ABOUT SESSION: In college, the greatest treasure isn’t just a diploma—it’s the network you build along the way. This presentation explores how creating and expanding your network can unlock valuable opportunities, mentorship, and career growth. Discover strategies to connect with peers, professors, and industry professionals, and learn how to cultivate relationships that will support your journey long after graduation. By treating your college community as a goldmine of connections, you’ll set yourself up for lasting success.
ABOUT SPEAKER: Sierra Pollard is an innovation trailblazer with over a decade of dedicated studies in Marketing, Innovation, and Design Thinking. An author of the INNOVATE Series, entrepreneur, and international keynote speaker, she's also a devoted advocate for women in STEAM. She holds the distinction of being the first person to hold both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Innovation, earned from the University of Florida and Virginia Commonwealth University. She has further enriched her education at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University and the European Innovation Academy and is currently earning a Ph.D. in Curriculum Development from Liberty University. With expertise spanning higher education, startups, and corporate realms, Sierra offers a well-rounded perspective. She founded the Women's Summit of the Lowcountry, establishing the Winnovator Scholarship to support young women's advancement in academia. Her impact extends to the digital realm, where she has built the Winnovation Agency from the ground up, collaborating with renowned brands like Hargray, HBOMax, Adidas, Hallmark, and more. Sierra's expertise also shines as a Pitch Coach for Entrepreneurs, guiding startup leaders to refine their pitch presentations for venture capital funding. Through her strategic insights and commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation, Sierra continues to shape the landscape of entrepreneurship and education at the Director of the Blackstone LaunchPad at the University of Florida!
