Hosted August 28, 2023 by the Graduate School Office of Professional Development as part of Welcome Week 2023.

What if alternative paths to personal and workplace advancement proved more beneficial over the long run? In this session learners will examine how they define success, understand how traditional expectations and established norms in graduate school and society can impose accidental barriers, and learn ways to navigate grad school and life “differently”. Let’s debunk the myth of being “self-made” and learn how to leverage MAPS (Mentors, Allies, Partners, and Sponsors) for strategic advancement. Break free from traditional measures of success and navigate graduate school with the support you need while building a powerful personal brand. Attend this session if you are ready to move beyond the grade!

Presenter Sybil Stewart is known for stories, humor, and a little “Sage” advice. Stewart is the Founder of C-Suite, a mentorship organization dedicated to supporting women, people of color, and neurodiverse individuals entering into and transitioning within the workplace. She empowers people to redefine success on their own terms. Previously, Stewart was a global human resources director at a top-ranking brokerage. She’s spoken at HR conferences, partnered with coaching clients, and hosts a talk show for women entrepreneurs. Sybil believes the most powerful tool we have is a story, so you better make it a good one.