From Bentley to Austin: First-Gen Students Empowered and Inspired by SXSW Conference
What happens when 18 Bentley University students — many of them the first in their families to attend college — walk into one of the most future-focused, innovative gatherings in the world?
They rise. They connect. They begin to imagine more — not just for themselves, but for their communities and their futures.
Last month, I had the opportunity to help coordinate a truly transformational experience. Thanks to the generosity of Bentley donors and the dedication of the First-Generation Student Support Committee — along with the support of faculty and staff across campus — we brought 18 undergraduate students and three staff mentors to the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas. This globally renowned annual event brings together leaders, creators and innovators from across the worlds of technology, film, music, education and culture, including:
- Michelle Obama — attorney, author and former first lady
- Keith Lee — food critic and social media personality
- Jay Graber — CEO of Bluesky
- Courtney Beasley, Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman — NASA astronauts for the Artemis II mission
- Katie Welch — CMO of Rare Beauty, a cosmetics company founded by Selena Gomez
For Bentley students, it was a powerful moment of growth, exploration and connection.
Why We Went
This trip was part of Bentley’s ongoing commitment to first-gen students’ success. As a committee, we know that supporting first-gen students means more than offering academic resources — it means providing access to experiences that expand their vision of what’s possible.
At SXSW, our students were able to step into rooms where the future is being built — from conversations about artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship to climate innovation and equity in media.
How It Came Together
The opportunity was shared with students via email and the “First Falcon” newsletter. Applications were reviewed by members of the First-Generation Student Support Committee, and to ensure fairness, all responses were anonymized before selection. The final group of students represented a diverse range of majors and experiences, united by their curiosity, leadership and drive to make the most of this opportunity.
Inside the Experience
Throughout the week, students attended panels with influential leaders like Mark Cuban, billionaire businessman, entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” investor; Tabitha Brown, Emmy-winning TV host, author and social media personality; and Pedro Pascal, Chilean American actor currently appearing in the acclaimed HBO series “The Last of Us.” They engaged in sessions on personal branding, digital storytelling, sustainability and more — gaining new insights and inspiration every day.
But the real impact wasn’t just in the content. It was in the conversations that happened between events. It was in the relationships that formed — with peers, with staff mentors and with professionals from around the country.
“Being surrounded by professionals at different levels allowed me to gain knowledge in areas like economics, personal branding and entrepreneurship,” Joanna Gutierrez ’27 , a Corporate Finance and Accounting major, shares. “It was incredible to expand my perspective in such an enriching environment — and to simply have a seat in the room.”
Adds Khussam Mohamed ’28, an Honors Program student and Computer Information Systems major, “SXSW allowed me to form meaningful relationships with other Bentley students and staff. Apart from learning different topics, I was able to explore different areas of Austin and experience new things — the food, the culture, the people. It all added up.”
What They Brought Back
Our students came back energized — not only with fresh ideas and new goals, but with stronger bonds and a deeper sense of belonging. They returned with:
- A renewed sense of confidence in their goals and identities
- Stronger connections with peers and mentors
- Insights they’re already applying to coursework and leadership roles
- A deeper belief in their own voice, vision and value
And just as importantly, they brought back a commitment to lifting others as they climb — creating more opportunities for those who follow in their footsteps.
Because it’s never just a trip.
It’s never just a meal.
It’s never just a book.
It’s access. It’s belonging. It’s a transformation.
