crucial self-management tools, mastery of this theory is particularly impactful. While the principles of effective goal setting are fundamentally simple, they are rarely taught explicitly, creating an unnecessary barrier to early success. This session will equip participants with a potent, proven tool for taking control of their educational journey and realizing their full potential.

CARE Requirements Met: TakeCARE, Be Prepared