“Image Matters: Teaching the Next Generation to Show Up with Purpose”

This week I had the honor of being asked to present at a Summer Bridge program for early college students—and let me just say, what an experience! This was my second year being invited to speak, and I may have enjoyed it even more this time around.

"Image is what they see. Brand is what they feel. Purpose is what they remember."

Over the course of two days, I led workshops on personal branding, the power of image, and the importance of understanding professional etiquette. These students are in such a unique phase of life—high school and college combined—and what struck me most was their curiosity, confidence, and eagerness to grow.

Since I’ve done workshops with students before, I knew the key to engagement was pacing. Too much information at once can overwhelm, so I built in plenty of breaks and interactive activities to keep the energy high and allow them time to process and apply what they were learning. One student shared that they appreciated the hands-on approach because they’re a visual and kinesthetic learner—practicing the lessons in real time helped the material stick.

We covered a lot, but the heart of it came down to one major theme:

Your brand begins now and your image matters.

I encouraged students to think of their image not just as appearance, but as presence—the way they carry themselves, the energy they bring into a room, and the values they live by. We created personal branding statements, explored how their values connect to their goals, and discussed how all of it ties back to their purpose.

We didn’t stop there. We talked about:

• How to network and be a good conversationalist

• How to identify your purpose and align it with your career goals

• How etiquette shows up in professional settings, not just at the dinner table

• How to begin the transition from college student to confident young professional

And you know what? The students were awesome. They had clear goals, strong self-awareness, and a real desire to learn. The more they practiced, the more their confidence grew. They began stepping out of their shells, asking powerful questions, and genuinely engaging with one another—and that’s where the magic happens.

One of the most special moments for me was when a student told me they had taken a previous workshop I led. They remembered a key lesson I had shared about preparing for and working in a professional job—and they were using it now. Hearing that reminded me why I do this work.

Because image matters.Because showing up with purpose matters.Because one workshop can spark a mindset shift that sticks.

I’m so grateful to have been a part of this moment in these students’ journey. Watching them connect the dots between who they are, what they value, and how they want to show up in the world was nothing short of inspiring.

Their brands are just beginning—and they’re already shining.

With Style and Grace,

-Bianca