Dean Ferguson to moderate panel at First-Gen Student Support Summit on April 3

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The third annual Penn State First-Gen Student Support Summit will be held on April 3, 2024, featuring both in-person and virtual components. Focusing on the theme of intersectionality through the first-gen lens, this year’s Summit will feature a keynote address by Alejandra Campoverdi, a nationally recognized women’s health advocate, author, founder, producer and former White House aide to President Barack Obama. Over 200 registrants from 20 of Penn State’s campuses will be in attendance.

Dr. Wende' Ferguson, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion and assistant dean for student services at Penn State Law in University Park, will moderate a student panel entitled "Breaking Barriers: Understanding Intersectionality in First-Generation Law Student Success" as part of the Summit. The panel will explore the multifaceted challenges faced by first-generation law students through an intersectional lens. By recognizing the diverse identities and experiences that intersect in the lives of these students, the goal is to shed light on the unique barriers they encounter and the strategies that can support their success in legal education. Through the discussion featuring first-generation law students, the panel will delve into topics such as cultural identity, socioeconomic status, and educational background, highlighting the complexities of navigating the legal profession as a member of this community. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the importance of intersectionality in fostering inclusive environments and promoting equitable opportunities for all aspiring lawyers. The Penn State Law student panelists will include 3L students Dani McCormick and Austin Nguyen; and 2L students Jackson England and Ama Yarboi.

To learn more about the upcoming Summit and to register, visit success.psu.edu/events.