The BE Series is an EMU run program that hires a diverse group of guests to speak about their life challenges, overcoming odds and BEcoming the best version of themselves. These people have all had to overcome extenuating obstacles and want to help others benefit from the knowledge they have learned along the way.
Natalie Resendez is the social media and promotions director for the BE Series. She is responsible for creating promotional graphics and utilizing all social media platforms to encourage people to attend these events.
In previous years, the BE Series has been able to host as many as 200 people, provide catering and hold interactive activities, but since COVID-19, the events are much smaller, maxing out at 35 people. Their events are socially distanced and occasionally offered on Instagram Live.
Most of the speakers are from underserved populations; they speak about not only their own life experiences but critical social and political issues that currently consume our society.
Natalie’s favorite speaker was Ebony Morgan who spoke about her experiences with systemic racism within policing and the impact it has had on her personal life and career. Aside from being a registered nurse, Ebony is the program coordinator for CAHOOTS, an organization that seeks alternative methods of intervention as a public safety system; specifically, they provide mental health aid in incidents of homelessness, addiction and mental illness. Their goal is to reform the targeting of certain marginalized individuals in society by encouraging education and help.
Like Ebony Morgan, the speakers share critical stories that have become turning points in their personal, professional lives and have brought them to the position they are now. Natalie encourages people to tune into the BE Series because of how much there is to gain just by listening to others.
“My favorite takeaway is to apply and engage myself in topics that I may not know a lot about. Each event has proven to be a great learning experience even for someone who is just helping run the event.”
People can follow their Instagram and Facebook pages linked below to get updates on future speakers. So subscribe, tune in and look forward to the ability to be an active listener, thinker and individual!