Gen-Z Global Forum: Driving to Change

 On Thursday, July 29th, 2021 the Gen-Z Global Forum 3 brought together Gen-Zers and other thought leaders to discuss Rethinking Education and Careers. The online event featuring guests from China and the US provided an opportunity for Gen-Zers to share their thoughts about adjusting to challenges and opportunities including online learning and work, mental health issues and different career paths. There were breakout sessions, an art show and special guests and entertainment.

Gen Z'ers were born between 1996 and 2015. Globally there are almost 2 billion people in this demographic. They comprise the largest generation ever, comprising nearly 30% of the world's population. (including nearly 68 million in U.S. and 170 million in China.) Our Gen-Z Global Forum is developed by our Gen-Z team to bring attention and understanding about the concerns and tastes of a young and powerful segment of the population that is rising rapidly in importance as a force changing the world and moving it into the future. 

Being a member of this group means having a particular set of challenges that are impacting lives and shared experiences.  

  Gen-Z Global Forum 3 Rethinking Education and Careers

  July 29th - July 30th, 2021

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Speaker Spotlight: Dana Keep has worked with Wellesley College students and alumnae on career launch, advancement, and transition since joining the Career Education office in 2012. Previously she worked at Harvard University in the Office of Career Services for several years and has served as a consultant for the Career Services Office at Harvard Business School for the past twenty- three years. Dana also has experience in the private sector and the federal government. Dana enjoys helping others build confidence, think creatively, present themselves well, and take practical steps toward their goals at any stage of life. Dana graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont and holds a M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she focused on adult development.  

On Thursday, April 8th, 2021 we welcomed Gen-Z thought leaders to discuss the issues facing this generation.

We were delighted to welcome our special guest Jimmy Wong, actor, entrepreneur and activist for an informative and inspiring interview with our Gen-Z Global Forum organizer Marisa Nardone Mahoney.

Gen Z'ers were born between 1996 and 2015. Globally there are almost 2 billion people in this demographic. They comprise the largest generation ever, comprising nearly 30% of the world's population. (including nearly 68 million in U.S. and 170 million in China.)

Our Gen-Z Global Forum is developed by our Gen-Z team to bring attention and understanding about the concerns and tastes of a young and powerful segment of the population that is rising rapidly in importance as a force changing the world and moving it into the future. 

Being a member of this group means having a particular set of challenges that are impacting lives and shared experiences.  

We explored issues relevant to Generation Z, including mental health, the Hapa (half Asian) experience, the intersectionality of race across fields of study, and education. 

A combination of pre-filmed and live discussions was followed by a cocktail party reception.

Gen-Z Global Forum 2021   

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

#GenZGlobalForum 

CUSWF was proud to present the first annual Gen-Z Global Forum, developed by our Gen-Z team, to bring attention and understanding about an important and misunderstood segment of the population that is rising rapidly in importance as a force changing the world and moving it into the future. 

Gen Z'ers were born between 1996 and 2015. Globally there are almost 2 billion people in this demographic. They comprise the largest generation ever, comprising nearly 30% of the world's population. (including nearly 68 million in U.S. and 170 million in China.)

Being a member of this group means having a particular set of challenges that are impacting lives and shared experiences.  The online event was held on Thursday, October 15th and highlighted issues relevant to Generation Z, including mental health, the Hapa experience, the intersectionality of race across fields of study, and education. The first hour was a combination of pre-filmed and live discussion, followed by a more casual "cocktail hour."

Gen-Z Global Forum 2020

When: Thursday, October 15th, 2020

Topics 

Gen Z and Mental Health

Mental health has always been an important topic among Gen-Zers. The demographic has experienced higher rates of anxiety and depression, making it more likely that members of this group struggle with mental health. As COVID-19 shut down college campuses, closed K-12 schools, and made “working from home” the new norm, mental health awareness has never been more important.
 

The Hapa Experience
With 6% of Americans identifying as Asian American, a new generation of dual identities has been steadily increasing. Included in that experience is the “Hapa” or the half Asian experience. We shared stories of the Hapa experience, as well as discussed how the Hapa faced and responded to the recent incidents of racial bias towards Asians due COVID-19.
 

How Race Intersects College Curriculums
As the students of our nation's colleges and universities continue to diversify, the fields we choose do not always reflect these changes. Gen-Z are aware of this imbalance as we are keenly aware of the importance of diversity in the school and workplace. We explored what this means for Gen-Zers as we discuss the intersectionality of race across the different fields of study.

Impact of Virtual Learning

COVID-19 completely changed the face of K-12 and higher education. In a matter of weeks, the vast majority of students went from attending class in the classroom or lecture hall to a fully virtual model, with zoom rooms or Google Hangouts. What do Gen-Zers think of this online shift? Will “Zoom school” become the new norm or will Gen Z be itching to return to the physical classroom?

 
Thank you for joining us for this exciting event.
 

Our first annual Gen Z Global Forum featured thought-leaders from Gen-Z who discussed key issues facing this generation. Thank you for joining us to talk about the changing world and how Gen-Z is coping with their options.    

Followed by Quinn Slobodian, Associate Professor of History, Wellesley College, and Mingwei Song, Associate Professor of Chinese, Wellesley College, who spoke on the historical and Chinese issues.