Career Readiness Week: Authenticity and Self-Advocacy in the Workplace

As you navigate the transitions from student to employee, there are a lot of factors to consider. These can include finding out what you’re really good at, how to leverage your unique perspective, ensuring you understand the type of organization you’re working at and how to ask for the support you need. Join this interactive workshop to discover how you can be your authentic self, evaluate opportunities at your organization and take action to be the best self-advocate at your current or future workplace.

Students will learn the following outcomes:

• Identify and leverage your strengths
• Assess your organization to evaluate your needs
• Learn steps on how you can take action to advocate for yourself

This workshop will have a special emphasis on JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) and welcome any student who wishes to be an equitable changemaker.

About Jonathan Meagher-Zayas

Jonathan Meagher-Zayas (He/Him) is a queer Latinx millennial nonprofit strategist dedicated to addressing equity issues, building capacity, engaging the community, motivating new impact leaders and getting stuff done. Jonathan wears many professional hats, including director of community engagement at Villa of Hope, where he oversees the agency’s grant writing, community engagement and giving, communications and advocacy strategies. He also is a freelance consultant providing career development, training, leadership development and JEDI services. As a nonprofit strategist for over 10 years, Jonathan is an award-winning fundraiser generating over $6 million in his career, an expert in communications and community engagement, an experienced trainer and leadership development manager, and an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jonathan earned master of social work and master of public administration degrees at the University at Albany, and a bachelor’s degree in religion, linguistics and gender studies from the University of Rochester. In November 2021, Jonathan obtained his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. He resides in Brighton, NY, with his husband and three adorable pets.

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