Join Us for the Launch of the Wellness Rope Team with Christine Cruzvergara

Leading Yourself First: Identity, Family, and the Work of Showing Up 

A Fireside Chat and Community Conversation with Christine Cruzvergara 

October 8, 2026
3 – 4:30 p.m. ET

Hosted by the Center for Social Justice at Excelsior University and Student Life & Thriving at Fielding Graduate University 

What does it mean to lead authentically during times of uncertainty, change, and competing demands? How do we remain grounded in our values while balancing work, family, caregiving, and personal well-being? 

As part of the shared launch of the Wellness Rope Team, join the Center for Social Justice at Excelsior University and Student Life & Thriving at Fielding Graduate University for an inspiring fireside chat between Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, and Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer at Excelsior University. Together, they will explore leadership, identity, family, resilience, and the ongoing work of showing up fully in every aspect of our lives. 

This conversation is built around the idea that good leadership does not begin with a title. It begins with understanding who you are, what you value, and how you choose to navigate life’s complexities. Participants will gain insights into leading through periods of uncertainty while remaining connected to family, purpose, and self. 

Christine Cruzvergara is a nationally recognized leader in career education and student success. She has led as chief education strategy officer at Handshake, the largest career platform for Gen Z talent, connecting more than 15 million students and alumni across 1,500+ educational institutions, as well as associate provost for career Education at Wellesley College. She has also held leadership and board roles with George Mason University, Georgetown University, The George Washington University, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Inspired by her experience as a first-generation college student, her work centers on helping students discover meaningful pathways to career success. 

Following the fireside chat, attendees will be invited to participate in an interactive community conversation exploring wellness, leadership, identity, and belonging in their own professional and personal journeys. 

Reserve your spot and join us as we launch a new space for reflection, connection, and thriving. Please register to participate (Zoom link provided through registration).