Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) is proud to present the third-annual Wake360, a weekend-long, in-person event that brings the Wake Forest SPS community together to learn, connect, and network. This annual free event will take place October 25-26, 2024 in Charlotte.

During Wake360, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry professionals gather for a weekend designed around a trending and relevant workplace topic, connect with one another, and engage in dynamic conversations. 

Here are five of the things we’re most excited about: 

1. Student Input  

For the first time, the planning and promotion for Wake360 involved another group – students. This year Wake Forest SPS involved student ambassadors to help from the very beginning. 

Master of Digital Marketing student Jessica Elridge served as one of this year’s Wake360 ambassadors. In this role, she had the opportunity to review and provide feedback during the planning process, speak to prospective students about her experience in the program, and create an online discussion to promote the event. 

“My role focused on outreach and promotion, helping ensure the event was engaging and informative,” Jessica said. 

2. Relevant Topic

Part of the role of Wake360 student ambassadors was to help drive the topic of discussion for the weekend – Your Leadership. Your Future. 

Developing human leaders in an AI world is more important than ever. In order to help prepare students with the in-demand skills necessary to adapt, grow, and excel in any industry, panel discussions and workshops will center on the following: 

• The intersection of humanity and technology
• Resilience and adaptability
• What today’s human leader looks like
• Leading from any seat 
• How to lead with influence

3. New Location

Over the last two years, Wake Forest SPS has continued to grow our program offerings. Since the first Wake360 in 2021, interest and attendance has grown, too. 

To accommodate the increasing number of students, faculty, staff, Program Advisory Board (PAB) members, and alumni, we needed a larger space. This year we will be gathering at Charlotte Marriott City Center – situated in the heart of downtown Charlotte. The Charlotte City Center is also within walking distance of local restaurants and shops.

4. Networking Opportunities

At the heart of Wake360 is the opportunity to network and connect with industry professionals, as well as fellow students across all programs. You’ll have multiple opportunities to meet, mingle, and potentially open doors for your career exploration.  

This year we are especially looking forward to the Welcome Mixer on Friday night. Hosted by the Wake Forest SPS Student Engagement Council (SEC), the event is for all attendees – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and PAB Members. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a casual evening of getting to know each other before launching into workshops the next day. 

Abria Frazier, a student in the Master of Curriculum and Instruction program, is on the SEC and has been integral in the planning process. 

“Our goal with the Welcome Mixer is to bring greater awareness to the various programs available, foster meaningful connections with others, and explore opportunities for collaboration,” said Abria. “I’m most excited about meeting my peers in person.”

To get a full sense of networking opportunities, preview the schedule of events. 

5. All-Star Speaking Lineup 

Part of our goal at Wake360 this year is ensuring that human leadership remains at the forefront in an increasingly tech-driven world.

To dive into this crucial topic, there will be a dynamic panel discussion featuring senior leaders from various industries. Kenneth Townsend, Executive Director of the Professional Schools, Wake Forest University Center for Leadership & Character will moderate the panel will explore essential themes such as resilience, adaptability, humility, vulnerability, and authentic leadership. The conversation will continue with an engaging open Q&A session immediately following the panel.

Wake360 student ambassador Jessica is excited for the opportunity to hear from industry experts: “It will be a fantastic chance to hear directly from professionals and thought leaders, as well as making valuable connections that could shape the next steps in my career path.” 

Sebastian Carmona

As the Global Vice President of Advanced Technology and R&D Transformation at Honeywell, Sebastian drives excellence, platforms, digital transformation, and operations across the entire engineering organization.

Shay Mustafa

Currently Senior Vice President of Business Communications and Sustainability at Reynolds America Inc., Shay leads the strategic communications and sustainability agenda for the U.S., the global BAT Group’s largest operating region.

Rasu Shrestha, MD, MBA

Dr. Shrestha is Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer and Executive Vice President at Advocate Health where he is responsible for Advocate Health’s enterprise innovation portfolio, including strategic industry partnerships, and Advocate Health’s strategic investment fund.

Carrie Sumlin

As Executive Director of Digital Products and Experience at  Ally Financial Inc., Carrie oversees Digital, AI, and Contact Center experiences for the enterprise.

Learn more about our speakers.

Wake360 is an immersive learning experience geared toward impacting your professionally and personally. We can’t wait to see you there.

If you have any questions about the event, check out our FAQ page.