CSF Alumni, Scholars and Supporters Connect at Annual Conference

The theme? Uplifting each other!

College Success Foundation recently hosted our third annual We Uplift Each Other conference — a professional and career development opportunity for CSF alumni and scholars. The purpose was to provide a space for CSF alumni, scholars and community supporters to learn, connect and build their professional networks. Attendees had the option to join in person at our headquarters or online.

Alumni had a jam-packed and inspiring morning thanks to our emcee, keynote speaker, workshop presenters and career panelists. More than 13,300 CSF Scholars have graduated college since 2000, and it is such a powerful experience to re-connect and hear them share their expertise, advice and lessons learned with other alums.

CSF alum Keisha Jackson (above left) was our fabulous keynote speaker. She touched on the importance of building up your strengths, gifts and superpowers; valuing the education you have earned and using it; and investing in the community around you. Keisha brings joy, engagement and a feeling of connectedness wherever she goes, and we are so thrilled she shared her wisdom with us.

Emcee and CSF alum Zach McKinlay (above right) kept attendees energized and led an evening of innovative workshops. These presentations sparked great conversations and many fantastic tips for alumni to apply to their own personal and professional lives. Sessions included:

• “From Passions to Paychecks: Thinking Bigger to Find Success” by Colina Bruce (CSF alum and founder of Noir Lux Candle Bar)
• “Make it Rain for You! Salary Negotiation Tactics” by Shannon Bowen
• “Fostering Inclusion: Allyship and DEI” by Dr. Hajer Al-Faham (CSF alum)
• “Financial & Wealth Building” by Morgan Thomas & Alec Thomas

A dynamic panel shared their unique career journeys and life tips. Pictured above from left to right, panelists included Thomas Bressler, senior program manager at Microsoft; Michael Tuon, Upward Innovators; Heather Panian, corporate recruiter; Dae’ Janae Dunbar, probation officer at the city of Bellevue; and Kathy Machowek, project engineer at Granite Construction Company. They’re great examples of how CSF alumni are out there doing amazing things, building a better future for themselves, their families and the generations to come.

No matter if guests connected in-person or virtually — everyone left inspired, energized and with valuable new perspectives. The event also featured Mexican food from the Tacos Penachos food truck, CSF alumni swag and giveaways.

Overall, it was a powerful and inspirational conference and a good reminder to continue to be that connector for someone else, and to always, always uplift each other.

Thank you to everyone who participated, both in person and virtually, and to the talented Original Studios for capturing these moments of joy. We hope you will join us for next year’s conference. If you want to get connected, become more involved as a CSF alum, or join the CSF alumni boards, please contact CSF Alumni Services Manager Angie Winkle.