On June 12, the seventh cohort of the Georgetown Pivot Program celebrated their graduation following nine months of classroom instruction and hands-on internship experience.
The ceremony honored 12 Pivot Program Fellows, who received certificates in business and entrepreneurship for their participation in the program. Lamiek Fortson, one of this year’s fellows, delivered remarks on behalf of the class.
“This moment is a living testament to what happens when resilience meets opportunity, when dedication rises above doubt, and when someone chooses to stand up, even after being told to stay down,” said Fortson.
Pivot fellow Lamiek Fortson delivers a speech at the graduation ceremony.
At-Large D.C. Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the importance of second chances.
“What Pivot is doing is powerful. It prepares fellows for what lies ahead, not just with skills, but with purpose,” said Councilmember White. “A big part of this program is advocacy, and so it is important that you continue to see yourselves as advocates, not defined by what’s behind you, but defined by the things that you are going to achieve from here.”
The ceremony also included a special moment that celebrated the legacy and impact of Ryan Matthews, a cohort member who tragically passed away just weeks before graduation. Matthews’ mother, Sheryl Daniel, attended the graduation ceremony and presented Pivot graduate Shannon Sisney with the inaugural Ryan D. Matthews award. The award honors the Pivot fellow who embodies Matthews’ character and generous spirit.
Sheryl Daniel presents the Ryan D. Matthews award to Pivot fellow Shannon Sisney.
“When Ryan’s family suggested creating a legacy award, we knew instantly that it was the perfect tribute,” said Alyssa Lovegrove, executive and academic director of the Pivot Program. “They clearly knew how much the support of the cohort meant to him, and we knew how much his positive spirit lifted his peers. From now on, whenever we acknowledge a future Fellow for their contribution to the success of the cohort, we will smile as we remember Ryan’s energy and determination,” she added.
Some of this year’s graduates will be working as full-time employees with their intern hosts, while others continue to grow their businesses.
“The Pivot graduation is always a very proud day for us, as it is for our fellows,” said Lovegrove. “And as I look out into the audience, it is especially nice to see so many of our past fellows and so many of our employment partners, all eager to applaud the fellows and their accomplishments.”
Pivot graduates pose with their certificates after the ceremony.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to join the next cohort of the Georgetown Pivot Program, please email us at pivot@georgetown.edu! Applications for the eighth cohort of the Pivot Program open July 1, 2025.