In September 2020, York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) launched the Moving Forward Webinar Series. It invited students, alumni, faculty, staff and other friends of York into meaningful conversations about how to “move forward” in uncertain times. The series resonated strongly with the community, attracting hundreds of participants, and past webinar recordings continue to see engagement.

Due to its success, the Moving Forward Webinar Series is back for a second season. This year, successful York alumni will be asked for their unique takes on progress, drawing on one of the following three sub-themes:

• how students can move forward in their academic and career goals;
• how communities and organizations are moving forward on issues of equity and social justice; and
• how organizations are moving forward in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The season’s first webinar is titled “Being a first-generation student: What it means to be first in your family to go to university.” Join the conversation virtually on Oct. 5 from noon to 1 p.m. Discussion topics will include: how the panellists mapped out the uncharted territory of being first-generation university students; the challenges they faced and overcame; the resources that supported them; and the difference a degree has ultimately made in their lives and careers. A question-and-answer period will follow the panel discussion.

The webinar panellists are as follows: Nick Moumos, associate vice-president of product development at Canada Life; Rochelle Ford, founder, CEO, and career and well-being coach for professional moms at Queen Success by Rochelle; Sujata Berry, temporary project lead at CBC; Tom Doulos, vice-president of customer experience at Endy Canada Inc.; and Toni-Lynn Raponi, associate vice-president of corporate and public affairs at TD. Lily Cho, associate dean of global and community engagement at York, will be the host.

Future Moving Forward webinar topics will include “The Evolution of In-Person Sport” and “Careers in Disaster and Emergency Management.” Each webinar will feature either a one-on-one interview or a panel discussion with high-level decision-makers from various fields, offering unique insights gained through first-hand experiences.

For more information about the webinar series and upcoming topics, visit the Moving Forward website. All are welcome to attend.

Originally published on yFile.