Emerging Conversations: Careering Authentically

Join us virtually for a conversation with LGBTQAI2S-identifying alumni as they talk about their experiences, career paths, and self-expression in their workplaces. This will be an opportunity for current students and alumni to grow in our community and understand how to be their authentic selves in their workplaces, careers, and industries.

There will be time for questions and discussion!

Presented by the Emerson Career Development Center and the Office of Alumni Relations

Meet the Panel:

Vanessa Leon '04 is the Director of Marketing at Growing Generations. Originally from Palm Beach Gardens, FL, she received her bachelor's degree in 2004 from Emerson College and moved to Los Angeles that same year. She is currently pursuing her executive MBA through the Lee School of Business at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and volunteers as a national board member for Family Equality. In her free time, she can be found exploring nature with her partner and their two rescue dogs or playing kickball in an adult recreational league.

Topher Larkin '04 (he/him) currently serves in the role as Events & Experience Manager at METRO Inclusive Health, having previously joined the organization in 2021 as the LGBTQ+ & Marketing Services Manager.

As an Asian adopted child, Topher learned at a young age the impact of sticking out and defying assumptions and identity, developing a desire of always wanting to make an impression uplifting voices for others. After college (by way of Los Angeles, London, Charleston, and Tampa), he paved an eclectic career and community leadership path that spans on the themes of health equity & advocacy, LGBTQ+ equality, and the innovative and creative impact of community collaboration, a recognition celebrated by being named Charleston Magazine’s “Top 50 Remarkable People” in 2014.

With his background in performing arts and communication, he balances work life by supporting local theatre and the arts, playing pop and show tunes music on his piano, zipping around town on his e-scooter, and being the social director within his group of friends.

Joel David Ahumada '13 is currently a YouTube video producer for Condé Nast, working on iconic brands such as Vogue, Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler and SELF Magazine. In 2021 he co-directed a documentary about men of color and their relationship with hair, which won the Audience Choice Award at the NY Lift-Off Film Festival. His passion is traveling the world to cover culture and niche communities in places such as Ethiopia, Japan, Portugal and more.

Meet the Moderator:

Drew Genova, MA '22 works as an Internship Coordinator with Emerson's Career Development Center. Drew uses their experiences in performance, art, and design to help advise and move students forward in their passions and interests during their Emerson careers.

More about Pride Month at Emerson College:

Last June, the Emerson community showed up with flying colors for the inaugural Pride Campaign, raising over $18,000 to directly benefit our LGBTQIA+ students. This June, we will be celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community again and raising money for the Emerson Pride Fund, with a schedule of in-person and virtual events. We want to continue the momentum of last year and continue to stand up for acceptance, inclusion, and equity, together. We are a community of impassioned individuals who are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all. From coast to coast, and around the world: we are proud of our Pride!

Click here for more information about events and Pride at Emerson.