January Academy will take place on January 22 and 23, 2025. On January 22, classes will be in person (indicated in purple), and on January 34, they will take place over Zoom (indicated in yellow), with the exception of “Ad-ventures in Advertising with Bliss Group,” which will be on Zoom on January 22, and “Restorative Practice Training,” which will be in person on January 23. Please register for Restorative Practice Training through this link
Registration will open at the beginning of January!
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Workshops
Resting Stitch Face: Embroidery Workshop, 10:00am-12:00pm
Wednesday, January 22, 10:00am-12:00pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Kelly O’Donnell, Director of Science Forward, Macaulay Honors College
Come get crafty at our intro to embroidery workshop! 
We’ll provide all the tools you need to get started with this classic needlework technique. You’ll learn at least four basic stitches and get a chance to start embroidering your own monogram onto a handkerchief.
Supplies will be provided.
 Dr. Kelly O’Donnell |
About the Instructor: Kelly O’Donnell is the Director of Science Forward at Macaulay Honors College. She oversees scientific programing and academics for Macaulay. Dr. O’Donnell also regularly teaches one of the Science Forward seminars and occasionally teaches upper level courses such as Ecological Change & Human Disease and Detecting Bullshit in the Modern Age. Before coming to Macaulay, Dr. O’Donnell completed a teaching post-doc at Columbia University. She holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Stony Brook University and a BS in Biology from Cornell University. Her academic interests are in botany, urban ecology, citizen/community science, and invasive plant evolution. Her non-academic interests include embroidery, trapeze, and Star Trek. |
Make It Quick! An Introduction to Short Fiction, 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, January 22, 10:00am-11:30am, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Cameron Stewart, Student Writing Specialist, Macaulay Honors College
Have all your stories been snoring lately? Are you looking for prose that’s bold and daring? Welcome to the world of flash-fiction! Together, we will explore short stories 1,000 words or less in length, then try writing one of our own. This is a low-stakes invitation to all who are looking to get creative. All writers, new and experienced, are welcome.
| About the Instructor: Cameron Stewart is the Student Writing Specialist at Macaulay Honors College. His stories have appeared in Tin House, Epoch, and Joyland, among others. |
Spreadsheet Secrets: Build your Data Toolkit with MS Excel, 10:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, January 22, 10:00am-11:30am, in-person at Macaulay
Instructors: Sejung Yim, Associate Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Macaulay Honors College & Sasha De Silva, Associate Director of Scholarships and Grants, Macaulay Honors College
This workshop is designed to equip participants with essential skills for managing 
and analyzing data using Microsoft Excel—featuring useful tips and tricks that are often learned only through trial and error. As one of the most widely used tools across industries, Excel is invaluable for tasks such as data cleaning, analysis, and visualization. In this session, participants will learn how to efficiently enter and format data, use key formulas, and organize information using sorting and filtering. We’ll also cover how to handle duplicates, create simple charts, and present data effectively. Additionally, participants will be introduced to pivot tables, an essential feature for quickly analyzing and summarizing large datasets.
Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, these practical skills will strengthen your data management toolkit and improve your confidence and efficiency in handling data for any role.
A laptop with Microsoft Excel is required for this course. If you have a laptop, please bring it. We will have a limited number of laptops available to borrow for the workshop.
If you’ve registered for the workshop, please take a moment to fill out this short survey to help us tailor the workshop to your needs.
| About the Instructors:
Sejung Yim is the Associate Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Macaulay Honors College, where she manages and analyzes data to support strategic planning and institutional effectiveness. A daily user of Microsoft Excel, Sejung believes that strong foundational Excel skills can reduce fears about working with data and improve efficiency. She also enjoys exploring the use of AI tools to enhance data analysis and streamline workflows. Sasha works in the Scholarship Office, assisting students with scholarship opportunities, application processes, and financial aid. With a strong data management and organization background, she uses Microsoft Excel daily to track applications, analyze financial data, and manage scholarship reports. Passionate about helping others improve their skills, Sasha is aiding Sejung in sharing valuable tips, tricks, and best practices for using Excel efficiently. She aims to empower students and staff to navigate Excel confidently for academic and professional tasks. |
The Real Science of Astrology, 11:30am-1:00pm
Wednesday, January 22, 11:30am-1:00pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Professor Emily Rice, Macaulay Honors College
Created by fCoder Graphics Processor
While the predictive aspect of horoscopes is demonstrably pseudoscience, western astrology is rooted in actual geocentric astronomy with aspects of geometry, trigonometry, and planetary science. Macaulay’s resident space expert, Professor Emily Rice, will guide you through understanding the astronomically accurate aspects of astrology, from the importance of the zodiac constellations to your actual sun sign to the past and future of the North Star. This workshop is open to all with no math or science knowledge required and no judgement about your personal beliefs.
 Emily Rice |
About the Instructor: Emily Rice is Associate Professor of Astrophysics at at Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York (CUNY), faculty in the Physics Ph.D. Program at the CUNY Graduate Center, and a resident research associate in the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). She earned her Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics at UCLA and Bachelor’s degrees in Physics & Astronomy and German at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to Macaulay, Dr. Rice was a member of the faculty at the College of Staten Island. |
Public Speaking: Developing Confidence & Skills, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Wednesday, January 22, 12:00pm-1:30pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructors: Dr. Shellana Henderson, Macaulay Honors College
Learn some techniques and tips for improving your public speaking skills and confidence.
| About the Instructor: Dr. Shellaná Henderson is the Director of Macaulay’s Friedman Transfer Scholars Program. With over 15 years in higher education, Dr. Henderson brings a wealth of experience in advising, admissions, first-year experience, orientation, mentorship, teaching and academic affairs. On the way to earning her business degree from Babson College, Dr. Henderson discovered her interest in higher education itself – particularly how the college experience can be a powerful source of social change. She earned her master’s in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College, and her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. |
The Loop Troop @Macaulay: Beginner Crochet Class, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Wednesday, January 22, 12:00pm-1:30pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Saranna Belgrave-Banton, Program Director, The Gray STEM Scholar
s Program, Macaulay Honors College
 Saranna Belgrave-Banton |
About the Instructor:
Dr. Saranna Belgrave-Banton is an avid and forever learner, mentor, science educator, mentor, author and scientist driven by curiosity and a long-standing desire to make science accessible to those interested in learning and engaging with it. She has been an adjunct assistant professor teaching introductory biology courses at Hunter College for more than a decade and is spearheading the Gray STEM Scholars Program at Macaulay Honors College where she supports the empowerment of STEM students from underrepresented groups to realize their dreams of a career in research or medicine. In addition to science, Dr. Belgrave-Banton is a dedicated creative who makes custom beaded jewelry, graphic tees, textiles and yarn crafts including knitting and crochet. |
Resume: Workshop and Review Session, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Wednesday, January 22, 2:00pm-4:00pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructors: Gianina Chrisman, Director of Career Development, Macaulay Honors College
Unlock the potential of your resume and seize your dream opportunities. Join us for an evening of resume transformation and networking. Your path to career success starts here!
📌 Event Highlights:
1. Learn How to Stand Out: Receive expert tips and personalized feedback to enhance your resume.
2. Network and Connect: Engage with peers, professionals, and career advisors for valuable insights and connections.
3. Refresh and Refuel: Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you build your professional profile.
🖋️ To-Do List: Don’t forget to register and attach the link to your resume. Bring a printed copy of your resume.
🚨 Limited spaces available. RSVP now! 🚨
 Gianina Chrisman |
About the Instructor:
Gianina Chrisman is the Director of Career Development at Macaulay Honors College. She leads the college’s efforts to connect students with high-level internships, research and job opportunities. As the head of career development, she leads the Office of Career Development, which includes overseeing the internship portion of the experiential learning requirement, career services, corporate sponsorships, mentoring program, and career development advisory council. She serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council, Pre-Professional Committee, Diversity Committee, and Community Service Committee at Macaulay. Gianina received her undergraduate degree from Hunter College, with a double major in Psychology and English Literature and a minor in Music. She earned her Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College. She comes to Macaulay with almost 20 years of experience in higher education and a background in Workforce Development & Training. Gianina was also an avid fencer and has served as the Assistant Coach at Yeshiva University and Hunter College in the past. |
Purl Jam: Knitting 101, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, January 22, 2:00pm-3:30pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Lisa Brundage, Director of Academic Affairs, Macaulay Honors College
This introductory knitting workshop will teach beginners the basics on casting on (getting your yarn on your needles), the knit stitch, casting off, and some basics about knitting materials, notions, and lingo. You will learn the steps required to make a scarf, which you will then be able to complete at home. This workshop is perfect for anyone with no knitting experience. All knitters are welcome, but the content will be aimed at brand-new beginners.
 Lisa Brundage |
About the Instructor: Lisa is an experienced teacher, project manager, and event planner, but a new knitter. Inspired by the hand embroidery skills she learned in Kelly O’Donnell’s Resting Stitch Face class, and seeking more ways to limit doomscrolling, she took a knitting workshop last year and has been carrying a bag of needles and yarn everywhere since then. Her favorite thing to knit is socks. Around Macaulay, you can find Lisa at all of the seminar Common Events, teaching Springboard, and working with the Academic Affairs team. |
A POEM IS A POEM: a flash workshop with Carmen Boullosa, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, January 22, 2:00pm-3:30pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Carmen Boullosa, Writer & Distinguished Lecturer at Macaulay Honors College
A POEM IS A POEM: flash-workshop with poet and writer Carmen Boullosa. During one hour and 15 minutes, we will read/write/rewrite/create poems. Bring poems or the draft of a poem you have already written, or bring one poem you love (or find disturbing) from a poet you care about. Or bring the idea or the intuition of a poem you feel you need and desire to write. Come to write poems on the spot! Or come share poems you want to read with others! Or come share your doubts about a poem or two (yours or from other authors).
| About the Instructor:
Carmen Boullosa (Mexico City, 1954) is the author of nineteen novels (The Book of Eve, and Texas: The Great Theft translated by Samantha Schnee, Before, translated by Peter Bush), collections of poetry (Hatchet, translated by Lawrence Schimmel), plays and essays. She has collaborated with visual artists and has done herself artists books since the late seventies. Some of her work has been exhibited at the Museo de Arte Moderno, the Carrillo Gil, and the MUNAL in Mexico, and the Sala Ruiz Picasso at Madrid, among others. She was a Guggenheim, a DAAD, and a Cullman Fellow, and the recipient of literary prizes in Mexico (the Xavier Villaurrutia, Ibargüengoitia, José Emilio Pacheco, and José Juan Tablada), the Anna Seghers and the LiBeratur in Germany, and in Spain the Café Gijón, Rosalía de Castro and Casa de América de Poesía Americana. The show “Nueva York” on CUNY-TV has won her seven NY-EMMYs. She has been visiting professor at Georgetown, Columbia, NYU, SDSU and Clermont Ferrand, was a faculty member at City College CUNY, and is a Distinguished Lecturer at Macaulay Honors College, CUNY. The New York Public Library houses her archive. |
Mindful Beginnings: Set Your Word(s) of Intention for 2025, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, January 22, 2:00pm-3:30pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Sara Louie, Program Manager, Collaborative Wellness Project, Macaulay Honors College
Kickstart 2025 with reflection & intention setting! This workshop session 
will guide you in reflecting on the past year, identifying goals for the new year, and aligning your energy for the year ahead. Through guided meditation and reflective journaling, you will have the opportunity to explore and choose word(s) of intention for 2025. Time permitting, you’ll be able to create personalized word bracelets that will serve as a visual reminder of your goals and intentions. Whether you’re looking to grow academically or personally, join for a relaxing and reflective session!
Optional: bring your favorite pen and/or journal to write in. If you are someone who likes to take time to think about your goals, recommend writing out your goals before the workshop.
 Sara Louie |
About the Instructor:
Sara Louie (she/her) is the program manager of the Collaborative Wellness Project, an initiative to expand holistic wellness programming and services at Macaulay and across the 8 home campuses. A proud Macaulay alumna, Sara has a background in the non-profit sector, creating impactful programs that empower communities. Since graduating college, she has set words of intention, finding it a supportive practice in transitioning into each new year. She is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, photographer, and recent graduate of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Community Fellows program. |
Ad-ventures in Advertising with Bliss Group, 3:00pm-5:00pmpm
Wednesday, January 22, 3:00pm-5:00pm, on Zoom
Curious about a career in communications but unsure where to start? Join Bliss Group to learn about life inside an ad agency!
Connect with professionals at various levels of Bliss Group as they:
– Share insights into the company and the dynamic world of agency environments.
– Dive into what life as an entry-level employee looks like across different verticals.
– Explore the differences between B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business) communication strategies.
– Present compelling case studies to give you a taste of real-world projects.
You’ll also learn about summer programs and open job opportunities at Bliss Group! Whether you’re a marketing and communications enthusiast or just beginning to explore your options, this event is your chance to gain valuable insights, network, and discover your future in the field of communications.
Don’t miss out—your journey in communications and marketing starts here!
| About the Organization: The Bliss Group is a marketing communications agency that blends data science with the art of storytelling to connect to people with precision, empathy, and purpose.Bios for all speakers coming soon! |
Jewelry Making with Beads, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Wednesday, January 22, 3:30pm-5:00pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Charmain Liddelow, Special Events & Alumni Relations Manager, Macaulay Honors College
Have fun learning a new hobby! Beaded jewelry has been around since ancient times and have been adorned by people from all cultures. Beads represented power, wealth, and spirituality; were used in rituals, ceremonies and also as a form of currency. No prior skills needed. Learn the basics to design and make your own jewelry from a necklace, bracelet and earrings. Express your creativity and make handmade custom pieces for friends, family or potential customers.
All supplies will be provided.
| About the Instructor: Charmain has been with CUNY for 20 years and enjoys working with students and the camaraderie of her co-workers. In her down time, she likes to learn new skills that she can use for DIY projects. |
Map My Career: Where Have I been? Where Am I Going?, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Wednesday, January 22, 3:30pm-5:00pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Saranna Belgrave-Banton, Program Director, The Gray STEM Scholars Program, Macaulay Honors College
Join this workshop to go on a guided tour of your past, reflect on where you are currently and where you’d like to see yourself in your future career. You will leave with a career map that helps you capture, sometimes some not so obvious details about yourself!
|
Saranna Belgrave-Banton |
About the Instructor:
Dr. Saranna Belgrave-Banton is an avid and forever learner, mentor, science educator, mentor, author and scientist driven by curiosity and a long-standing desire to make science accessible to those interested in learning and engaging with it. Leveraging more than a decade of research in behavioral neuroscience, teaching, development and implementation of scientific research access programming for a range of different audiences, career coaching, Dr. Belgrave-Banton confidently explores opportunities to build a concrete foundation in STEM engagement and advocacy as well as actively fan the flames of curiosity and passion for science in a wide range of audiences. She has been an adjunct assistant professor teaching introductory biology courses at Hunter College since 2009 and is spearheading the Gray STEM Scholars Program at Macaulay Honors College where she supports the empowerment of STEM students from underrepresented groups to realize their dreams of a career in research or medicine.
|
Winter Reset: Vinyasa Yoga, 4:00pm-5:30pm
Wednesday, January 22, 4:00pm-5:30pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Sara Louie, Program Director, Collaborative Wellness Project, Macaulay Honors College
Join for a vinyasa yoga class as we transition into a new semester. This flow-based session combines mindful movement, breathwork, and restorative rest to release tension, ease the mind, and ground the self in the new year. Set the tone for 2025 with a calming practice that cultivates balance, clarity, and renewed energy.
Mats will be provided. Please wear or bring clothes you are comfortable moving and stretching in.
|
Sara Louie |
About the Instructor: Sara Louie is the Program Manager of the Collaborative Wellness Project and a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. Sara teaches vinyasa style classes, incorporating mindfulness, slow movement, and restorative poses. Through thoughtful sequences and cueing, her classes aim to cultivate awareness of mind, body, and spirit. Starting her practice in college, Sara appreciates the tools and lessons that yoga teaches on and off the mat. |
Introduction to Financial Literacy, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Wednesday, January 22, 6:00pm-7:30pm, in-person at Macaulay
Instructor: Alan Chen, Tomoon – Alan Chen
Get help planning your career, getting a job, and being successful at work with this free, helpful, and fun training!
 Alan Chen |
About the Instructor: Hello! My name is Alan and I’m an alumnus of Macaulay Honors College at Baruch College. You would think I would know how to manage my personal finances after attending business school. Unfortunately, financial literacy is not a skill taught in schools. I come from a low-income family and have seen firsthand the harmful effects of poor money management and not saving early enough for retirement. My goal is to help people retire happily. By day, I write code as a software engineer; by night, I study financial literacy and make youtube videos. |
Thursday, January 23, 2025 Workshops
Resting Stitch Face: Embroidery Workshop, 10:00am-12:00pm
Thursday, January 23, 10:00am-12:00pm, on Zoom
Instructor: Kelly O’Donnell, Director of Science Forward, Macaulay Honors College
Come get crafty at our intro to embroidery workshop! 
Gather some basic supplies and join us to get started with this classic needlework technique. You’ll learn basic stitches and techniques so you can begin making beautiful creations.
At minimum, you will need these items: embroidery hoop, needles, floss, scissors, and a piece of fabric. You probably have a pair of scissors at home and your fabric really can be anything: old clothes, sheets, pillowcases, tote bags, etc. Try to find something woven rather than knit to work on. You will be able to pick up some supplies (hoop, needles, floss, and fabric scrap) at the Macaulay building the week before the workshop. If you cannot get to the building, you will need to borrow or buy the hoop, needles, and floss. We have some suggestions for those individual items, as well as some suggestions for kits that come with everything you need (including fabrics with patterns on them that you can follow). DO NOT BUY EVERYTHING IN THIS LIST. You just need one kit that has a hoop, needles, and floss and there are 4 options below.
| ITEM | LINK FOR PURCHASE |
| Basic kit with pattern (basic pattern) | Leisure Arts 6″ Dandelion Embroidery Kit |
| Basic kit with pattern (more complex pattern) | Leisure Arts 8″ Green Fields Embroidery Kit |
| Kit with three patterns plus scissors | Kit with three patterns plus scissors |
| Higher quality tools (no patterns) | Essential Tool Kit for Hand Embroidery |
|
Dr. Kelly O’Donnell |
About the Instructor: Kelly O’Donnell is the Director of Science Forward at Macaulay Honors College. She oversees scientific programing and academics for Macaulay. Dr. O’Donnell also regularly teaches one of the Science Forward seminars and occasionally teaches upper level courses such as Ecological Change & Human Disease and Detecting Bullshit in the Modern Age. Before coming to Macaulay, Dr. O’Donnell completed a teaching post-doc at Columbia University. She holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Stony Brook University and a BS in Biology from Cornell University. Her academic interests are in botany, urban ecology, c*science, and invasive plant evolution. Her non-academic interests include embroidery and Star Trek. |
Restorative Practice Training, 10:00am-4:00pm
Thursday, January 23, 10:00am-4:00pm, in-person at Macaulay *Register through the link in the description below*
Instructor: Jayla Allen, Restorative Practice Program Coordinator, Macaulay Honors College
The Restorative Practice Program at Macaulay is designed together with students and staff to provide a comprehensive understanding of restorative justice principles, practices, and their application in various settings, especially across our campus community. Throughout this workshop and training, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiential learning and collaborate with the Restorative Practice Program Coordinator, Jayla Allen who will teach skills, explore strategies, and prepare you to implement community building circles across campuses.
**Please register for Restorative Practice Training through this link**
 Jayla Allen |
About the Instructor:
Macaulay’s Restorative Practice Program Coordinator Jayla J. Allen is a committed advocate, activist, and organizer. She brings a wealth of expertise in designing and implementing programs for young adults, and has a deep background in providing academic, social, and emotional support to students. A 2022-2023 Columbia University Beyond the Bars Fellow, Jayla’s experience includes serving as Community Programs Assistant and, previously, as Youth Advisor at Trinity Church Wall Street. Jayla holds an M.A. in African American-African Diaspora Studies from Columbia University. Her research focused on the intersections of race, poverty, and mass incarceration in the United States. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Legal Studies at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, during which time she spent a semester in Shanghai at East China Normal University. During her own college career at Prairie View, Jayla was extremely successful in community organizing and advocating for voters’ rights throughout the South. She served as the lead plaintiff in Allen v. Waller County, Texas, a voting rights lawsuit challenging the county’s refusal to provide on-campus early voting. Since then, Jayla has continued to fight for voting rights and to prepare Black and brown voters to cast ballots across the United States. |
CUNY x MTA Info Session, 11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday, January 23, 11:00am-1:00pm, on Zoom
Are you ready to launch your career with one of New York’s most essential organizations? Join us for an engaging event showcasing the MTA/CUNY Internship Program and other exciting pathways into the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
What’s in store:
– Internship Opportunities: Discover everything you need to know about the Summer 2025 CUNY/MTA Internship Program and how it can open doors to a dynamic career.
– Panel Discussion: Hear from MTA employees, including CUNY alumni, working in diverse functional areas such as:
– Legal
– Business
– Public Health/Climate Health
– Technology
– Insights from Former Interns: Get firsthand accounts from past program participants about their experiences and how the internship shaped their professional journeys.
This is your chance to learn from industry leaders, gain career insights, and explore how your education and skills can contribute to shaping the future of New York.
| About the Organization: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America’s largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined.
Panelist bios coming soon! |
Network 2 Get Work, 11:30am-1:00pm
Thursday, January 23, 11:30am-1:00pm, on Zoom
Instructors: Darren Cummings, Program Manager Career Development, Macaulay Honors College & Rebecca Zimmerman, Assistant Director, Macaulay Office of Career Development
“Network 2 Get Work” is a workshop focused on helping students overcome the icks and hang-ups of networking. The assistant director of career development, Rebecca Zimmerman, and I will share practical tips you can apply in real-life networking situations. We understand that networking can be uncomfortable, but with our guidance, you can navigate it successfully and stay true to yourself.
| About the Instructors:
Darren served as Supplemental Instruction Coordinator at John Jay College and actively contributed to the institution’s Math and Science Resource Center. He was pivotal in recruiting, nurturing, and training a team of more than 20 tutors. He took pride in creating a supportive environment for students, facilitating their transition into college life and adulthood. He is the Program Manager for the CUNY Honors Business Hub at Macaulay Honors College. Rebecca Zimmerman (she/her) is an expert in rhetorical analysis and is eager to leverage her knowledge from years of working at small businesses to support students as they develop their careers. She uses empathy-driven communication and a whole-person approach to support students as they explore their goals and create paths to achieve them. She is passionate about empowering students to make career decisions that enable them to honor their experiences and be their authentic selves at work. |
Conflict De-Escalation with Right To Be, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Thursday, January 23, 2:00pm-3:30pm, on Zoom
Right To Be is offering this interactive training to train people on how to safely De-escalate situations of conflict. Using our Observe-Breathe-Connect methodology, we’ll learn how to identify potential conflict before it escalates using our “pyramid of escalation,” and how to assess whether intervening is the right action for you.
We’ll talk about specific biases that are increasing conflict, harassment, and violence — the role of implicit and explicit bias in conflict. We’ll also learn how to connect with others by validating and De-escalating their feelings — even if we don’t understand them or agree with them.
| About the Organization: Right To Be became a nonprofit in 2010 under the name Hollaback!. What began as a simple idea – a blog to collect stories of street harassment – became part of an international movement. We created Bystander Intervention Trainings to teach people how to stop harassment, with a set of simple and safe tactics we call the 5Ds. As our work expanded, so did our mission. Right To Be grew from addressing public street harassment… to ending harassment in all its forms. |
Mastering Canva: Leveraging AI Tools, Magic Media, and Popular Apps for Graphic Design Success, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Thursday, January 23, 2:00pm-3:30pm, on Zoom
Instructors: James Brischetta, Student Development Coordinator, Macaulay Honors College
Unlock the full potential of Canva.com in this hands-on workshop! Learn how to use Magic Media and AI tools to streamline your design process and elevate your promotional materials. Also, explore popular Canva apps to enhance your workflow and create professional designs with ease.
By the end, you’ll be able to harness Canva’s features to save time, boost creativity, and create standout visuals for any project. Perfect for marketers, designers, and anyone looking to improve their design skills. (Many features are only available on Canvas Pro.)
 James Brischetta |
About the Instructor: James Brischetta is a Macaulay Honors College Alumni (Brooklyn College, ’23). He was an extremely active student leader and four-term member of the Macaulay Scholars Council, as he graduated with a History BA. In his work as a student, and now as the college’s Full-Time Student Development Coordinator, James has worked to sustain and grow Student Life at Macaulay and CUNY, and create spaces for NYC students to thrive outside of their academics. |
Rational vs Emotional: Aligning Your Emotions to Serve YOU, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Thursday, January 23, 3:30pm-5:00pm, on Zoom
Instructors: Kseniya Kosmina, Macaulay Honors Academic Advisor at Baruch College
Have you ever struggled with aligning your thoughts and emotions? We all do–that is totally normal! Humans are rational creatures with an unparalleled capacity for experiencing a wide spectrum of emotions. Sometimes, we let them get the best of us. How can we go through life’s ups and downs in a healthy, dignified manner and be proud of how we have handled ourselves and our challenges? In “Rational vs Emotional: Aligning Your Emotions to Serve YOU”, learn how to harness our emotions to collaborate better with our rational thoughts to make optimal decisions.
| About the Instructor:
A former Honors scholar, Kseniya is a proud CUNY alumna, having completed BBA in Marketing and MSEd in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College. She is grateful to have returned as a Macaulay Academic Advisor, as Baruch’s honors community is very near and dear to her. Prior to that, Kseniya has worked at two top global advertising agencies, as well as in graphic design, non-profit organizations, and major financial institutions. Realizing her calling was in increasing access to higher education and helping students have fulfilling collegiate experiences, she switched careers and joined John Jay College as a Transfer Momentum Specialist, developing transfer student programming and teaching psychology as an adjunct lecturer. Passionate about mentorship and professional & personal growth of others, Kseniya is an active member of the CUNY community. Mentoring in Executives On Campus Program, volunteering with Financial Women’s Association, and coaching student organizations are some of the ways in which she likes to give back. |
Personal Pitch with COOP Careers, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday, January 23, 5:00pm-6:00pm, on Zoom
Instructor: Emikhe Tisor, Recruiting Manager, COOP Careers
Elevating your first impression – Participants will get a taste of our program soft skills classes by learning how to effectively and proudly talk about themselves, own their unique story, and authentically share their journey in different settings through COOP Careers’ personal pitch hack, the 3W’s.
| About the Instructor: Emikhe is a dynamic professional with a strong educational foundation and a passion for empowering others. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Management from Buffalo State and furthered their expertise with a master’s degree in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration. Currently serving as a Recruiting Manager at COOP Careers, Emikhe is dedicated to helping individuals overcome underemployment by connecting them with meaningful fellowship opportunities. Her unique combination of business acumen and higher education insight enables them to support diverse communities in achieving her professional aspirations. |
