Penn’s diverse alumni community is coming together for an electrifying array of events during Penn Spectrum Weekend, to be held October 13-14, 2023. Early registration opens on May 13.
Community and Celebration
Attendees at Penn Spectrum Weekend 2023 plan to manifest change
Published: April 20, 2023
Daina Richie-Troy, W’98, the Director of Penn Spectrum Programs & Shared Interest Groups, is leading the event with the help of three chairs. “The weekend is expansive,” says Richie-Troy. “We will celebrate each other, and also discuss the challenges for communities of people with diverse identities.” This year’s theme is “Manifesting Change, Strengthening our World.”
Ben Huynh, W’14, Jacqui Jenkins, WG’96, and Carlos Hernandez, C’08, serve as tri-chairs of a volunteer leadership team that is hard at work putting together an engaging conference weekend with a full slate of programming that celebrates Black, Latinx, Asian and Asian-American, Native, LGBTQ+, Muslim, and modest-income identifying alumni.
For Jenkins, who grew up in Philadelphia, Penn Spectrum Weekend has become a way for her to catch up with Penn friends and make new ones. “This isn’t your average alumni event,” says Jenkins. “At Penn Spectrum Weekend, we’re going to center conversations from diverse perspectives, allow time for engaging discussions during lunches, and provide time for authors from diverse populations to talk about their books.”
The two-day event will offer a chose-your-own-adventure approach. Attendees will have their pick of speakers, panels, workshops, and tours offered in areas of advocacy, activism, career, and more. “The speakers will be phenomenal, with both established and newer talent,” says Huynh, President of the Asian Alumni Network (UPAAN). “The conference will be joyful, but we’re still holding space for the more serious conversations.”
Angela Duckworth, the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor, best-selling author, and faculty co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative, will be the event’s keynote speaker. Other events include guided walking tours on topics like Penn and Slavery and the University’s Cultural Resource Centers.
“I’m looking forward to the ‘Career Pivot’ panel,” says Hernandez, the Chair of the Los Angeles chapter of the Association of Latino Alumni. “It will be an extension of the original Penn experience—what do we want to be when we grow up?”
Empowered with freedom and creative license, the tri-chairs are excited to facilitate conversations rooted in action. “This event is by alumni for alumni,” he continues. Discussions will include navigating work as a diverse individual, reversible rights, economic empowerment, and more. With an engaged leadership team and planning committee, Penn Spectrum Weekend will also offer both formal and casual networking opportunities, further strengthening Penn’s diverse alumni network.
“Bringing more diverse alumni into volunteer leadership roles at Penn is a priority,” says Sherisse Laud-Hammond, SPP’05, Senior Director of Penn Alumni Leadership and Inclusion. “My job is to help them along their volunteer journey.”
In anticipation of Penn Spectrum Weekend 2023, University-wide Spectrum events have been ramping up. During Alumni Weekend, a Penn Spectrum Soiree will be held on Saturday, May 13 from 6-8 p.m. on College Green. Penn Spectrum mixers were also held with great success before each Penn Forward regional tour event with Liz Magill this year. Nearly 2,000 people attended the mixers, which featured Chaz Howard, University Chaplain and Vice President for Social Equity and Community.
“This is the first time we’ve had the conference since George Floyd, since the pandemic, and so many other events that have changed the world,” says Jenkins. “It’s unique to have a space like Penn Spectrum Weekend for conversations and networking with people who have shared experiences and insights as diverse individuals.”
