OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

A Bipartisan Conversation with Rep. Mike Waltz and Rep. Pat Ryan

Vision Fund to Support Women

Opening Remarks: Mayor Eric Adams

Name: Lareina (Xuan) Wang

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Advocacy & Political Action

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Concordia

Conference/Competition Name: 2023 Concordia Annual Summit

Conference Term: Fall Conference Start Date: 2023-09-18 Conference End Date: 2023-09-20

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
My takeaways from the Concordia Summit were profound. Hearing top CEOs, politicians, and global leaders emphasized the pivotal role sustainability plays in shaping our future was eye-opening. Companies shared their strategies for fostering resilience and competitiveness while prioritizing sustainability, underscoring the need for responsible business practices. Politicians' insights on new energy sources, the future of AI technology, and governmental adaptations resonated with me. The recurring theme of public-private partnerships highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts between government agencies and businesses. Moreover, the emphasis on gender equality reinforced the importance of women's involvement in politics and providing them with more opportunities.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
Participating in the Concordia Summit 2023 has enhanced my professional development by emphasizing the importance of sustainability. While sustainability is not my primary focus at Wagner, this experience has highlighted its increasing importance in various sectors. The valuable insights from CEOs and global leaders have underscored the significance of integrating sustainability into diverse fields. Networking with sustainability-driven professionals has provided me with potential career avenues and collaborations. The discussions on philanthropy have also shed light on innovative approaches to addressing sustainability challenges. As I move forward, I am inspired to explore ways to incorporate sustainability into my career path.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
First, I plan to integrate sustainability principles into my academic coursework at Wagner, deepening my expertise. Second, I will actively seek out networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organizations to collaborate on sustainability initiatives. Additionally, I see potential for my current organization, The Hunger Project, to adopt the innovative approaches discussed at the summit, particularly in empowering women through increased resources and education. I intend to share these insights with my manager and explore ways to enhance our philanthropic work, aligning it more closely with sustainability goals while focusing on women's empowerment in our program countries.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
Start by immersing yourself fully in the experience – actively engage with other participants, ask questions, and seek out networking opportunities. These connections can have a profound impact on your journey. Don't forget to take notes, capturing those valuable insights to share with your peers. It's also a great way to reflect on the conference talks afterward. Embrace a multidisciplinary approach, recognizing that real-world challenges often require diverse solutions. Most importantly, leverage this experience as a catalyst for driving positive change within your organizations or projects.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Cities, Education, Finance, Government, Health, Housing, Inequality, Race, and Poverty, International Development, Leadership, Nonprofits, Social Innovation, Transportation