Conference Brings Students, Alumnae Together to Explore Translating a Liberal Arts Education Into a Satisfying Career

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Acareerpproximately 100 Hollins University alumnae returned to their alma mater to share tips, tools, and tricks of the trade with hundreds of current students on landing that first job during Hollins’ second annual Career Connection Conference (C3) on October 10.

Keynote speaker Carla Harris of Morgan Stanley, recently appointed by President Obama to serve as chair of the National Women’s Business Council, gave this year’s C3 a spirited kick-off, energizing a capacity audience in the Hollins Theatre with the “pearls of wisdom” she has learned through more than two decades of working on Wall Street.

“What are some of those things that really inform your success equation and make the difference between just surviving and thriving? That’s what the pearls are all about,” she explained.

Along with extolling the importance of mentors, sponsors and advisors throughout one’s career, Harris emphasized the following key messages to students:

  • “Perception is the co-pilot to reality – how people perceive you will directly affect how they deal with you.  What lens are they looking through when they’re looking at you?”
  • “If you are going to be a leader in the 21st century you must be comfortable taking risks. Fear has no place in your success equation.”
  • “If you want to maximize your success, you must bring your best authentic self to the table.”

Following the keynote address, students and alumnae engaged in workshops and presentations on a wide range of topics, including internships, building an effective résumé, interviewing dos and don’ts, using technology and networking, and workplace etiquette. Students also attended panels on how to translate their liberal arts education into careers in financial services, law, science, nonprofit and religious service, visual arts, media and public relations, performing arts, education, healthcare, government and public service, and entrepreneurship.

Another highlight of C3 was three “Speed Connection” sessions that encouraged students to network with alumnae in a fast-paced, fun and informal setting.

Evening events included a networking and dinner reception and two post-conference conversations: “A Different Kind of Canvas,” which looks at careers in technology, engineering, and design, and “Being an African-American Woman in the Workplace.”

Film Written by M.F.A. Grad to be Broadcast Nationally

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hopeSusie’s Hope, a movie written and produced by Dan A.R. Kelly M.F.A. ’14, will air on the UP television network August 3.

The film, directed by Jerry Rees (The Brave Little Toaster), stars Emmanuelle Vaugier (40 Days and 40 Nights), Burgess Jenkins (Remember the Titans), and Andrea Powell (Ender’s Game). It’s about the inspirational relationship between a pit bull attack survivor, Donna Lawrence, and Susie, an abused pit bull-mix puppy, who learn to heal and forgive together. The movie is based on the real-life story of Lawrence and a severely abused puppy left for dead that she found in a Greensboro, North Carolina, park.

With the help of the Guilford County Animal Shelter, Susie survived her near-death experience and was adopted by Lawrence. Susie’s ordeal eventually led to the passing of Susie’s Law, which allows stricter punishment for animal abusers in North Carolina.

Susie, who is this year’s Therapy Dog Finalist in the American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards, portrays herself in the film.

On August 12, Green Apple Entertainment will release Susie’s Hope on DVD nationwide. The film has been given the Dove Family Seal of Approval.

Kelly received his M.F.A. in screenwriting and film studies at Hollins’ commencement exercises in May. He is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America.

 

Two Hollins Authors Are Among This Year’s “Best New Poets”

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poetsS.H. Lohmann ’08, M.F.A. ’12 and Brittney Scott M.F.A. ’10 are two of the poets whose work is featured in Best New Poets 2014, an annual anthology of 50 poems from emerging writers that will be published this November.

Each year, a guest editor selects poems from nominations made by literary magazines and writing programs, as well as an open internet competition. This year’s guest editor, award-winning poet and author Dorianne Laux, chose Lohmann’s “Lullaby” and Scott’s “The Money Shot.”

Launched in 2005, the Best New Poets anthology series is published by Samovar Press/University of Virginia Press.

From Hollins to Hollywood: Alumna Who Heads Top Entertainment Company to Speak at 172nd Commencement

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goldsmithveinEllen Goldsmith-Vein ’84, whose talents as an entertainment manager and producer have established her as one of Hollywood’s most powerful women, will be the guest speaker at Hollins University’s 172nd Commencement Exercises, which will be held Sunday, May 25 at 10 a.m. on the school’s historic Front Quadrangle.

Goldsmith-Vein is the owner and CEO of The Gotham Group, which represents 500 of the most creative minds in show business. Among the top writers, directors, and producers on their client list are David Gordon Green (The Sitter, Pineapple Express, Snow Angels); Danny Strong (Lee Daniels’ The Butler, The Hunger Games); Steve Buscemi; Henry Selick (Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas); Butch Hartman (The Fairly OddParents); Brian Percival (Downton Abbey, The Book Thief); and Emily Kapnek (Suburgatory, Parks & Recreation).

Goldsmith-Vein and The Gotham Group have also produced a prestigious slate of film and television projects, a list that most recently includes Camp X-Ray with Kristen Stewart, which premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival; Life of Crime, an adaptation of the Elmore Leonard novel Switch starring Jennifer Aniston and Tim Robbins; The Maze Runner, based on the highly successful Young Adult novels by James Dashner; and Go With Me, featuring Anthony Hopkins and Sam Worthington.

As the only woman to own her own entertainment management agency completely, Goldsmith-Vein was the first talent manager ever featured on the cover of the “Power 100” special issue of The Hollywood Reporter in 2006. She has been nominated for a primetime Emmy Award and won an Annie Award in 2008. Girls, Inc., a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold, honored Goldsmith-Vein for her work and contribution to the arts. In 2013, Hollins President Nancy Gray presented her with the university’s Distinguished Alumnae Award.

The Hollywood Reporter published a profile of Goldsmith-Vein as part of their “Women in Entertainment: Power 100” in 2011.

 

Alexandra Trower ’86 Honored by International Women’s Media Foundation

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trowerCalling her a “trailblazer who excels in defining the progressing role of women in business, while demonstrating outstanding commitments to responsible and innovative leadership,” the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) has recognized Alexandra Trower ’86 with its second annual Corporate Leadership Award.

Trower is executive vice president of global communications at The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. She got  involved with the IWMF 15 years ago when she learned of the organization’s mission to protect female journalists who report important stories about human rights, the environment, and other major issues worldwide. She took up the cause of bringing to light the global dangers female journalists face, and was instrumental in getting Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase, respectively the nation’s leading financial institution and one of the world’s leading financial services firms, to support the IWMF as National Presenting Sponsors . In 2012, she became one of the first non-journalists to be invited to join the IWMF’s Board of Directors, and this year began her tenure as the board’s vice chairman.

In announcing the award, the IWMF noted, “Alexandra Trower isn’t just a strong female leader who appreciates and understands the importance of female leadership in our business world, but someone who believes the citizens and beneficiaries of a democratic society play a crucial role in preserving the essential tenets of free speech around the world.”

The IWMF will officially honor Trower on October 22.