Thurgood Marshall Workforce Summit Empowers Lawson State Students with Networking and Career-Boosting Skills
Lawson State Community College students who recently attended the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) inaugural Workforce Development Summit learned at least two lessons they will never forget.
First, the power of networking is real, and second, it pays to always put forth one's best effort.
"I'd always thought about networking as something you did to meet employers," said Aria Robinson, a Lawson State biology student and peer tutor who wants to become a doctor.
"The symposium showed us that it is just as important to network with our peers. We are tomorrow's leaders. You never know which students will become hiring managers and business owners," Aria said. "Networking starts now."
Aria was among more than a dozen Lawson State students from various academic and career technical education programs who took advantage of the summit. Throughout the three-day event, upward of 150 students from TMCF-member schools explored wide-ranging topics. Among them were the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, how to navigate internships and apprenticeships, the role of AI in today's professional development, and the importance of being able to pivot when necessary.
Overall, the summit brought together workforce talent from historically black community colleges (HBCCs) and community participants. During the event, they were able to deepen partnerships, especially with companies looking for work-ready talent.
Hard work pays off
That talent also included Lawson State student Taylor Grace, who won a $15,000 scholarship
during the summit. She was among 11 students chosen to receive funds through the Cal
and Annette Johnson HBCC Scholarship fund.
Lawson State's partnership with the Thurgood Marshal College Fund and our involvement in the 2025 Workforce Summit directly supports the college's institutional mission and goal. TMCF programs are aligned to help create and provide economic and workforce development opportunities that lead to employment, and career advancement.
"Our partners at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund continue to present exceptional resources and opportunities to our students," said Lawson State President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, who also delivered closing remarks on the final day.
"When we strive for excellence, success will follow," she told participants. "Diligence and hard work are requirements for both. If you work hard and strive for excellence, success will follow."
