June is Pride Month
"Pride is not just about a parade; it’s about the right to exist safely and authentically in every corner of society." -The Human Rights Campaign
SciToons: Brown University
The SciToons program at Brown University was developed to engage STEM and non-STEM students and faculty in the creation of science animation. SciToons videos use storytelling, animation, high-quality multimedia, and art to engage a broad range of audiences.
Think of it as a new approach for communicating scientific research and concepts to a broad audience.
If you are interested in watching their videos on other topics, you can access them here.
On the Vineyard: A National Town Hall on AI & Work
Save the date for August 12 and join The Leadership Alliance at the historic Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, for a powerful National Town Hall Symposium on Innovation, AI, and the Future of Work. Hosted as part of the prestigious Charles Ogletree Public Forum Series—known for featuring national leaders in justice, education, policy, and public life—this timely conversation will bring together leading voices in business, technology, workforce development, and civic leadership to explore how AI is transforming the future of work, learning, and opportunity. Confirmed participants include Artis Stevens (Big Brothers Big Sisters of America), Marc H. Morial (National Urban League), Melonie Parker (Google), and Senator Raphael Warnock, with additional national leaders invited to join the discussion.
Union Chapel | Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | Begins at 5:30 PM ET
If you’re on the Island this summer, we invite you to be part of this important conversation. Learn more about the Charles Ogletree Public Forum Series.
The 2026 Virtual Professional Development Series
This summer’s VPD series is underway and will run until July 17, 2026. This free program is open to all students in any major who are interested in research. Registration will remain open until July 17, 2026, which is the last day of the program. Students who complete program requirements will earn a Credly Digital Badge/Certificate of Completion. Requirements can be completed asynchronously. The registration link and syllabus are posted to the TLA VPD website. Monday VPD sessions feature Conversations with a Doctoral Scholar, and Wednesday Workshops focus on research-related topics and professional skills that prepare students for research experiences and graduate school. These sessions are live from 4 to 5 pm Eastern. Virtual graduate school recruitment sessions will be held on Thursdays (3 - 4 pm & 4 pm Eastern) and Fridays (2 - 3 pm & 3 - 4 pm Eastern). Those who register for VPD will have access to all program Zoom links. Please email Dr. Jane Indorf (jane_indorf@brown.edu) with any questions.
DMV Region Update: Summer Launch & Fall Horizons
Summer Cohort Kickoff: Our SR-EIP and FYRE scholars have started arriving at TLA research sites across the country! The DMV region is showing immense strength this summer with 33 students participating from our 5 regional institutions. Alumni Board & August Mixer: The DMV Regional Alumni Association is officially taking flight! We are thrilled to introduce our growing Alumni Advisory Board, featuring Drs. Chenere Ramsey, Robert Patterson, Damani Piggott, Kyndra Middleton, Samanda Robinson, Teresa Ramirez, and more to come. This dedicated team is assisting in finalizing plans for our Inaugural DMV Doctoral Scholar Alumni Networking Mixer, set for Friday, August 21, in the early evening (centralized DC/Baltimore area). Doctoral Scholar Alumni: Look out for our email invitation or reach out directly to fill out the location and logistics interest form! Fall Strategic Blueprint: We are operationalizing our "One Campus, One Event" strategy to maximize TLA visibility this fall. Major initiatives include attending one major event like a career fair or a conference, as well as laying the groundwork for a DMV Fall Regional Research Symposium with foundational support from Howard and UMBC. Partner With Us: To explore collaborations within the DMV, contact John Ivy at John_Ivy@brown.edu.
Celebrating Legacy, Purpose & Community: Highlights from Our Book Celebrations
We are excited to reflect on the incredible success of our recent book celebrations—special moments that honored our shared legacy, community, and collective purpose. These events brought together inspiring voices, meaningful conversations, and joyful celebration.
Missed the event or want to relive the highlights? Full press releases are now available in the News section of our website, where you can explore event highlights, memorable moments, and key takeaways.
Click the button below to catch up on the celebration!
2026 Upcoming Events
The Leadership Alliance Book Tour Stops Remaining
Columbia University: Columbia University Pathways Programs (CUPP) Symposium July 29, 2026
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): 40th Anniversary of 40th Anniversary of the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) August 6-7, 2026
Union Chapel | Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard: AI, Innovation and the Future of Work Summit August 12, 2026
Amazon Review Reminder
✍️ Share Your Thoughts on A Legacy of Purpose
Have you read A Legacy of Purpose? We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps others discover the story of The Leadership Alliance and the impact of our community.
⭐ Leave a review on Amazon and let us know how the book inspired you!
🎥 Explore Our YouTube Channel for Professional Development Resources!
Looking to sharpen your skills or gain insights from academic and professional leaders? Visit The Leadership Alliance YouTube Channel and take advantage of our growing library of professional development videos—from navigating grad school applications to thriving in research environments.
Whether you’re a student, scholar, or mentor, there’s something for everyone.
👉 Subscribe today and start learning.
TLA Talks — Building Community. Sharing Stories. Inspiring Change. Sign up to stay connected!
TO TRAIN. TO MENTOR. TO INSPIRE.
Credits:
Created with an image by Pacharee - "Happy pride month background with rainbow fabric."