Recap of the 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) 2025 |
We are thrilled to share a recap of the 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Student Alumni Union on the RIT campus. Hosted by the Saunders College of Business Leadership Academy, this year’s summit, themed “Inclusion and Empowerment,” was a resounding success, bringing together students, professionals, and leaders for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection.
The event featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and activities, including:
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- A powerful keynote address by Kim B. Miller, an award-winning spoken word poet and leadership advocate, who inspired attendees with her insights on growth, creativity, and resilience.
- An engaging leadership panel who shared their experiences and advice on navigating challenges and driving change in their respective fields.
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Interactive presentations and seminars on topics such as neuroinclusive leadership, multigenerational mentorship, and leveraging AI to break barriers.
- Opportunities for networking and collaboration during lunch and the wrap-up session, where attendees connected with peers and industry professionals.
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The summit not only provided valuable insights into leadership, but also fostered a sense of community and empowerment among participants. Students left feeling inspired and equipped with practical tools to become tomorrow’s leaders in their chosen fields.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the presenters, panelists, sponsors, and attendees who made this event a success. Special recognition goes to the Saunders College of Business Leadership Academy for organizing such an impactful and inclusive program.
If your student attended, we hope they found the experience as enriching as we did. For those who missed it, we encourage them to keep an eye out for future leadership opportunities at RIT.
Thank you for supporting your student’s journey toward leadership excellence. We look forward to continuing to empower the next generation of leaders together!
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Cognitive Science Speaker Series (Apr 4) – Join MIT’s Laura Schulz for a talk on how children learn through social cognition.
National Math Competition @ RIT/NTID (Apr 4-6) – Top deaf middle school math teams compete in this national STEM challenge.
Virtual Student Panel (Apr 8) – Current students share their RIT experiences in an online Q&A session.
Spring Fest (Apr 17-20) – Enjoy a weekend of games, music, and campus-wide festivities.
NAG Meeting (Apr 17-18) – The National Advisory Group convenes to discuss NTID initiatives and student success.
Open House (Apr 18 & 25) – Prospective students explore RIT/NTID’s programs and campus life.
Lyon Lecture with Troy Kotsur (Apr 24) – The Oscar-winning actor discusses his career and Deaf representation in Hollywood.
Imagine RIT (Apr 26) – Experience innovation at RIT’s annual festival of creativity, research, and technology.
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RIT/NTID Presents: "The Cracked Nut" – A Fresh Take on a Classic |
RIT/NTID's Department of Performing Arts will present "The Cracked Nut," a reimagined version of The Nutcracker, April 4–6 in the Robert F. Panara Theatre.
Performance Times:
April 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.
April 5 and 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Set in 1940s Harlem, this innovative production blends ballet with jazz and swing, featuring Duke Ellington’s iconic music performed live by the RIT Jazz Ensemble. The story follows Drosselmeyer as a suave nightclub host, guiding guests through a magical evening.
Choreographed by NTID’s Marc Ellis Holland, this inclusive production brings together deaf and hearing performers, offering a fresh, barrier-breaking take on a holiday favorite.
Tickets:
$5 (students/youth/seniors 60+)
$10 (RIT faculty/staff/alumni)
$12 (general public)
Purchase online at rittickets.com, by phone (585-475-4121), or at the RIT Arenas Box Office.
Don’t miss this unique performance celebrating creativity and inclusion!
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Deaf Day of Play: A Celebration of Deaf Culture and Community |
On Saturday, March 29, RIT/NTID and The Strong National Museum of Play partnered on Deaf Day of Play—a special event celebrating Deaf culture, language, and accessible family fun.
This event featured sign language interpreted activities throughout the museum, with ASL support provided by NTID interpreting students.
Event highlights included:
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- Butterfly education sessions in the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden
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An interactive exhibit from NTID's PLAY Lab, showcasing research on how early sensory experiences shape development
- ASL story time sessions with Rochester School for the Deaf
- Creative ASL alphabet art activities in the Play Lab
- A performance of NTID's production "The Cracked Nut"
- Historical displays about sign language and Deaf community contributions
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This event offered a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with Deaf culture outside the classroom and for visiting families to experience an accessible, educational day of play.
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On the Road: Meet the Office of External Affairs |
The NTID Office of External Affairs (OEA) travels nationwide to connect with families, students, and communities. Whether attending events, hosting meet-ups, or gathering feedback, we’re here to strengthen our connection with RIT/NTID families.
How to Connect with Us
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- Travel Updates: Watch for announcements in newsletters and the NTID Parents Facebook group.
- Schedule a Meeting: Let us know if you’d like to meet while we’re in your area.
- Special Events: Join us at informal gatherings or local events to chat and share your feedback.
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We look forward to meeting you, learning from your experiences, and building a stronger RIT/NTID community!
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To stay connected with other parents and keep up with the latest news, join our Facebook group for parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing and interpreting students at RIT/NTID. Additional resources are available on the NTID Parents and Families page and RIT Parents and Families page.
Loriann Macko
SVP ’88, ’94 | She/Her/Hers
Director, NTID Alumni & Constituent Relations
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology
585-286-4579 | Loriann.Macko@rit.edu
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52 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623 | Unsubscribe
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