Bennett College is thrilled to announce Ryanne Peterson, MS, LCMHC, NCC as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Baccalaureate Convocation.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 6:00 pm in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel. Ryanne Peterson, MS, LCMHC, NCC, Director of Counseling Services at Bennett College and CEO of OIC Counseling and Wellness PLLC, is a prominent figure in the field of mental health advocacy. With a profound dedication to supporting mental health in Black and Brown communities, Ryanne’s selection as this year’s convocation speaker reflects Bennett’s commitment to holistic education and empowerment.
Ryanne embodies the spirit of resilience, advocacy, and excellence that resonates with Bennett Belles. Her tireless efforts in promoting mental health awareness and her dedication to empowering young women align perfectly with the Bennett College mission of nurturing scholars, leaders, and global citizens through a healthy, whole student experience.
Ryanne’s impactful initiatives, including hosting the inaugural Black Mental Health conference, Revive, and founding MastHERpiece, a nonprofit guiding Black teenage girls towards their true potential, resonate deeply with the graduating class of 2024. As students who have diligently managed their academic pursuits alongside their personal well-being and mental health, they requested a speaker who embodies resilience and celebrates their journey.
In addition to her roles in counseling and wellness, Ryanne serves as the dean of the Durham Awesome Foundation, contributing to positive change in her community through monthly grants to projects enhancing Durham’s awesomeness.
We are pleased to have Ryanne Peterson as the 2024 Baccalaureate Convocation speaker. Her message of self-care, resilience, and advocacy will undoubtedly inspire and uplift our graduating class as they embark on their next chapter.
