On April 16, the University of Denver’s chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), the Native Student Alliance (NSA) and the Indigenous Alumni Affinity Network (IAA) held a networking event for current Indigenous students to connect with DU’s robust community of Indigenous alumni.
While enjoying food from Maria Empanada — a local Argentinian women-owned business — former and current students were able to connect with the broader community and discuss career opportunities for Indigenous students, such as internships and fellowships.
Alumni careers ranged from finance and business to law to nonprofit work, like the organization Protect the Sacred, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
Students were able to glean all kinds of knowledge and advice from alumni, no matter their current career interests. The former students’ extracurricular activities ranged from involvement in the Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP) to student organizations such as NSA.
One of DU’s most notable alumni, Carol Harvey, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, received her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor from DU. During the mixer, Harvey emphasized the importance of Indigenous students learning and utilizing traditions from their elders in their future professions.
Harvey was also incredibly open about issues the Indigenous community faces, like intergenerational trauma and limited access to educational interventions. After a long career as a lawyer, Harvey has dedicated her post-law career to being a Native American historian and has authored ten books.
“The first step is having a space for students to connect with alumni who have a similar story to them,” said Ava Davis, a third-year biology major and president of AISES, when asked about why these organizations decided to hold this career mixer.
Davis talked about the importance of university organizations being an outlet for students to find mentors who have a similar experience to them, as mentorship is an important pathway for marginalized communities to build professional connections.
For students looking to build their mentorship networks, schedule an appointment with a career peer advisor or staff career advisor to help with your resume, cover letters and finding the right internship or job opportunity.
On May 3, NSA plans to have their annual New Beginnings Powwow, celebrating culture and resilience, open to the entire Denver community. For more information about upcoming events, follow the NSA and AISES on Instagram.
