The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center regularly organizes events designed to nurture relationships between Saints and the broader community. This spring, student leaders expanded that mission through a first-of-its-kind networking event focused on building connections across colleges and community organizations in the Capital Region.
A strong professional network can significantly expand a student's access to opportunities. With that goal in mind, Siena students Talia Narzymski ’26 and Rebecah Leonard ’26 developed the ‘It’s Giving Network’ event through the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center alongside community partner Salah Harris and Damietta Director Davina Mayo-Dunham. The event brought together Siena campus leaders, students from neighboring colleges and universities, and professionals from community organizations throughout the region. The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center supported the event by attending and offering networking resources for students.
In collaboration with S&S Capitol Consulting, an Albany-based consulting firm led by young professionals, the event welcomed students from Hudson Valley Community College, Union College, UAlbany to Siena University. Organizers intentionally designed the evening to create a space where student leaders from different institutions could meet one another and build relationships across campuses.
"One of the most meaningful parts of the night was seeing students from other colleges…come together in the same room," said co-organizer Talia Narzymski, ’26. "We were especially grateful for the number of student leaders who attended to represent their campuses. It showcased that students across the region are eager to collaborate and learn from one another beyond institutional boundaries."
Community partners also played an important role in the event. Through connections developed by Salah Harris, several local organizations attended and shared the stories behind their work and community impact. These conversations allowed students to learn about local initiatives while building meaningful professional relationships.
The evening also featured Siena alumnus Firmin Alexander ‘17 as the keynote speaker, who was invited by Assistant Vice President for Mission and Damietta Director Davina Mayo-Dunham. His remarks encouraged students to think about how leadership, community engagement, and professional development intersect.
Students who attended the event learned practical networking strategies, including tips for leveraging LinkedIn, but the emphasis remained on authentic conversation and relationship-building.
"Those conversations came easily and naturally, making the experience both educational and genuinely fun," said Narzymski. "What stood out most to me was how quickly the space shifted from nerves to real connection. By the end of the night, it didn’t feel like a traditional networking event—it felt like a community."
Fellow organizer Rebecah Leonard ’26 said the primary goal was to create a welcoming environment where students could ask questions, explore different career paths, and connect with professionals in a low-pressure setting.
"We prepared conversation starter questions to help guide discussions in case anyone felt stuck or nervous about networking," Leonard said. "This made the event feel more approachable and helped students feel more confident jumping into conversations. It was really rewarding to see students making connections and engaging with professionals from across the Capital Region."
Organizers hope that ‘It’s Giving Network’ becomes a tradition within the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center, allowing future student leaders to continue building relationships between Siena, neighboring colleges, and community organizations throughout the region.
