On Monday, August 7th, the Garden of Dreams MSG Classroom program alumni gathered for their annual networking event hosted by MSG Networks – a panel discussion featuring superstar Misty Copeland and Apple executive Lisa Jackson, who discussed career and life advice, dropping valuable “gems” for the alumni in attendance.
The group gathered in the MSG Networks studio as Knicks legend Allan Houston introduced the two special guests and opened the panel by asking about their career journey and what it means to be two successful Black women in their respective industries.
Misty Copeland, the first Black Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, gave the alumni encouraging words of perseverance, determination, and will. She relayed to the alumni that the journey is important, and that they should always appreciate the process.
Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives at Apple, encouraged the alumni to strive for greatness, be intentional and have a plan for the best chance at success. She encouraged the youth not to be discouraged by failures but to use them as a lesson.
The presentations ended with a Q&A session where Misty and Lisa emphasized the importance of being brave and staying authentic as our young people embark on their college careers and young adult lives.
The day concluded with lunch and mingling. The young people thanked Misty and Lisa for coming and were inspired after spending the day hearing about the obstacles they overcame and the wisdom they shared. Watch the segment featured on CBS News to learn more!
MSG Classroom is a mentorship program hosted by Garden of Dreams in collaboration with MSG Networks. Each year, dozens of young people benefit from this program, which exposes them to careers in the sports and entertainment industry, and which culminates in students writing, producing, and hosting their own news segment. The program established in 2008, has been recognized with an Emmy Award.