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9/8/25
The new academic year brings fresh ideas, new goals, and a sense of purpose. Many students are also returning with the benefit of lessons learned beyond the classroom, including six students from programs at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) who previously participated in a key national conference.
USG, in partnership with the National Academy of Public Administration, hosted the 2025 Social Equity Leadership Conference last June. Scholars, practitioners, and students from across the United States gathered to explore strategies for advancing equity in public service and leadership. The six students led a panel where they shared their personal journeys and reflections on leadership.
For the student panelists, the experience offered more than just a chance to present at a national conference — it strengthened competencies and career readiness skills they will draw on during this academic year and long after graduation.
“Participation in national conferences like the SELC allows students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-world contexts,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ash, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at USG and advisor to the student panel. “Students not only built the confidence and competencies needed to launch successful careers, but they also strengthened their understanding and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These lessons are critical in today’s workplace, where employers are looking for graduates who can collaborate across differences, foster inclusive environments, and lead with empathy.”
For many of the student panelists, the preparation and delivery of their presentation directly connected to the nine core career competencies recognized by the National Association of Colleges and Employers: leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, equity and inclusion, career development, digital technology, and personal well-being.
Vanshika Mitul Dave, a graduate student in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and an intern in Clinical Immuno-Oncology at AstraZeneca, reflected on the wide-ranging skills she gained from the experience.
“I practiced leadership by sharing my passion-filled journey from India to the US,” Dave explained. “Reflecting on my experiences strengthened my critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, as I considered how to turn personal challenges into meaningful lessons and stories that could resonate with others. Collaborating with my fellow panelists gave me a real sense of teamwork, reminding me that every voice adds meaning and strength to the community.”
Dave added that the lessons she carried forward from the panel extend into her academic and professional goals. “As a future scientist, this experience deepened my sense of professionalism and work ethic, reminding me that research is not just about generating data but about communicating findings clearly, responsibly, and with purpose. ”
Other student participants echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the value of developing practical skills outside of the classroom. Several noted that preparing for the panel challenged them to sharpen their oral communication skills and practice professionalism in front of a national audience. Others highlighted the importance of equity and inclusion, observing that listening to diverse perspectives expanded their ability to collaborate effectively and think critically about leadership in practice.
Mariama Thiam, an undergraduate student in the University of Maryland Information Science program and Middle College Dual Enrollment scholar, described the experience as both empowering and affirming. “ I was able to lean into leadership and communication as I shared my story and spoke to what equity and service mean to me. Working with the other panelists and planning team helped me build confidence and show up as my full self in a national space.
“As someone who aspires to work at the intersection of tech, media, and beauty to create meaningful and inclusive user experiences, this opportunity showed me the power of storytelling and advocacy in professional spaces. It reminded me that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest in the room; it means using your platform to create space for others, too. That’s something I’ll carry into every room I enter moving forward.”
Collectively, the students pointed to the “value add” of engaging in experiences like SELC that complement their coursework and prepare them for future careers. Exposure to new experiences, they said, not only helped them identify strengths and interests, but also gave them insight into how their academic paths may apply across industries and professions.
Participation in the SELC offered students more than a platform to speak—it gave them the chance to grow. By practicing leadership, reflecting on their values, and connecting with others in a national setting, the student panelists gained essential tools for navigating their next steps, whether in graduate school, internships, or future careers.
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