ABC News Anchor Kicks Off CFES Brilliant Pathways Conference by Challenging Students Not to Let COVID-19 Derail Their Dreams

Legendary ABC News Anchor John Quiñones kicked off the 2020 CFES Brilliant Pathways Conference by challenging the thousands of students watching virtually not to let obstacles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic prevent them from realizing their college and career dreams.

“It doesn’t matter if you can’t see the first step, you’ve just got to take it,” said Quiñones, an acclaimed author, speaker and host of What Would You Do? (WWYD), who inspired conference attendees to “unlock the power and light within everyone.”

The “College Readiness in a New World Global Conference” drew 2,500 participants spanning 10 time zones to rural Essex, NY, where the event was broadcast at CFES headquarters. Leaders in education, business and government came together to discuss innovative ways to help students, teachers and communities stay on track during, and beyond, the pandemic.

“Because much of the change we’re seeing is here to stay, we need to leveragedisruption. Change is our friend,” said CFES President and CEO Rick Dalton. “We need to find ways that will provide our kids with the best shot at a college degree. We must ensure that our kids are College and Career Ready.”

Conference attendees chose from five workshops focused on impactful virtual campus visits, how to create an effective virtual classroom and school, paying for college and how government leaders are addressing current issues in K-12 and higher education. A workshop for CFES scholars focused on the art and science of virtual interviewing.

“Whatever your journey will be, and however many zigs and zags it takes, having a good education is incredible armament for you to weather the ups and downs,” said Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT). “The heart of the benefit of an education is that you have the skills that come from a serious focus on education to learn what you want to learn and to do what you want to do in life.”

An at-large panel featuring Carolyn Slaski, Americas Vice Chair of Talent, EY and Porter Braswell, Co-Founder & CEO, Jopwell (NY) offered the necessary tools for career readiness in our ever-changing world. Through this, the importance of active mentorship, entrepreneurial drive, and exposure to diverse opportunities was emphasized.

“Allow scholars to learn from professionals,” said Braswell. “Bring folks in to expose students to the professional’s journeys and paths. My best advice is to live day by day and do the best you can do and when you look back you’ll see your path.” Slaski told participants to “stay curious” and “ask why.” “That’s what differentiates people. Turn everything into an opportunity.