Storyteller, Civil Rights Activist Encourages Students to 'Be Brave with Your Life’

The University’s annual Leadership Day symposium enables students to learn from experts and each other as they develop their own leadership skills and learn what it means to be a leader.

February 21, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Lismarie Pabon ’22 left the University of New Haven’s recent Leadership Day feeling inspired.

"This got me excited about pursuing my dreams," said Pabon, a criminal justice major. "I’d like to own my own business one day."

An annual symposium offered to undergraduate and graduate students, Leadership Day, the longest running co-curricular leadership experience at the University, enables students to grow as leaders while learning from leaders.

"This got me excited about pursuing my dreams."Lismarie Pabon ’22

"Leadership Day is a truly unique event," said Andrew Mayer, M.Ed., associate director for leadership development in the University’s Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation. "Coordinated by the undergraduate student leadership interns, it creates opportunities to challenge participants' understanding of 'leadership,' while they build connections with their fellow student leaders."

As part of the symposium, students attended some of the more than 20 educational sessions – many of which were led by students and staff members. They also shared their own stories during "Charger Chats," discussing their leadership journeys and the challenges they have encountered.

A highlight of Leadership Day was Sam Ramirez-Herrera, an entrepreneur, filmmaker, writer, and civil rights advocate, sharing her story. Ramirez-Herrera, who considers herself to be a storyteller at her core, moved to the United States from Mexico when she was seven years old, and she grew up as an undocumented immigrant.

"Be brave with your life," encouraged Ramirez-Herrera, who started OffThaRecord.com, a creative content agency and digital magazine based in Atlanta. "It is scary sometimes, and it takes courage to pursue your truth, your dreams."

Her message resonated with Reah Thomas-Hill ’21, a psychology major.

"I am inspired," she said. "When Ms. Ramirez-Herrera told us to bring our fire and make our mark, that was especially meaningful for me."