Connection. Belonging. Clarity. Purpose. These are a few key words that jump out as Eastern University’s Theresa Noye describes Goode Conversations, a speaker series that brings together student leaders and local professionals. Noye serves as the Director of Multicultural Students Initiatives and the Goode Scholars Program at Eastern, which is designed to support first-generation and urban students who have strong commitments to growth, leadership, and service. She created Goode Conversations as a way to expand meaningful dialogue outside of the classroom and to bring in expert voices from outside of the University, creating a unique environment for students to learn and to be inspired.

The series, open to all students, provides invaluable experience on multiple levels. Not only do students get to hear from local leaders, but they also gain experience by stepping up to host the sessions. Student interviewers lead the conversations and get to have one-on-one networking opportunities with professionals. “Through this series,” Noye explains, “we connect students with industry experts while giving them opportunities to strengthen their communication skills and build confidence by serving as hosts.”

This past year, Goode Conversations partnered with Eastern’s College of Business and Leadership, the Education Department, the Criminal Justice program, the Biology Department, and more to bring in a variety of speakers. These speakers represented professionals across a range of expertise, including a local elementary school principal, a judge, an attorney, and a managing director at Microsoft, to name a few.

One recent speaker, Joni Odum, serves as the President and CEO at Firstline Incorporated, a company that focuses on hairstyling and maintenance essentials for multicultural groups. Odum came in partnership with the Business Department and drew on her years of experience when discussing how students should be prepared to seize opportunities. “Identify three uniques,” she advised students, detailing how Firstline Incorporated is black-owned, women-owned, and first-to-market elements that are difficult for competitors to duplicate. When asked how she keeps her passion and motivation, Odum highlighted that being driven solely by profit margins isn’t enough. “Do what makes your heart beat. Because that's what's going to make you keep going. If you love it and you're passionate enough about it, you won't feel like you're working. Ever.”

Student Damilola Akinboro ’26, Pre-Med Biology, had the opportunity to help host Odum’s session. “Being a Goode Scholar has really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and learn how to meet new people, especially in professional settings,” Akinboro explains. “These panels were a great opportunity to make valuable connections, put myself out there, and also taught me a new standard of professionalism that I can never forget.”

Another recent speaker, in partnership with the Biology Department and Health and Medical Club, was Dr. Jessica Fowler (MD, MPH), Attending Physician in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Students interested in the medical field were encouraged to connect with others, ask for help, and pursue servant leadership and selflessness. The impact of this session has continued well beyond the event itself: eight students have remained in touch with Dr. Fowler, and two have already visited CHOP to shadow physicians she helped connect them with. Dr. Maria Fichera, Chair and Professor of Biology at Eastern, attended the session and was encouraged by the attentiveness of the students and the ripple effects these conversations are already creating.

Noye’s vision for Goode Conversations has come to fruition in a powerful way this past year.

Noye hopes that this powerful series will continue to foster connection, create a sense of belonging, build the skills needed to navigate future careers, and provide students with clarity and purpose.