Blackstone LaunchPad, in collaboration with the Offices of Student Diversity Initiatives and Career Development, proudly hosted this fall’s Elevate: The Professional Growth Series. The three-part program, designed to equip students with critical soft skills often overlooked in traditional academic curricula and career development activities, provided students with a unique opportunity to develop essential professional etiquette, communication, and networking skills in a supportive and interactive environment.  

The first session kicked off with a lecture and discussion on dress codes, formal and office attire and key workplace behaviors. Students were encouraged to share their experiences and ask questions, fostering dialogue on navigating professional spaces, networking and interviewing with confidence.  

The second session took a hands-on approach, allowing students to put their knowledge into practice. Students engaged in role-playing exercises to simulate real-world professional interactions. Later, students visited the Career Gear Boutique, where they were fitted with new professional attire to prepare for the final session.  

The series culminated in a professional networking lunch, where students had the opportunity to connect with professionals from the greater Bronx community. Notable guest speakers included Dr. Brezetta Griffith-Bullock, a retired principal and professor; Julio Nunez, an emerging leader in financial services; Jaylyn Chalco, a senior paralegal and law school student; and Gautam “Gotham” Sharma, entrepreneur and founder of AccessCyber, a cybersecurity company. Students applied the skills learned through the series to engage in meaningful conversations and build valuable connections.