Our CEO goes to HARVARD!
On September 27-30, 2019, I had the opportunity to travel to Cambridge to visit the campus of Harvard University as a part of my online Leadership and Community Engagement course. As the first Community Impact Scholar of the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago, I was both honored and excited to experience this prestigious institution, even if only for four days. I arrived early Friday afternoon, so I had time to explore the “Yard” a little bit prior to my first class, and I am glad that I took the time to do so. The campus exuded an air of rich history, and was both serene yet bustling with movement. The next three days were jam-packed with coursework, engaging with my classmates in deep and thought-provoking dialogue, lunches and dinners together to continue to build community, and late-night reading to prepare for the next day. The final day of class, we each were tasked to present an inspirational speech about our community engagement project. This was definitely my favorite part of the weekend. I was tremendously proud to be among such a dynamic group of scholars and leaders.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to share my experience in person with the Board members of the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago upon my return. I have also attended several Harvard Business School Club/Harvard Club events since the completion of my coursework. After further research, I learned that the Extension School offers a certificate in Non-Profit Management, and my plan is to complete the remaining coursework to receive my certificate.
Thank you again to Mr. Chauncey Whitaker, the Community Impact Committee, and the entire Harvard Business School Club of Chicago members for such an illustrious opportunity. I know that the knowledge gained during my time as a scholar will have a deep and long-lasting impact, not only for my non-profit organization, but also in how I serve as a community leader in the future.
Vershawn Sanders-Ward | 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT SCHOLAR