Veronica Agard, an International Studies alumna from the class of 2014, blends healing, storytelling, and community building in her work as a writer, cultural strategist, and nonprofit professional. As the founder of Ancestors in Training™, Veronica has collaborated with multiple institutions to create spaces for ancestral remembrance and future possibility. Her journey, rooted in her experiences at City College and the Colin Powell School, reflects a deep commitment to collective care and liberatory futures.
Veronica’s time at CCNY shaped her approach to global engagement and social justice, and she continues to give back through mentorship and developing career opportunities for Colin Powell School students.
Before the Gates of CCNY:
Veronica’s story begins with deep roots in Harlem and Ramapo (by way of Anniston, Alabama), shaped by the rich heritage of her Guyanese, St. Kittsian, and Southern grandmothers. Growing up immersed in family narratives and encouraged to embrace her identity, Veronica developed a profound commitment to honoring the past while envisioning brighter futures – a theme that would continue to define her path. “My Southern grandmother often corrected or added to what I was taught in school, and my family fostered my curiosity about the world and nurtured my pride in where I come from,” Veronica shared. “These stories and hopes shaped the core of who I am: someone deeply committed to honoring the past while imagining more liberatory futures. I consider myself many things to many people, a theme that continued during my time at City College.”
Even before stepping onto the CCNY campus, a passion for the world was ignited through extensive travels with People to People International. Exploring cultures in Spain, France, Italy, Russia, South Africa, and beyond, Veronica initially envisioned a career as an international correspondent. However, when it came time for higher education, the affordability and accessibility of City College, coupled with an inspiring campus tour in 2009, sealed the deal. Her desire to study international affairs found its perfect home. “I already knew I wanted to study international affairs, and City College was the most affordable and accessible option. That campus tour simply sealed the deal,” she explained.
The CCNY Chapter: Laying the Foundation:
The International Studies program at CCNY proved to be more than just an affordable option; it became a fertile ground for Veronica’s burgeoning passions. The curriculum fostered critical inquiry and a deep personal commitment to social justice. A pivotal moment was being awarded a study abroad scholarship, enabling firsthand field research in Guatemala for her thesis – an experience that underscored the program’s emphasis on engaging with the world directly. “We were taught to engage with the world and with New York City as living classrooms, cultivating both global and local perspectives,” Veronica recalled.
Beyond the classroom, CCNY became a space for active engagement and community building. Veronica was part of a generation of students dedicated to fostering supportive environments. This included organizing with the Student Association for International Studies (IS Club), advocating for the creation of the Gender Resource Center, and co-founding the Sister Circle Collective through the Transnational Feminisms course taught by Dr. Griselda Rodriguez-Solomon. “It was at City where I found mentors, built lifelong friendships, and first dreamed of what liberatory, community-rooted work could look like, even if that meant creating the spaces we wanted to see,” she reflected.
A Career Forged in Healing and Storytelling:
Since graduating, Veronica’s career has blossomed at the intersection of healing, storytelling, and collective liberation. For over a decade, she has been instrumental in building programs, holding space for meaningful dialogue, and crafting narratives that honor ancestral memory while embracing future possibilities. “My work lives at the intersection of healing, storytelling, and collective liberation,” Veronica stated.
A cornerstone of her work is Ancestors in Training™, a multi-platform practice that centers ancestral healing, creative expression, and intergenerational dialogue. Through this initiative, Veronica has partnered with esteemed organizations like the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Sadie Nash Leadership Project, creating impactful gatherings, curricula, and digital spaces that have reached thousands.
Her insightful writing has been featured in publications such as Connecting Through Circles, Life as Ceremony, and For Harriet. As a sought-after speaker, Veronica has shared her expertise at schools and conferences nationwide on topics ranging from sustainable legacies and survivor leadership to building value-driven creative lives. “Whether leading a workshop, writing a poem, or curating a course, I am always thinking about how we nurture our growth and how we show up for one another,” she shared.
Beyond her creative endeavors, Veronica also dedicates her energy to the nonprofit sector, supporting missions driven by social justice. Her work is consistently guided by a deep commitment to nurturing growth and fostering collective care – a value system honed through her experiences in the International Studies program at City College. “That commitment to collective care is something I honed through the encouragement of the International Studies program at City College,” she emphasized.
Significant Memories and Enduring Impact:
Looking back at her time at CCNY and the trajectory of her career, Veronica highlights the formative role of community, culture, and healing. Her early post-graduation years were spent in public programming, cultural strategy, and community care, creating spaces for individuals to connect with themselves, their stories, and their ancestral legacies. “My career has consistently unfolded at the intersection of community, culture, and healing,” she noted.
The supportive and proactive environment at City College left an indelible mark. The mentorship received from faculty like Dr. G, Dr. James Biles, Professor Michael Busch, and Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy nurtured her writing, healing work, and public speaking abilities. Even before graduation, peers played a crucial role, helping Veronica secure her first job. “Much of what I am known for now—my writing, healing work, and public speaking—was nurtured by mentors like Dr. G, Dr. James Biles, Professor Michael Busch, and Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy,” she shared with gratitude. “My peers also played a pivotal role, helping me secure my first job even before graduation. I am grateful that the seeds planted during my time at City continue to bloom in my work today.”
Her Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders:
For current students and recent graduates in International Studies and related fields, Veronica’s advice is both empowering and expansive: “You studied the world and that means you have endless possibilities for how you choose to engage with it. Do not limit yourself.”
Looking Ahead:
The future for Veronica is filled with exciting possibilities. She is focused on continuing to build her personal practice, Visionary Muse, while further developing Ancestors in Training as a broader project. Embracing new opportunities and letting go of what no longer serves her journey are key aspects of her vision. “I’m excited to continue building my personal practice, Visionary Muse, while growing Ancestors in Training as a broader project. There are many pathways within those two endeavors, and I’m committed to making space for new opportunities and letting go of anything that no longer serves the journey,” Veronica shared.
Giving Back to the Powell School:
Veronica’s connection to the Colin Powell School remains strong. She is actively involved in the Alumni Mentorship Program, guiding current students as they navigate their next steps. Furthermore, through the Career Fellows Paid Internship Program, she hosts interns at her organization, providing invaluable opportunities for students to gain professional experience. “I am proud to be giving back to the Colin Powell School by participating in the Alumni Mentorship Program, where I am paired with a student to help explore their next steps. I also host interns at my organization through the Career Fellows Paid Internship Program, which offers students valuable opportunities to build their professional experience,” Veronica stated proudly. “Alumni who can provide these opportunities play an important role in supporting students’ growth, and I’m honored to contribute in this way.”
Veronica Agard’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of a City College education and the enduring impact of a commitment to community, culture, and healing. Her story serves as an inspiration to current students and alumni alike, demonstrating the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to honor the past while actively shaping a more just and equitable future.
Learn more about Veronica’s work at: www.veronicaagard.com
