Ka’Nijuh Tillery’s 2024 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection
Ka'Nijuh Tillery
Project Management Major, Fayetteville State University
The PRIMA Annual Conference 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee served as an ideal platform for my professional growth and networking. Stepping into the Music City for the first time, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation, but that fear was immediately overcome by awesome music, delicious food (made fresh), and great Southern Hospitality! The event consisted of risk professionals from all over the nation and I was delighted to meet people from my state of North Carolina! The conference also consisted of keynote speakers, presentations and workshops that helped me gain valuable insights into topics such as enterprise risk management and cyber risk. Furthermore, the engagements provided me with practical knowledge that I could apply to my future endeavors.
Moreover, networking played a pivotal role in my conference experience. I engaged with professionals from various industries, including insurance, healthcare, financial services and from major cities around the nation! After the conference, I managed to connect with these leaders regarding career opportunities and further networking opportunities. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to sit through keynote speeches and real-world case studies that showcased the impact of risk management in today’s business environment; their resilience and adaptability served as motivation for me to pursue a potential career in this field.
Lastly, this opportunity granted me a chance to build an everlasting relationship with the other PRIMA scholars for this year’s scholarship. Although we came from different areas in the nation, we instantly connected and became family-like to one another. The three days that we spent together felt like an invigorating summer trip. I am grateful and honored for them, the administration of PRIMA, the conference attendees, and Nashville locals for making this experience and my birthday an exciting adventure for me.
Since attending the 2024 PRIMA Annual Conference, the following key lessons emerged from my experience: the value of diverse perspectives, the power of collaboration and the impact of risk management. If students are contemplating applying for this scholarship, please take advantage of it. This experience is not just about receiving a scholarship, it is about traveling and meeting skilled professionals who can help you take your career to the next level!
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs are those of each respective author. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
By: Ka'Nijuh Tillery
Project Management Major, Fayetteville State University
Ka’Nijuh is a first-year graduate student at Fayetteville State University (FSU) with a concentration in project management. She currently serves as an Impact Fellow for the John M. Belk Endowment, an organization that aids post-secondary and adult learners in gaining access to education in North Carolina. The fellowship allows Ka’Nijuh to work closely with students, policymakers and philanthropy partners to address educational concerns and leverage effective solutions. With a background of more than six years in business management and visual arts, Ka’Nijuh has worked for top nonprofits and multi-million-dollar corporations ranging from risk management to educational advising. During her undergraduate career, Ka’Nijuh obtained leadership positions for Enactus US, Black Entrepreneurial Initiative (BEI) and countless others. Additionally, Ka’Nijuh serves as a scholarship coach where she helps students qualify for approximately $5,000 or more in scholarships for undergraduate and graduate programs.
