Jewels Table Event
By Weslyn Harmon
September 28, 2023, the Women’s Center hosted the Jewels Table, an event dedicated to expanding our network for students at Howard University to interact with Black women in leadership roles across the DMV area. The Jewels Table was held in partnership with TS Strategies, and this event was moderated by Joycelyn Tate, the founder of Jewels Table and the CEO of TS Strategies. This event welcomed Leaders opening doors for black women in their industries. The students in attendance received insight into interviewing and effective communication to land the job they desired. The open dialogue between the guest speakers empowered students to be curious and confident in sharing their experiences and seeking mentorship.
Dr. Anita Plummer, the Associate Director for Research and Faculty Engagement at the center, gave welcoming remarks to all the students and Leaders present at the event. The conversation was centered on “Sharing Jewels: A Conversation among Sisters.” Two guest speakers, Rakia Finley, a founder partner of Copper & Vine Studio, and Kim Keenan Esq., an Arbitrator and past president of the National Bar Association, discussed the importance of approaching your professional career with authenticity and confidence. They stressed that as you build your career, you are also building a brand for yourself and must stay true to your identity and values. Elise L. Scott, Ph.D, told an anecdotal story about her first time messing up on her job after college and how a mentor showed her that it was okay to make mistakes as long as you are on a path of improvement. She shared this to illustrate the hard work she has continued to put into her career as the previous president of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and current president of the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center at Howard University since 2012.
Students present at the event also had questions about advocating for themselves during interviews, and Maurita Coley Flippin, the owner of the MCF Global LLC consulting firm, advised students to “Go into the interview thinking this is for me and communicating what you believe you deserve.” This was supported by most of the other speakers, and many others reiterated that when you interview, you are on a mission to solve a problem within this new position. Your responsibility is to demonstrate how your skills will help develop solutions.
From start to finish, this event gave jewels of advice and encouragement to young leaders at Howard University as they began developing their careers. The presence and advice of the guest speakers showed students that they could achieve their aspirations while remaining assertive in their identities and talents.