Inspiring The Next Generation: CUIMC at George Washington High School Career Day
On March 26, 2026, the Office of Academic and Community Partnerships at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) coordinated and led CUIMC’s participation in Career Day at George Washington High School for Law and Public Service, bringing together Columbia staff and faculty to engage students and continuing a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for local youth.
We extend our sincere thanks to Madeline Julian, AIA, LEED AP, Assistant Vice President for Capital Projects, and Ashley Graham Perel, EdD, RN, NPD-BC, MEDSURG-BC, CNE, FAAN, Director of the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs & Assistant Professor of Nursing at the School of Nursing, for representing CUIMC with authenticity and purpose. Engaging with students across multiple classrooms, from freshmen to juniors, including Spanish-speaking students, they shared candid reflections on their career journeys and reminded students that there is no single path to success, only the courage to stay curious, persistent, and true to one’s goals.
Ashley shared, “Representing the nursing profession at Career Days will always be a proud moment for me. At a time when our nation continues to face a critical nursing shortage, the opportunity to engage directly with high school students felt both meaningful and necessary. Experiences like this reinforce the importance of early exposure and mentorship. Spending time with such bright, curious, and motivated young people gave me a renewed sense of hope for the future of healthcare.”
Students participated with strong interest, raising meaningful questions about future careers, educational pathways, and personal growth. Their engagement not only inspired but also reinforced the importance of representation and early exposure as students begin to envision their futures.
As Madeline reflected, “Being able to speak with students in Spanish and relate to their experience made the exchange especially meaningful, reinforcing the importance of representation, access, and encouragement at an early stage.”
We invite faculty and staff to share their experiences with local students. As the Office of Academic and Community Partnerships continues to receive requests from area schools, those interested in participating in future opportunities are encouraged to reach out to our office at acp@cumc.columbia.edu.