Dinner & Dialogue Hopkins Series: Navigating Career & Life Transitions with Patricia Browne, Bus '07 (Cert), Bus ’10 (MBA) and Cornell Conaway, Bus ’05 (MS)

Sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations Lifelong Learning

Join us for an engaging and insightful evening on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6pm at Smashing Grapes Kitchen and Wine Bar for this open conversation focused on Navigating Career & Life Transitions. Join fellow JHU alumni to discuss the critical skills and strategies that you need to stay ahead in today’s ever-changing job market or prepare for a life transition. No matter if you're climbing higher, changing course, or facing the unknown, this conversation is here to support your journey!

Discuss the important elements of navigating a successful career or life transition with Patricia 'Pat' Browne, Bus '07 (Cert), Bus ’10 (MBA), Immediate Past President and CEO of the National Children’s Center (NCC) and Cornell 'Chico' Conaway, Bus ’05 (MS), Pharmaceutical Sales Leader and Owner of Gainz Sportsgear. Uncover Patricia and Cornell's stories of resilience, exits from corporate America, monetizing their skillsets, and finding their passions while experiencing life transitions.

Explore the emotional and mental health components of effectively and healthily managing change including career, familial, and life transitions. Rebrand your narrative and communication skills for a broader impact for storytelling in interviews. Identify your transferable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities or even acquire new ones. Discover tips for finding your passion and charting the next trajectory in your life.

Learn about available resources, literature, and tools for your development. Gain valuable insights for building community and harnessing its benefits. Connect with fellow JHU community members in the Greater Baltimore-DMV area to grow your network. Don't forget to bring your business cards, social media, and professional contact information to share!

🎥 View Video with Patricia Browne, Bus ’07 (Cert), Bus ’10 (MBA)
Get a sneak peek of our upcoming program as Patricia Browne shares reflections on leadership, career transitions, and her Johns Hopkins experience.

Your ticket includes your meal and (1) cocktail beverage. To learn more about Smashing Grapes Kitchen and Wine Bar, visit https://www.smashinggrapes.com/.

Are you on OneHop yet? Join the JHU Community on OneHop to connect with alumni and students, share insights, explore mentorship opportunities, and stay plugged into the latest from Hopkins innovators and industry leaders!

A portion of this registration fee will serve as a donation in support of future programming and events. If you wish to not have a portion of your registration support such initiatives, you may contact the Office of Annual Giving: oag@jhu.edu.

While participating in off-campus events and meetings sponsored by the JHAA/JHM/JHHS participants must follow all public health guidelines mandated by the local jurisdiction and venue at the time of the event. Johns Hopkins strongly suggests that attendees who join in person receive at least one dose of an FDA- or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine before attending This is subject to change.

JHAA Event Cancellation and Refund Policy

ABOUT Patricia Browne, Bus '07 (Cert), Bus ’10 (MBA)
Immediate Past President and CEO of the National Children’s Center (NCC), Change Agent, and Organizational Development Expert

Patricia Browne is a visionary leader and expert in organizational development, widely recognized for her transformative impact on the nonprofit sector. As the Immediate Past President and CEO of the National Children’s Center (NCC), one of the Washington Metropolitan Area’s largest providers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she led with a focus on innovation, financial sustainability, and service excellence. Under her leadership, NCC implemented cutting-edge programs and earned top industry designations, all while maintaining a relentless commitment to high-quality care.

A respected authority in change management and leadership development, Patricia is known for guiding organizations through complex transformations and building cultures rooted in innovation and high performance. Beyond NCC, her influence extends across the nonprofit and business communities through her involvement with organizations such as the Johns Hopkins Alumni Council, and Maryland Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. Her accolades—including The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women and ANCOR Foundation’s Legacy Leader Hall of Fame—reflect a career devoted to social impact, advocacy, and empowering underserved communities.

A proud native Washingtonian, Patricia holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her legacy is defined by purpose-driven leadership, a deep commitment to equity, and lasting contributions to the lives of individuals with disabilities.

ABOUT Cornell Conaway
Entrepreneur; Founder and CEO of Gainz Sportsgear; and Pharmaceutical Sales Leader

Cornell Conaway is the founder and CEO of Gainz Sportsgear, a collegiate apparel and lifestyle brand redefining how students and alumni wear school pride. What began in 2017 as a fitness gear company—best known for its patented Load-N-Lock Grips—has evolved into a premium licensed vendor with over 40 collegiate partnerships nationwide.

Under Cornell’s leadership, Gainz Sportsgear has secured official licenses with institutions such as Howard University, Morgan State University, Bowie State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Temple University, crafting apparel that bridges culture, legacy, and style. Through his visionary direction, Gainz has introduced luxury collegiate pieces that blend craftsmanship and storytelling—most notably through the brand’s signature marks, WE CREATE CULTURE® and HBCU ATHLETE®.

A proud Bowie State University alumnus and graduate of the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Cornell is passionate about using entrepreneurship, design, and cultural representation to inspire the next generation of creators and college leaders. His brand stands as more than apparel—it’s a movement that celebrates identity, excellence, and community.

FOLLOWGainz Sportsgear

Event Date
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Start Time: 6:00pm EST
End Time: 8:30pm EST

Location
Smashing Grapes Kitchen and Wine Bar

6200 Valencia Ln
Suite C125
Columbia, MD 21044

Contact
Office of Alumni Relations
Alumni Events
800-JHU-JHU1 (548-5481)
alumevents@jhu.edu

This event is now closed. Please send an email to Brian Davis at bdavi125@jhu.edu to be added to the wait list. Thank you.

Dinner & Dialogue Hopkins Series: Navigating Career & Life Transitions with Patricia Browne, Bus '07 (Cert), Bus ’10 (MBA) and Cornell Conaway, Bus ’05 (MS)

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