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Two Jobs for Virginia Graduate students receive recognition for their accomplishments
Two students were recognized by Jobs for Virginia Graduates Specialist, Tyler Brooks, for their accomplishments. Hope Looney of Graham High School, and Miranda Brewster of Tazewell High School were voted by their peers as the president and vice-president of the TCCTC’s JVG Career Association. After they were chosen, Hope and Miranda were invited to attend the Jobs for America’s Graduates National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C. The pair were able to network with other students from across the nation. They were also able to meet the current Miss America, participate in the wreath changing ceremony and changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, and tour some of the country’s famous monuments. These students have already made it through the district competition and will be competing at the JVG Ignite State Competition at Radford University in February 2025. If the students win at the competition in Radford, they will be invited to compete at the national competition in Indiana.
According to a press release, two senior students at Tazewell County Career and Technical Center (TCCTC), Hope Looney of Graham High School, and Miranda Brewster of Tazewell High School, were voted by their peers as the president and vice-president of the TCCTC’s Jobs for Virginia Graduates (JVG) Career Association.
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Both students desired to do important things while at TCCTC and applied to be state JVG officers for Virginia. After a intense application process, both were accepted as delegates for the JVG state team.
Brewster and Looney were two of nine students in the state to be selected for the position. After they were chosen, Hope and Miranda were invited to attend the Jobs for America’s Graduates National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C.
Back row left to right: Jayla Farmer, Miranda Brewster, Kydalynn Brown, Wesley Dudley, and Tyler Brooks
Front row: Abbigail Wiley-Toler and Hope Looney
Photo Courtesy: Tazewell County Public Schools
While in Washington, D.C., the pair were able to network with other students from across the nation. They were also able to meet the current Miss America, participate in the wreath changing ceremony and changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, and tour some of the country’s famous monuments.
While on the trip, Brewster and Looney were able to meet with Virginia’s 9th District Congressional Representative Morgan Griffith at his office in Washington, D.C. During the meeting, they expressed concerns regarding the unemployment rate in Southwest Virginia and how they felt the issue could be mitigated through recommending people to work with the JVG program.
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Hope and Miranda are both stand-out students and all of Tazewell County should be proud of them for their accomplishments and representation of the county. Tyler Brooks | Specialist, Jobs for Virginia Graduates
Brooks also acknowledged students who are competing in the JVG Ignite Competitions. These students have already made it through the district competition and will be competing at the JVG Ignite State Competition at Radford University in February 2025. The competitions are a variety of business competitions that JCG students may choose to participate in.
Miranda Brewster, Jayla Farmer, Kydalynn Brown, and Wes Dudley will be competing as a four-person team in the business competition to display their concept of a new product they created called the Trek Torch. The product is a concept for a new walking stuck light attachment to be used in hiking, camping, hunting and other outdoor activities.
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Pictured left to right: Tyler Brooks, Hope Looney, Miranda Brewster, Wesley Dudley, Kydalynn Brown, Jayla Farmer, and Abbigail Wiley-Toler
Photo Courtesy: Tazewell County Public Schools
Hope Looney is set to compete in a prepared speech competition in which she will speak on how JVG has made an impact on her life and prepared her for the future. Abbigail Wiley-Toler will compete in the career preparation competition. Abbi will give a PowerPoint presentation on her career choice, obstetrics. If the students win at the competition in Radford, they will be invited to compete at the national competition in Indiana.
I just want to say how proud I am of each of these students for making it this far. Students like these make coming to work for me a joy each and every day and I think it is immensely important that we recognize their hard work and dedication by giving them recognition whenever we can do so. Tyler Brooks | Specialist, Jobs for Virginia Graduates
For more information regarding Tazewell County Public Schools, visit their website.
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Students learn to tend cattle at Be a Champ Camp
About 150 students — from age 9 through 19 — are attending Be A Champ Camp this week. The camp, held each June at Connors, teaches livestock grooming and showmanship. Retired Connors ag instructor Jerry McPeak: “Rain or shine, it’s the same thing,” he says of the camp. “Attitude is everything, I don’t care what you do in life,’’ he adds, referring to the camp’s motto: ‘You fail only when U don’t give it all U have.’ ‘I have not missed a year since I was 9 years old,’ says Stormi Hopkins, 21.
“Rain or shine, it’s the same thing,” said retired Connors ag instructor Jerry McPeak, who has led the livestock camp for 43 years. “The rain makes it more difficult — it’s like life.”
About 150 students — from age 9 through 19 — are attending Be A Champ Camp this week. The camp, held each June at Connors, teaches livestock grooming and showmanship to young people from across the United States, and beyond. McPeak said a student from Canada attended a cattle showmanship camp last week and an Australian will attend a lamb camp later this month.
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Campers spent Thursday afternoon grooming and shearing their cattle.
“They’re giving them haircuts to emphasize their strengths and minimize weaknesses of these cattle,” McPeak said.
Thursday’s rain challenged the students.
“Sometimes it gets more difficult because of things you can’t control, that’s how today was,” McPeak said Thursday. “They don’t have any choice but to do that, coming from their trailers into here. We’re going to wash them anyhow. They’ve got the equipment to get them dry and do a lot of brushing.”
The camp also fosters positive attitudes, McPeak said. “Attitude is everything, I don’t care what you do in life.”
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Motivational posters such as “Don’t Just Walk, Walk and THINK” and “You fail only when U don’t give it all U have” lined show barn walls.
Fourth-grader Liam Dyches of Nowata County said he’s learning how to fit his cow for showing. Part of that involved grooming them with electric clippers.
“Cattle have a lot of hair on them, so you pull down on the brush,” Liam said, referring to the electric clippers.
Fourth-grader Waylon Hargis of Waurika led his cattle across the muddy grounds to his trailer. He said he’s used to tending cattle in the rain.
Stormi Hopkins of Claremore grew up attending the camp and returned to teach.
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“I came (as a camper) every year that I could, a total of nine years,” said Hopkins, 21. “I have not missed a year since I was 9 years old.”
Hopkins said the camp has a great atmosphere.
“Everybody around you is willing to help and give you their all,” she said. “It’s such a positive atmosphere. We instill motivation and confidence, so that whenever they leave here, they want to help other kids. It’s been humbling to be able to watch kids from the first day go on to the last day and see the growth.”
Tips For First Time AFROTECH™ Conference Attendees, Including What You Should Be Doing Now To Prep For The 2025 Event
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Embrace new opportunities in the coming year. This includes strengthening one’s professional brand, enhancing skills through customized learning paths, obtaining industry-recognized certifications, and cultivating meaningful connections. The AFROTECH Conference has helped professionals land their dream roles in tech, secure speaking engagements, attract new clients, and open doors to countless other opportunities. The annual event empowers the next generation through insightful discussions led by industry change-makers, hands-on activations, recruitment opportunities from leading companies, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. The conference was held in Houston, TX, at the George R. Brown Center between Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, and Saturday, November. 16, 2024 — drew in a crowd of over 35,000 individuals. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
Embrace new opportunities in the coming year.
The new year often brings a time of reflection and a renewed focus on personal growth and professional development. This includes strengthening one’s professional brand, enhancing skills through customized learning paths, obtaining industry-recognized certifications, and cultivating meaningful connections within one’s field.
One key opportunity to consider in the new year is the AFROTECH
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Conference. This event has helped professionals land their dream roles in tech, secure speaking engagements, attract new clients, and open doors to countless other opportunities.
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The annual event empowers the next generation through insightful discussions led by industry change-makers, hands-on activations, recruitment opportunities from leading companies, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
This year’s event — held in Houston, TX, at the George R. Brown Center between Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, and Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 — drew in a crowd of over 35,000 individuals.
The convening of professionals made the event worth attending for software developer Zora Barnett.
Barnett graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics. Her experience at the historically Black college and university reinforced the importance of representation and the value of being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared similar aspirations and goals.
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“I’ve been eyeing the conference for a while, even when I was in college…When you see other people who look like you, talk like you, sound like you, doing the things that you say you want to do, it cements into your mind this is very much so possible…
especially being early on in my career, not knowing exactly where I want to go,” she told AFROTECH in a virtual interview.
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Barnett initially purchased a general admission ticket, which she later upgraded to a corporate ticket. She maximized her experience by exploring the recruiting expo floor and attending various panels, including an Apple-led discussion on spatial audio and its development tools.
Through her experience, she has come to realize the crucial importance of preparation in making the most of her time. HR leader Arianny Mercedes explains that preparation is essential to achieving success at any conference and ensuring that the dollars spent on a ticket are an investment in one’s career.
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“Preparation is everything. Doing your homework, researching speakers, [and] sending a personalized connection request or reading a panelist’s latest LinkedIn post sets you apart and signals that you’re showing up with purpose,” Mercedes told AFROTECH. “Whether it’s meeting industry leaders, soaking up knowledge, or understanding the space better, preparation ensures you’re walking in confident and intentional—and most importantly, walking away with something tangible. Whether that’s a new job lead, an investor, or a key connection, every conference should have a clear return on your investment. All of which starts with preparation.”
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We’ve gathered valuable tips from both Barnett and Mercedes to help first-time AFROTECH Conference attendees maximize their 2025 experience.
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Come In With A Plan
Prior to the conference, and especially by the first day, have a clear plan mapped out. Attendees can upload their resumes to the AFROTECH
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resume book, placing them on companies’ radar before the event begins. This can jumpstart interview opportunities, spark conversations, and lead to invitations to exclusive events with potential employers.
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Additionally, create an agenda that outlines the events and panels you plan to attend but allows flexibility to accommodate the natural ebbs and flows of the day, such as spontaneous conversations or well-deserved breaks.
“Conferences like AFROTECH are full of opportunities you can’t predict, like running into someone hiring for your dream role or stumbling into a session that shifts your perspective completely. If you plan too rigidly, you might miss those moments,” explained Mercedes. “Use the conference agenda or app to structure your day, but keep it simple. Build in buffer time for breaks or to follow up on conversations you didn’t expect to have. The goal isn’t to attend everything—it’s to walk away with something that matters, whether that’s a connection, a new idea, or even just clarity on your next step.”
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Focus On Making Real Connections
Networking is essential. While mastering fundamentals like a 20-second elevator pitch or a clear understanding of your personal value proposition is crucial, it’s equally important to be personable and let your authentic character shine. Recruiters will meet candidates with similar qualifications, but sometimes, the deciding factor is who appears more genuine and relatable.
Rather than viewing networking solely through the traditional lens of professional gain, approach it as an opportunity to form meaningful, long-lasting connections. This mindset can lead to more authentic interactions and relationships that extend beyond the conference.
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“The key is to lead with curiosity and genuine interest in the people you meet. Instead of trying to impress everyone, focus on making meaningful connections. Start by asking thoughtful, engaging questions that spark conversation and make others feel valued,” mentioned Mercedes.
Refer to the conversation starters suggested below:
What’s been the highlight of the conference for you so far?
If you could design your dream panel discussion, what would it be about?
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten at an event like this?
What’s one thing you’re hoping to take away from this conference?
“These questions create space for a deeper dialogue and help conversations flow naturally. Don’t stress about trying to meet everyone or collecting a stack of business cards. Instead, focus on building one or two strong connections that could lead to meaningful opportunities later on,” Mercedes stated.
Don’t Forget To Follow Up
Forming a connection is just the beginning — don’t forget the importance of following up. Send an email or a LinkedIn message before the conference ends or shortly afterward to stay top of mind. Remember, recruiters, event partners, and attendees are meeting countless people, so a thoughtful follow-up is essential to stand out and maintain the relationship.
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“A quick message like, ‘I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Your perspective was so insightful — I’d love to stay in touch,’ helps keep the connection alive and shows you value the exchange. Whether you’re walking away with a new friend, a potential collaborator, or a professional lead, the goal is to create a networking experience that feels natural and impactful,” Mercedes stated.
Barnett echoes similar sentiments. However, Barnett admits she fell short following up with those she met the conference and will use the upcoming conference as an opportunity to be more intentional in this area.
“I didn’t want to follow up with people for the sake of following up with them,” Barnett commented. “I did want them to be genuine, real connections that actually have substance behind them, rather than, ‘Oh, I’m just following up to as a what’s the word as a formality.’ So just do it, just go through the motion, but actually have some intentionality behind it.And I feel like the two to three people that I did follow up with, though it was less than my intended goal, I think it wasmore impactful with those two to three people then it would have been if I was just picking three to five people just to do it, or going through the motions.”
Scout For Future Roles
Lastly, the AFROTECH Conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of companies that might not otherwise be as accessible. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, exploring and building connections is still beneficial. For Barnett, the experience provided invaluable insights into the current job market and fair compensation standards. Rather than focusing solely on securing interviews, she used the expo floor to evaluate the job landscape and gain a deeper understanding of industry trends.
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“I don’t think I personally prepared myself for a technical interview enough prior to AFROTECH
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but I think it was very eye-opening to see what is out there, what are they looking for, what is the current state of the job market and what are people doing at similar levels as me,” Barnett mentioned. “And kind of seeing, ‘Okay, they’re doing a, b and c, and I’m doing ABC, but they’re getting paid $20,000 [to] $30,000 more than me. Oh, there needs to be a discussion that needs to be had at my current job.’ Especially in the event that, hopefully next year, I’ll be a little bit more prepared for a technical interview and, do well in the interview, and receive an offer that I can counter at my job. Be like, ‘Hey, such and such is willing to do this and this, it’s much easier for you to keep me and increase my pay, rather than trying to replace me and retrain and go through that whole process.’”
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We hope these tips will be helpful for first-time conference attendees. You can also get ahead of the curve by purchasing early bird tickets today for October 27-31, 2025, in Houston, TX! From shaping the future of work to championing tech for good, this is where innovation meets impact. Don’t wait — lock in your early bird tickets.
The post Tips For First Time AFROTECH™ Conference Attendees, Including What You Should Be Doing Now To Prep For The 2025 Event appeared first on AfroTech.
The post Tips For First Time AFROTECH™ Conference Attendees, Including What You Should Be Doing Now To Prep For The 2025 Event appeared first on AfroTech.