Nearly 500 Students Explore Diverse Career Paths at Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ #ThisGen2024 Forum

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses, in collaboration with Pasadena City College, welcomed nearly 500 high school and college students from across the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles to the fourth annual #ThisGen2024: A Youth Empowerment Forum on Wednesday.

The event, designed to empower the next generation of leaders, featured an impressive lineup of panelists from influential sports, entertainment, and technology organizations, including Mattel, Angel City Football Club, Moose Toys, the National Football Foundation, and William Morris Endeavor. 

The speakers shared personal anecdotes and career insights, emphasizing the importance of leadership, resilience, and aligning passion with skill sets.

“It’s so important for me to empower the next generation,” said Stephanie Haggerty, Vice President of Global Marketing at Moose Toys. “I think sometimes we’re taught a very linear path. This was an opportunity to talk about my personal life experiences and let students know that a lot of us go through the same things about ‘imposter syndrome,’ and having doubt.”

Students had the opportunity to hear inspiring presentations from “real world” guests in fields ranging from design and manufacturing to graphics design, writing, and literature. When asked about the daily workday experience of design or marketing on an international scale, most panelists were quick to point out that their days are “mostly emails and meetings.”

“I was definitely inspired by all of them,” said student Jaela Reed. “I’m creative myself. I’m going to be a psychology and art major. I’m especially interested in the toy industry, so it was fascinating to know how they did what they did and how they worked.”

Throughout the day, attendees participated in panel discussions and explored various career opportunities, engaging in discussions on science, technology, entertainment, art, nonprofit, and more.

“When I walked in, there was a wave of female power, and I was in awe of the successful women on stage,” said Violet C., a student at Diamond Bar High School. “As women, we have our obstacles along the way, and being at ThisGen inspired me to step in my power and take action for what I want.”

The event, which has been held at Pasadena City College in recent years, was previously hosted at the Tournament House. “We’d kinda outgrown the Tournament House,” said Mark Leavens, Pasadena Tournament of Roses Executive Vice President. “Pasadena City College has been a great partner for us.”

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses, known for its New Year’s Day celebrations, is committed to giving back to the community through events like #ThisGen2024. The organization expressed gratitude to Pasadena City College for providing the venue and to Panda Cares, the charitable foundation of Panda Express, for sponsoring the attendees’ lunch.