She later watched a Knicks Poetry Slam and was awed by the performances. When a broken collarbone sidelined Pierce from playing soccer at 13, poetry became her outlet. My goal was to make sure everyone had a place in the conference.” I wanted to continue this energy and really connect one on one with individuals. “This conference has this contagious energy.

Don’t be afraid to leave your legacy,” said Pierce, who is studying for a master’s in college student affairs at Rutgers’ Graduate School of Education. “I’m all about inspiring students to be themselves and to fight for what they want to be in life. The annual conference encourages students to consider the impact they want to have on the world and provides an opportunity for them to cultivate passions, develop skills and network with industry professionals. When Alyea Pierce graduates in May, it will be with the confidence that she left her mark at Rutgers University.Īn accomplished spoken word poet with a passion for leadership, the 24-year-old lent her public speaking talents to foster the university’s Mark Leadership Conference for five years – growing it from a gathering of about 170 students to this year’s sold-out crowd of 530. – Alyea Pierce, master of ceremonies for the Mark Leadership Conference

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