Baldwin Students Connect, Explore Career Possibilities Through GenHERation

This summer, Baldwin students Clara Chen ’27 and Elena Mantini ’28 participated in GenHERation® Connection 2026, a weeklong experiential learning program that allows students to learn from leaders at more than 50 companies, including Google, Netflix, Amazon, J.P. Morgan, and the New York Yankees. Students developed their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills working alongside young leaders from across the country. Over the course of the week, students heard from executives, explored career paths, participated in skill-building challenges and connected with mentors. The week culminated in a team challenge, where Elena’s team emerged as the winners of the July session.

 

For Clara, one of the highlights was the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with creative leader Ariel Adkins. “I gained valuable insight from our discussions about innovation and interdisciplinary applications in the art industry,” Clara shared. She also enjoyed hearing from female leaders during the program’s finance panel and found their advice about entering and navigating the industry especially helpful.

 

The experience encouraged Clara to think more broadly about her own interests and future. “GenHERation definitely reinforced my desire to merge my passions for business and the arts through the skills they encouraged us to develop,” she said. She also connected the program’s emphasis on curiosity with Baldwin’s all-school theme, noting that the experience “really expanded my perspective on what being curious truly means.”

 

Elena especially valued the program’s small-group mentoring sessions, where she could ask questions and receive personalized advice. “I enjoyed being able to ask personal questions, have an elaborate conversation, and receive specific advice for myself,” she said. Her favorite speaker was Amber Finch, whose session on developing an elevator pitch helped Elena think about how to effectively introduce herself and highlight her strengths.

 

Elena’s biggest takeaway was simple: “Stay curious and ask as many questions as possible.” She also came away with a new perspective on choosing a career path, realizing that “your career path is not defined by what you specifically study in school.”

 

The week culminated in a team challenge, where Elena’s team emerged as the winning team of the July session. Reflecting on the experience, Elena encouraged other students to speak up, ask questions and build connections with their peers. “I would tell another student to not be afraid to ask questions or speak up,” she said.

 

GenHERation® will be partnering with Baldwin this fall to invite students to participate in their Discovery Days tour in Philadelphia, which provides students with the opportunity to meet executives at the most innovative companies in the city.