LEAD Days Prepare Seniors for Post-Graduation Success

LEAD Days give seniors the opportunity to practically prepare for life in college and beyond. Students hear from professionals and leaders who not only give them advice and guidance, but also challenge them to grow in responsibility, courage, service, and more. This year’s three LEAD days included sessions on everything from interview skills to self-defense. Several Oakcrest alumnae returned to campus to share their experience and wisdom with current Oakies. 

The Class of 2021 began their first LEAD Day with a session on “Putting Your Best Professional Foot Forward.” Oakcrest alumna Maria Kilner Sousa ‘99, Digital Director for The Heritage Foundation, gave students guidance on interview skills, resume-writing, and other important aspects of entering the professional world. The day ended with a question and answer session with Dr. Brooks Holtom, a Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Management at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Dr. Holtom has researched and served as a consultant on negotiation and change management for many organizations including Microsoft and the World Bank. He shared with the seniors the many ways that they can make the most of their college education.

 Sarah Robertson, Assistant Athletics Director, and Meghan Hadley ‘06, Dean of Students, kicked off day two with a talk on “Fueling Your Body for Success.” Their talk included the importance of good sleep, and healthy eating, drawing on their own experiences both in college and afterwards. A Young Alumnae Panel composed of Brigid Kilner ‘17, Clare Escobar ‘18, and Isabela Wilson ‘19  shared reflections on the first year of college and addressed topics such as making friends and roommate etiquette. Kathleen Ortiz (mother of Sarah '15 and Caroline ’17) then led a self-defense class. Mrs. Ortiz is the founder of Women’s Combat Alliance, which provides outreach to women for proven self-defense training and also promotes the growth of women in the martial arts. It is her mission to educate women to be able to protect themselves in a variety of self-defense situations.

On the final day, alumna Meg Gargulinski ‘11 spoke to Oakies about everyday holiness. Oakcrest Chief Financial Officer Matthew Buonocore then led students through a crash course on the basics of personal finance. Continuing this LEAD day tradition, Mr. Buonocore gave the seniors practical tips on working within a budget, establishing credit, and avoiding debt.  As they prepare for life after Oakcrest, seniors benefit in many ways from LEAD days.