Jasmine Smyles
Doctor of Physical therapy (DPT) and Master of Public Health (MPH)
Northwestern University, 3rd year
Navarro Executive Fellow, 2016-2020
Through the Navarro Executive Fellows program, I learned how to network, plan events, and build connections with people. I am a graduate student at Northwestern University in my third year, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). Skills that I learned with the NEF program helped in my career by building rapport with families and patients and listening to their goals or concerns. For public health, I need to connect with communities, learn about their neighborhood, listen to community members’ strategies, and collaborate on solutions. Navarro Executive Fellow provided the path I needed to learn how to network, learn lessons, and take ownership of accountability. My communication skills through e-mails and in-person developed due to the NEF program. Through NEF, my placement was with the Honors College, where I had the fortunate opportunity to learn from Dr. Amy Cossentino, who is imperative to my growth and journey as a professional. We created a student group within the Honors College.
I learned different components to execute fundraising events and led in organizing volunteer locations for incoming students. These skills are transferable in my career of scheduling appointments, planning therapeutic protocols for each patient, tackling research questions, and leading focus groups to obtain data about a research question. I started NEF with Dr. Sylvia Imler and Mrs. Cheryl Levy, who taught me about accountability, respect, and becoming an effective communicator. The program continued with Brenda Scott, who furthered my skill in the relationship between a mentor and a mentee. The Navarro Executive Fellows Program impacted me as an undergraduate student, my character development, and how I connect with people. Donquail Mims currently leads the program and will continue to take the NEF program further to help students grow as professionals as I was able to do in my career.
Tilisia Williams
Youngstown State University
Psychology Major
Navarro Executive Fellow, 2021 - 2023
At Youngstown State University, I participated in YSTAR, A.I.M, and NEF (Navarro Executive Fellows). All these programs are exceptional, but the most beneficial to me in my college career is the Navarro Executive Fellows program. It has helped to take me out of my comfort zone and be more social. Rather than being my usual introverted self, I have found an extremely reliable and encouraging support system, who have helped me to feel included and accepted even when I felt like I didn’t belong. They guided me when I was lost and didn’t know how to help myself: my executive fellow is very understanding when
I need time for school and is also supportive and encouraging. Participating in off-campus events with my executive fellow and participating in meetings and activities has helped me to gain better social skills when working in groups and public settings. During my first year, I struggled with academic challenges and felt alone. Initially, at first, I regretted coming to college. These programs provided resources, opportunities, and individuals that listened and comforted me. They honestly gave me a reason not to leave college. Some advice I would give to someone wanting to pursue these programs is to do it; you will not regret it. Joining these programs was one of the best choices I made.
Jamiyah Dotson
Youngstown State University
Creative Arts Major
Navarro Executive Fellow, 2022 - 2024
At Youngstown State University, I participated in Youngstown State University Enrichment Summer Scholastic Institute., A.I.M, and NEF (Navarro Executive Fellows). All these programs are dynamic, and so far, the YESS program has benefited me as a first-year college student.
While in this, I learned time management skills and understood what to expect from college academic courses. There have been times when I needed time management skills for a project, and the resources provided were there. Some advice I would give to someone wanting to pursue these programs is to take a leap of faith, make friends and lean on these programs as a guide; they will help you!
Arielle (Alex) Lawson
Youngstown State University
English Major
Navarro Executive Fellow, 2022 - 2023
At Youngstown State University, I participated in Youngstown State University Enrichment Summer Scholastic Institute., A.I.M, and NEF (Navarro Executive Fellows). All these programs are dynamic, and so far, the Navarro Executive Fellows program has been a massive help to me. It gave me a place to work while going to college, gain leadership skills, and have a schedule that works around my class schedule.
YESS was also a massive help as it introduced me to my Executive, Carol Bennett, and gave me resources and connections on campus. It has allowed me to network on campus and provided me a sense of belonging while learning to problem solve. I have learned the value of working with a team. At the same time, I was witnessing the benefits of coming out of my shell. I struggled with the challenge of working out things with roommates. My A.I.M mentor and Navarro Executive gave me great advice on ways to work things out. The most important advice I would give someone wanting to pursue these programs is to go for it. You have people in your corner who will advocate for you and support you through your college journey.