Empowering Graduates to Shape the Future

Cecilia Holden, President of myFutureNC, delivered an inspiring and pragmatic commencement address at UNCW, celebrating graduates from all walks of life—ages 19 to 69, many first-generation, caregivers, and non-traditional students. She honored their grit, perseverance through COVID-19, and the personal hurdles they overcame to earn their degrees.

Holden framed the graduation as more than a personal achievement—it's part of North Carolina’s ambitious 2030 goal: to have 2 million residents ages 25–44 earn postsecondary credentials or degrees. Highlighting the skills gap crisis, she emphasized how each graduate is not only launching their own future but also advancing the economic well-being of their families, communities, and the state.

In a humorous and heartfelt “Top 10 List,” Holden offered life hacks and career wisdom:

1. Leave space for the unexpected.
2. Say yes more than no.
3. Focus on what you can do.
4. Let kindness define your legacy.
5. Treat yourself—smartly and sparingly.
6. Be the employee you’d want to hire.
7. Details (like typos) matter.
8. Listen to understand.
9. Think before you post.
10. Don’t chase titles—chase excellence.

She gave heartfelt thanks to faculty, families, and especially first-gen supporters for their unseen sacrifices. Finally, she challenged graduates to pay it forward—to mentor, inspire, and help others rise.

“Be the voice, the example, the hand up—whatever you’ve needed most, be that for someone else.”