Abstract:

This presentation introduces "Navigational Capital" as the ability to successfully maneuver through societal, institutional, and systemic structures that were historically not designed to support communities of color. It highlights that this form of capital is built upon multiple avenues of support and relief, benefiting both individuals and their communities. The speaker illustrates this concept with a personal example as a first-generation college student, detailing how engaging with clubs, campus resources, and self-care strategies fostered a sense of belonging and propelled their progress. The presentation also enumerates a range of valuable skills developed through navigational capital, such as problem-solving, persistence, and resilience, concluding with reflective questions to help individuals identify and articulate their own experiences with this crucial form of wealth.

Understanding and Leveraging Navigational Capital

• 0:00:05 - Defining Navigational Capital:

  • Navigational capital is the ability to maneuver systems, institutions, and society not historically designed to support communities of color.
  • It relies on multiple avenues of support and relief that help individuals (and their communities) advance.
  • This is presented as a crucial type of wealth, enabling progress.

• 0:00:48 - Personal Example (First-Generation College Student):

  • The speaker, as a first-generation college graduate, emphasized creating a sense of belonging.
  • This involved joining on-campus and off-campus clubs and organizations, aligning with passions and interests.
  • Utilized resources like the Writing Center for academic excellence and counseling for self-care.
  • Key takeaway: A combination of community engagement, academic support, and personal well-being strategies helped in navigating and succeeding within the system.

• 0:01:39 - Skills Developed from Navigational Capital:

  • Navigating complex systems cultivates a range of valuable skills, including:
    • Problem-solving
    • Persistence
    • Multitasking
    • Creativity
    • Taking initiative
    • Resourcefulness
    • Resilience
    • Time management
    • Connectedness
    • Analysis and goal setting
  • Key takeaway: These are highly articulate and useful skills transferable to various contexts, often undervalued.

• 0:02:12 - Reflection Questions for Personal Application:

  • Consider key activities and individuals that have supported you in navigating college or pursuing your field of interest.
  • Reflect on why these supports were important and how they specifically helped you.
  • Key takeaway: Encourage self-reflection to identify and articulate one's own navigational capital, especially when applying for opportunities.