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Hoos Elevate

Hoos Elevate Quarterly
Advancing Careers through Connection & Insights

February 2026: AI Literacy & the Future of Work

This quarter, hear from UVA alumni and industry leaders as they demystify emerging technologies, share real-world applications, and offer practical tools you can use right away. From adapting your skillset to navigating ethical considerations, each session helps you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Program


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Keynote

The Future With AI: Policies, Ethics, and Governance
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it’s a prevailing force shaping nearly every aspect of our lives. Join UVA experts Renée Cummings, School of Data Science, and Mona Sloane, School of Data Science & Media Studies for a thought-provoking conversation on the policies, ethics, and governance shaping AI’s future. From cutting-edge research to innovation, this session explores how we can guide AI responsibly.

In partnership with the UVA School of Data Science.

Register for “The Future with AI”

PresenterRenée Cummings, Assistant Professor of Practice in Data Science, School of Data Science
PresenterMona Sloane, Assistant Professor of Data Science, School of Data Science; Assistant Professor of Media Studies, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences


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February Career Virtual Drop-In

Staying Strong Through Change: Building Career Resilience in an AI-Driven World
Whether you’re planning a job search, navigating a career transition, or polishing your resume, we know you have questions! Our monthly ACE Virtual Drop-In series offers alumni the chance to connect directly with UVA Alumni Career Engagement Director Liz Sprouse for support and guidance.

This month, Liz will be joined by certified coach Laura Fleury (Col ’91), Founder/CEO of GenXYZen Coaching, who will share practical insights on building personal resilience as AI reshapes the workplace—including how to stay adaptable, confident, and grounded during rapid change.

Registration is required and open to alumni only. Attendance is limited. Please note that document reviews are not offered during this session.

Register for “Staying Strong Through Change”

Guest SpeakerLaura Fleury (Col ’91), Founder/CEO, GenXYZen Coaching + Consulting


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Let’s Network—Virtual

Bald, Bold, & Hired: The Bald Truth About AI and Hiring
A candid look at how AI is reshaping hiring and the timeless qualities employers still rely on when choosing the right candidate. The session will also include a guided breakout discussion, giving participants the chance to explore the topic together and network with industry peers.

Register for “The Bald Truth About AI and Hiring”

PresenterWilliam Chichester, III (Col ’05), Talent Acquisition Leader
PresenterPatrick Payne (Col ’97), Founder, PopCandi


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Northern Virginia

In-Person Events at UVA Northern Virginia

Join fellow UVA alumni for an in-person afternoon focused on career support, public service connections, and family resources. Take advantage of career advising appointments, network with peers during our Government & Public Service programming and learn about College Compass offerings. Participate in one or more sessions—whatever best fits your goals.

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Northern Virginia

Career Advising Sessions
Sign up for a 20-minute 1:1 career advising session with Liz Sprouse or Jill Rockwell, focused on the unique needs of government and public service professionals. Whether you’re exploring a career pivot, strengthening your job search, or looking for guidance on next steps, these short sessions offer targeted support to help you move forward with clarity.

Register for Career Advising Sessions

AdvisorJill Rockwell, Senior Assistant Dean for Career Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
AdvisorLiz Sprouse, Director, Alumni Career Engagement, UVA Alumni Association

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Northern Virginia

AI for Public Good: How Emerging Technologies Are Shaping Government & Public Service
Join fellow government and public service alums for an in-person afternoon of conversation, networking, and community as we explore how emerging AI technologies are reshaping government work, policy, and impact for the public good. Enjoy light food and drinks while engaging in a timely discussion on the opportunities and responsibilities of using AI in service of the public.

The conversation will be led by Raleigh Sims (Batten ’19), Senior Go-To-Market Strategist for U.S. National Security at Scale AI. Drawing on his experience working with the U.S. government, intelligence community, and AI startups, Raleigh will share practical insights on how generative and agentic AI are being applied across public sector missions—from cybersecurity to national security—and what public servants should be thinking about now as these technologies continue to evolve.

In partnership with the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.

Register for AI for Public Good

PresenterRaleigh Sims (Batten ’19)

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Northern Virginia

Bonus Session!

The UVA Alumni Association College Compass Program Resources
Join College Compass in an overview of the admission landscape and application process, including insights on essays, testing, extracurriculars, the role of AI, and the resources the UVA Alumni Association offers families navigating the college search process. Light refreshments and an interactive GPA exercise will kick off the session. High school students welcome!

Register for College Compass Resources

AdvisorMary George (Col ’93), Associate Director, College Compass, UVA Alumni Association
PresenterSarah Fay Waller (Col ’10), Senior Director, College Compass, UVA Alumni Association

AI Literacy Resources

UVA Resources

  • UVA Teaching Hub: AI Literacy collection
    Short descriptions, frameworks, and classroom activities (UVA-developed AI-literacy frameworks).
  • UVA School of Continuing & Professional Studies: Artificial Intelligence Prompting
    Short (multi-week) professional program focused on prompt engineering and generative AI tools (project-based). Best for professionals seeking hands-on, practical GenAI skills with a UVA credential.
  • AI@UVA / School of Data Science Events & Short Courses
    Periodic events, summer programs, and short learning experiences hosted by UVA’s data science units—good for alums who want campus-connected programming or to hear UVA researchers.
  • LaCross Institute for Ethical AI
    Research, education, and public-facing programs focused on the responsible design and use of artificial intelligence—ideal for alums interested in ethics, policy, governance, and the societal impact of AI, or who want to stay connected to UVA’s thought leadership shaping the future of AI.

Practical, Free & Beginner-friendly (Non-technical)

  • AI For Everyone (Andrew Ng / DeepLearning.AI on Coursera)
    Non-technical course focused on strategy, opportunities, and how to work with AI teams—excellent for managers and business leaders.
  • Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
    Short practical intro (videos and interactive exercises). A good next step for alums who want hands-on intuition without committing to a multi-month program.
  • Building AI Literacy (LinkedIn Learning)
    Short, role-focused modules (AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, ethics). Handy for busy professionals who want digestible, job-focused learning.

Intermediate/Role-focused & Vendor Certifications

Advanced/Hands-on

Recommended Pathways