WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) will host Purpose & People: Career Connections in Nonprofit and Human Resources on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The event will bring together students, faculty and regional professionals for an in-person conversation about careers centered on people and purpose.
The event is designed for CAPS students enrolled in or interested in Nonprofit Management and Management and Organizational Change programs, with a focus on career exploration, professional readiness and real-world perspectives.
“Our students are motivated by more than just a job title,” said Sean Armstrong, Dean of WashU Continuing & Professional Studies. “Purpose & People creates an opportunity for them to hear directly from leaders who are doing meaningful work and to better understand how values, leadership and impact show up in their careers.”
The panel will feature CAPS alumni, faculty and regional leaders whose work spans nonprofit leadership, human resources and organizational strategy.
Panelists include:
- Heather Blue, a CAPS Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management graduate and Director of Marketing Strategy at Prison Fellowship Ministry
- Brendan Dusha, a board member of SHRM of Greater St. Louis and Director of Sales and Operations at ABIG
- Julie Erickson, CAPS Nonprofit Management faculty member and President and CEO of Rx Outreach
- Neosha Franklin, CAPS Nonprofit Management faculty member and CEO of Community Impact Network.
The discussion will be moderated by Shannon Smock, CAPS Nonprofit Management faculty member, program coordinator and Vice President of Cinema St. Louis. Panelists will share their own career paths, lessons learned and advice for students navigating nonprofit and human resources careers.
The event will take place from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Bluedorn Event Space at the Sumers Welcome Center and will include time for networking following the panel. Purpose & People reflects CAPS’ ongoing commitment to connecting students with professionals who understand the realities—and rewards—of people-centered work.