UConn students, get ready to get uncomfortable – in a good way!

UConn’s Peter J. Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Education is partnering with Mansfield’s own Alexa Curtis – lifestyle blogger, host, podcaster, and promoter of “living fearlessly” – to bring the Be Fearless Summit to Storrs on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

“Bringing this summit to my hometown feels full circle for me,” says Curtis, “and I’m thrilled to partner with the Werth Institute at UConn to inspire and share how being fearless has catapulted me into launching my own brand and how students can follow similar pursuits.”

The summit will open virtually on Thursday afternoon, February 24, with a keynote from the current Miss Connecticut U.S. A., Amanda Torchia.

The in-person summit kicks off with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m. on February 26 at in the Werth Tower residence hall’s Idea Lab/Forum classrooms, followed by a full morning of panels and workshops that aim to help students learn to be “fearless, persistent, and resilient in their endeavors toward landing their dream job or internship,” explains Curtis.

“Attendees can expect to walk away from the Be Fearless Summit at UConn feeling inspired to get uncomfortable,” she says. “Becoming successful is no easy path, and we focus on demonstrating themes like finding your identity and understanding your strengths and weaknesses so every attendee leaves the summit having made a new friend, mentor, or come up with an idea to pursue outside of school!”

“The panels have been designed around unique and beneficial topics that are planned to motivate, prepare and educate UConn students on life skills that become important when looking for a career after college,” says Rachel Laemle ’24 (CAHNR), a Werth Innovator who has served as one of the lead organizers of UConn’s summit. “Every speaker was chosen carefully based on experience and knowledge of the topic. From well-respected adults to Miss. Connecticut and our very own Werth Innovators, the panels will offer a wide perspective on significant theme related topics. We can’t wait for this day to make an impact on UConn students.”

A full list of panel offerings and guests is available at befearlesssummit.org/2022-schedule. Students will also have an opportunity to be connected with experienced and accomplished mentors during an afternoon session.

“This is the first summit where we are focusing on matching students with mentors, too,” says Curtis, “which is exciting because there is so much opportunity to connect with someone and get their thoughts on a variety of different topics that interest the attendee.”

The event will also feature a pop-up clothing swap from student and Werth Innovator Madeline Kizer ’24 (BUS) in the lounge from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Registration for the in-person event is open now through Eventbrite. A takeaway boxed lunch will be provided.

Students can register for the Thursday afternoon keynote on Eventbrite here.

“We’ve curated an incredible day of speakers and panels that fall under the theme of founders or CEOs who have uncovered their passions by being comfortable with falling down and getting back up,” says Curtis. “Regardless of the panel you attend, you’ll feel inspired to dive deep within yourself and your identity to understand what you want out of your future.”

For more information about educational and entrepreneurial opportunities available through the Werth Institute, visit entrepreneurship.uconn.edu.

 To learn more about Alexa Curtis and her Be Fearless Summit, visit befearlesssummit.org.