DSU Lady Hornets Empowered at Two-Day Event
Delaware State University’s Lady Hornets recently participated in an inspiring two-day event on campus, designed to equip attendees with valuable tools for personal and professional growth. The event featured impactful sessions on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, identity protection, and career navigation, along with an evening of celebration at the BEU Black Dress Ball.
Empowering Sessions for Growth
The first day of the event was dedicated to hands-on learning, focusing on topics critical to personal and professional success. The day kicked off with “Steps to Build Credit” presented by Sarah Carter, the Sussex County Community Engagement & Philanthropy Director with United Way of Delaware. Carter stressed the importance of financial literacy, particularly for young individuals just starting their financial journey. She introduced the Stand By Me program, a free service that helps Delaware residents build credit, apply for FAFSA, and plan for retirement.
“Having good credit can significantly impact your future,” Carter explained. “But managing your credit responsibly is just as important as building it.”
Later, Patricia A. Broady, Vice President and Relationship Manager at TD Bank, led a session on Identity Protection. She focused on how young people can protect their personal information and monitor their credit reports to avoid identity theft and financial pitfalls.
“It’s vital to stay proactive and informed,” Broady said. “Regularly checking your credit report and being cautious with personal data is key to maintaining financial security.”
The day also featured a Navigating Corporate America panel, where experts shared their career advice. Daphne McRae, Head of U.S. Technology Solutions at TD Bank, emphasized the importance of internships and networking in building a successful career.
“Networking is your net worth,” McRae said. “Make use of DSU’s resources and start building connections now. Companies are always looking for young talent, and internships are a great way to gain experience.”
De’Nisha Green, also from TD Bank, encouraged attendees to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. “Don’t let anyone dim your light. Challenge yourself and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Networking is vital, even if you’re an introvert,” Green shared.
JoAnn Means, a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Recruiter at TD Bank, echoed this advice, urging students to take full advantage of the resources at DSU, particularly internships. “College is competitive,” Means said. “The students who have internships and polished resumes will stand out in the job market.”
Brianna Spiotta, Senior Business Management Analyst at TD Bank, reminded the audience to prepare for unexpected challenges, such as economic downturns. “Know your value, protect your peace, and prioritize self-care,” Spiotta advised.
Camille Dawson wrapped up the panel by discussing the importance of having a strong elevator pitch. “Be prepared to introduce yourself in two minutes—what can you do, and when can you talk more?” Dawson said. “These pitches can make all the difference when networking.”
Amber Dawkins, Vice President of North America Product Management at Mastercard, closed out the sessions with an insightful talk on entrepreneurship. Dawkins emphasized the importance of using data and analytics to make informed business decisions and the necessity of a digital presence for businesses today.
“The stores that didn’t have an online presence during the pandemic struggled,” Dawkins said. “To succeed as an entrepreneur, you need to embrace the digital world. Data-driven decisions are key.”
The BEU Black Dress Ball – A Night of Glamour and Empowerment
The second day of the event brought a shift from learning to celebration with the BEU Black Dress Ball. The Lady Hornets arrived in dazzling attire, walking the red carpet and enjoying a night filled with fine dining and motivational speeches. Dr. Dawn Mosley, the founder of BEU Global, delivered words of encouragement, inspiring the attendees to continue striving for success in both their personal and professional lives and the importance of women working together.
“This event highlights the strength, beauty, and resilience of these young women,” Dr. Mosley stated. “It’s essential to take moments to uplift and celebrate one another while staying focused on achieving our goals. We are better together.”
The night was a powerful reminder that success is not just about hard work, but also about taking moments to reflect and celebrate progress.
Photos from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/
Photos by Sanaiyah Baines-Butler, Hidden Visualz
Written by Devin Bonner