In mid-April, Goldie Scholars participated in an interactive two-day Retreat focused on cohort-building, developing personal brands, and connecting with Initiative stakeholders at a purposeful networking experience. The program was the third of the three-part Leadership Development Series that took place over the 2017-18 academic year.

On a Friday evening, Goldie Scholars gathered with Mentors, Board, and Committee Members at the Chicago Association of Realtors for a Facilitated Networking Reception. The Reception offered Goldie Scholars an opportunity to practice and share their Value Statements with important stakeholders in small group settings at a round-robin networking event. In a safe space, Goldie Scholars were able to practice their “personal pitches” and make edits to content and delivery based on constructive feedback. One participant remarked, “It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with our scholars and stakeholders on a deeper level.”

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Goldie Scholar Kristin Bush (center) receives constructive feedback from Mentor Paula Harris (left).
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Goldie Scholars (front row) with their supportive facilitated networking event participants.
Following the facilitated networking event, Goldie Scholars enjoyed dinner together, where they bonded with one another over drinks and good food. The following morning, a rainy Saturday, they gathered at Roosevelt University for their third Leadership Development Series session with facilitator Sharon Krohn, focused on “Personal Presence.” Feedback included positive results such as “Refining my elevator pitch and stories, and working with different people for every activity” and “Having an awesome group of women to listen to and share stories with.”
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Goldie Scholars gather for “Closing Circle” with Facilitators Sharon Krohn, left and Katrina Calihan.