BlackRock "Dare to Lead" Conference

Corporate partnerships are important to Summer Search’s success for many reasons, and global investment management company BlackRock has recently gone above and beyond by financially supporting two of our regions as well as providing volunteer support.

Earlier this summer, BlackRock hosted our Bay Area Annual “Dare to Lead” Conference, an all-day series of career readiness workshops to support our college students as they prepare for life post-graduation.

BlackRock and Summer Search BlackRock hosted our “Dare to Lead” Conference in their San Francisco offices.

“The impact of opportunities like ‘Dare to Lead’ is exponential. No question, a conference like this shows the commitment and partnership of Summer Search and BlackRock. Even more important is the impact it has on each student, their ability improve their circumstances and the world around them,” said David Johnson, Vice President, Investment Management Consultant at BlackRock.

The 35 Summer Search Bay Area college students in attendance worked with volunteers on resume reviews, practicing interview skills, and creating their LinkedIn profile. They also had the opportunity to network with Summer Search alumni and volunteers from other company partners like LinkedIn, Google, and AT&T.

Amelia Hadi, Internal Audit Vice President at BlackRock, has been a long-time volunteer and partner to Summer Search. She has been a Career Coach for several college students, volunteered at many events (including a “reunion hike” a few weeks ago to welcome students back from their summer experiences), and recently joined our Bay Area’s Associate Board.

“It’s great to share personal professional tips and be to be part of students’ development as they embark on their professional careers,” Amelia explained. “Working with the students as a Career Coach, I am able to see first-hand the impact of the Summer Search program. Summer Search is truly passionate about setting up students for success and this is felt throughout my engagement with the Summer Search staff and students — one of the many reasons I believe in Summer Search’s mission.”

We are incredibly grateful to our corporate partners like BlackRock for their commitment to Summer Search’s students and for daring to invest in our future leaders!