Meeting/Event Information

Breaking New Ground: What HR Needs to Know About First-Generation Talent First-generation professionals bring exceptional strengths to the workplace, including resilience, adaptability, determination, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar environments with creativity and persistence. As pioneers in their families entering professional careers, they often demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, growth, and making meaningful contributions to their organizations. At the same time, many workplace norms and expectations are often learned through generational exposure rather than formal training. While some employees have family members who have helped them understand workplace culture, professional networking, office dynamics, benefits, or career advancement strategies, first-generation professionals may be encountering these systems for the first time. Human Resources professionals have a unique opportunity to make these unwritten expectations more transparent, creating workplaces where all employees can thrive. Join us for a candid, practical conversation with Latisha Corpening, from UNCW's Office of Transition Programs. She will share firsthand insight into who first-gen students are, the challenges they carry into their careers, and what employers can do — starting on day one — to help them thrive.

As a first-generation college graduate, Latisha understands firsthand both the opportunities and the challenges that can come with navigating higher education and professional spaces without a generational roadmap. That experience informs her commitment to helping first-generation students and professionals recognize their strengths, navigate unfamiliar systems, and confidently pursue their academic and career goals. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, Latisha is a passionate advocate for first-generation success. Her work focuses not only on supporting individuals, but also on equipping the people and organizations around them. Through training, education, and consultation, she helps mentors, educators, HR professionals, and organizational leaders better understand the first-generation experience and develop practical, asset-based approaches that allow first-generation talent to thrive. Latisha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling. Her work is grounded in educational advocacy and a commitment to making the often-unwritten rules of college and the workplace more transparent, accessible, and equitable. Ultimately, she seeks to ensure that first-generation students and professionals are not simply prepared to navigate existing systems, but are recognized and valued for the unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences they bring.