May 27 - 29, 2025, University of North Texas, Denton

The LEAD Conference is designed to foster Leadership, inspire Empowerment, promote Achievement, and encourage personal and professional Development. This theme encapsulates the core objectives of the conference and serves as a guiding principle for all sessions and activities.

Day 1: Welcome & Networking

4:30 PM           Welcome - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

4:45 PM           Group Energizer - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

  • Austin Venable, Scholar @ Texas A&M University Kingsville
  • Alexis Garcia, Scholar @ Texas A&M University                               

5:10 PM           Networking 101 - Elevator Pitch - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

  • Katie Conley, Scholar @ Texas A&M University
  • Kristi Meyer and Jorge Villarreal, Honors Program @ University of Texas San Antonio

6:00 PM           Dinner - Networking by Major - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

  • Katie Conley, Scholar @ Texas A&M University 
  • Kristi Meyer and Jorge Villarreal, Honors Program @ University of Texas San Antonio

7:00 PM           Social Hour - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

8:30 PM           Movie Night on the Lawn - Monsters University - Joe Greene Lawn

Day 2: Leadership & Empowerment

8:00 AM           Breakfast - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

8:20 AM          Welcome & Keynote - Dr. Erin Wilson - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

9:15 AM          Group Photos in TLS Shirts - Outside at the Scrappy Bench

9:40 AM          Dr. Keller, UNT President - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

10:00 AM - Breakout Session Block 1

Campus Coordinator Round Table - Emerald Eagle Ballroom             

LEADing with Strengths: CliftonStrengths for Emerging Leaders - 333A
DrewAnn Reyes, Assistant Director of Transition Programs @ University of North Texas
Discover how to harness your unique strengths to become an effective and confident leader. This session will guide you through identifying and applying your CliftonStrengths to enhance leadership skills, improve communication, and develop actionable plans for personal and professional growth.                                  

The Leadership Buffet: Choosing the Right Roles for Your Plate - 333B
Avery Hirsch, Scholar @ Texas A&M University San Antonio     
Leadership opportunities can be exciting, but not every role is the right fit. Just like at a buffet, knowing what to add to your plate—and what to leave behind—is key to long-term success. This session will help Texas Leadership Scholars identify when to take on leadership roles, when to say no, and how to make intentional choices that align with their goals and values.

Managing the Job Search - 333C
Clarence Sutton, Assistant Director Career Coaching and Education; HPS Career Coach @ University of North Texas
Guide students through effective job search strategies to help them navigate today’s competitive job market. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities that align with personal and professional values, tailor application materials, identify online resources, and leverage networking to uncover hidden jobs. Whether you're just starting out or refining your approach, this session provides practical tools and tips to boost your job search confidence and results.

Leveraging LinkedIn - 339
Robyne Ciza, Career Coach, College of Liberal Arts and Social Science @ University of North Texas
Explore how to use LinkedIn as a powerful tool for building your professional brand, expanding your network, and uncovering job opportunities. Attendees will learn how to create a standout profile, connect with industry professionals, engage strategically, and use LinkedIn’s features to support their career goals. Whether you're new to the platform or looking to enhance your presence, this session offers actionable insights to make LinkedIn work for you.

Becoming the Leader of Your Financial Journey - 382A
Paul Goebel & Kamrin Penny, Director and Assistant Director @ University of North Texas
Focus on ways anyone can manage money effectively to become a leader and take control of their personal finances. By applying participative leadership principles, you’ll learn how to make informed financial decisions, empower yourself, and lead by example in creating lasting financial success.

Leading with Heart: Empowering Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence - 382B
Eric Nguyen, Scholar @ Texas A&M University
Discover how emotional intelligence transforms leadership in this high-energy session, blending real stories with practical strategies for self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. Through fun exercises and actionable insights, boost your empathy, grit, and vibe to lead with heart, fostering connections, and driving impactful change.

Communication and Effective Leadership Using Liberating Structures - 394
Sheila Bustillos, Samuel Williamson, and Shafayat Islam, Assessment @ University of North Texas
We will use Liberating Structures and the book Supercommunicators as theoretical frameworks for discussing communicating and effective leadership. We will outline Duhigg's categories for types of conversations to discuss effective communication with students. Then we will utilize the Liberating Structures Lean Coffee and Impromptu Networking to discuss effective leadership.

10:55 AM Breakout Session Block 2

Campus Coordinator Round Table - Emerald Eagle Ballroom                    

LEADing with Strengths: CliftonStrengths for Emerging Leaders - 333A
DrewAnn Reyes, Assistant Director of Transition Programs @ University of North Texas
Discover how to harness your unique strengths to become an effective and confident leader. This session will guide you through identifying and applying your CliftonStrengths to enhance leadership skills, improve communication, and develop actionable plans for personal and professional growth.                                  

Outsmarting Time: A Survival Strategy Using Backwards Goal Setting - 333B
Katelyn Hargrove, Madison Hall, Mirella Garcia-Guel, & Katlyn Frazier, Scholars @ East Texas A&M University
Discover the power of backwards goal setting in this survival themed presentation. Together, we will discuss the importance of time management and prioritization. Through an interactive activity, you will leave with the tools to outsmart time!

From Student to Mentor: The Next Generation of Leaders - 333C
Dallas Wabbington, Coordinator for Online Student Experience @ University of North Texas
As the next generation of students become campus leaders, keeping up with today's fast-paced, ever-changing environment can be challenging—especially as a student mentor. Attendees will gain the tools and confidence to not only succeed as a mentor but to lead with authenticity, innovation, and purpose.

Emotional intelligence in Student Leadership (The heart of leadership) - 339
Kathia Garcia, Scholar @ East Texas A&M University
Discover how emotional intelligence (EI) can transform the way you lead. This session explores the five key components of EI and how student leaders can use them to navigate challenges, build stronger teams, and lead with empathy. Get ready for real talk, reflection, and an interactive activity that puts EI into action.

From Nervous to Hired - 341
Harold Armstrong, Student Service Coordinator/Career Coach @ University of North Texas
Learn how to prepare, practice, and present yourself confidently in any interview setting. This interactive workshop will cover essential strategies, tools, and common questions to help you stand out and make a great first impression. Get ready to polish your pitch and build your interview confidence!

Becoming the Leader of Your Financial Journey - 382A
Paul Goebel & Kamrin Penny, Director and Assistant Director @ University of North Texas
Focus on ways anyone can manage money effectively to become a leader and take control of their personal finances. By applying participative leadership principles, you’ll learn how to make informed financial decisions, empower yourself, and lead by example in creating lasting financial success.                                

Service Beyond the Surface: Unleashing the Power of Service-Based Programs - 382B
Kristine Cross, Assistant Director @ The University of Texas Arlington
Unleashing the Power of Service-Based Programs is an interactive, reflection-driven workshop designed to help students explore the deeper meaning of service and leadership. Participants will examine the roots of their motivations, define key concepts related to service, and reflect on the connection between self-care and sustainable service. Students will leave this session with a fresh perspective on how to lead and serve with purpose, transparency, and authenticity.

Moral Leadership: Your Journey to Changing the World  - 394
Edgar Guzman-Rangel & Olusegun Olubode, Scholars @ Sam Houston State University
Come discover your strengths and callings along your journey. Find out about how your uniqueness can change the world around you. Chase greatness!

 

 11:45 AM        LUNCH - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

 Noon               Dr. Wynn Rosser, THECB Commissioner - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

1:10 PM Breakout Session Block 3

Stand Out! Building Your Personal Brand Through Resumes and LinkedIn - 333A
Ethan Gillis, Digital Gifts Officer @ Southern Missouri University
How to build your personal brand by optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile. Learn how to highlight leadership experiences, use impactful keywords, and connect with professionals and mentors to advance your career.

Empower Yourself through Visioning - 333B
Meredith Conrey, Director of Student Involvement @ Sam Houston State University
Empower yourself as a leader by developing a clear and inspiring vision! In this interactive session, participants will explore the importance of visioning, engage in guided self-reflection, and identify key values, passions, and strengths that shape their leadership journey. Through hands-on activities, attendees will leave with a tangible representation of their leadership aspirations and a roadmap for aligning their vision with broader organizational goals.

Master Your Future - 333C
Madeline Pena, Associate Director, Follett Student Leadership Center
Are you considering grad school? If you are looking for guidance on applying, finding the right programs, and receiving financial aid, this is the session for you!

Art of Digital Dialogue: Email Etiquette and Communication Mastery - 339
Alexia Williams, Program Manager @ Texas A&M University
Explore key elements to include on an email, what not to include on an email, and provide a thorough understanding of effective communication.

The Competitive Edge of Global Citizenship: Leveraging Study Abroad for Career Success - 341
Haley Arnold, Faculty Led Programs Advisor, Study Abroad Office @ University of North Texas
In an increasingly interconnected world, global experiences such as studying abroad serve as powerful career assets. This presentation explores how embracing global citizenship gives you a competitive edge in the job market by developing essential skill sets, expanding your network, and shaping a compelling professional narrative.

Grow, Glow and Guide: From Mindset to Mindful Modeling - 382A
David Tarpley, College Life Coach @ East Texas A&M University
Explores the difference between fixed and growth mindsets and shows how self-awareness shapes effective leadership. Participants reflect on personal challenges and engage in discussions and case studies to learn practical ways to foster growth in themselves and their teams.

Energy Mapping - Where does your time go? - 382B
Lauren Meyers, College Life Coach @ East Texas A&M University
Helps students enhance their energy and time management skills through interactive activities. By visualizing their weekly schedules, they will identify tasks that energize or drain them while participating in fun, hands-on exercises. By the end of the session, students will gain a clearer understanding of their priorities and develop strategies to better balance their time and energy.

How to get involved in undergraduate research - 394
Brenda Barrio, Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation @ University of North Texas
Engaging in undergraduate research isn't just a valuable academic pursuit; it's also a strategic move to bolster your profile when pursuing opportunities in the professional realm. Whether you're vying for positions in corporations, graduate schools, or national service organizations, leveraging your research experience can significantly enhance your prospects. Here are some insightful strategies on how to effectively showcase your research background to your advantage.

2:05 PM Breakout Session Block 4

Stand Out! Building Your Personal Brand Through Resumes and LinkedIn - 333A
Ethan Gillis, Digital Gifts Officer @ Southern Missouri University
How to build your personal brand by optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile. Learn how to highlight leadership experiences, use impactful keywords, and connect with professionals and mentors to advance your career.

Communication and Effective Leadership Using Liberating Structures - 333B
Sheila Bustillos, Samuel Williamson, and Shafayat Islam, Assessment @ University of North Texas
We will use Liberating Structures and the book Supercommunicators as theoretical frameworks for discussing communicating and effective leadership. We will outline Duhigg's categories for types of conversations to discuss effective communication with students. Then we will utilize the Liberating Structures Lean Coffee and Impromptu Networking to discuss effective leadership.

 You've Got Gumption - 333C
Madeline Pena, Associate Director, Student Leadership Center @ University of Texas Arlington
Can I ask you a question? Have you ever wondered how people think of the best questions? In this session, you will learn how to form meaningful questions for different contexts--building relationships, learning more information, and getting answers to help you make thoughtful decisions.

Enhancing your Research Presentation Skills! - 339
Victoria Calvin, Project Manager - Division of Research and Innovation @ University of North Texas
Learn how to effectively present your research in a poster session setting. This interactive session will cover best practices for poster design, tips for crafting a compelling verbal summary, and strategies for engaging with your audience and answering questions with confidence. Perfect for students preparing for conferences, showcases, or research symposia.

Mental Health: Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving - 341
Sierra Jones, Director Student Transition and Support @ East Texas A&M University
explores common mental health challenges faced by college students and offers practical, research-backed strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and supporting yourself and others. Learn how to thrive, not just survive, during your college journey.

Eureka Moment - Intro to Undergraduate Research - 382A
Julian Spindola, Scholar @ Texas A&M University San Antonio
Manifest that 'Aha' moment and unlock an invaluable academic opportunity. Introduces students to the concept and value of engaging in academic research. Outlines what undergraduate research is, its benefits, practical strategies for getting involved, and personal success stories.

Energy Mapping - Where does your time go? - 382B
Lauren Meyers, College Life Coach @ East Texas A&M University
Helps students enhance their energy and time management skills through interactive activities. By visualizing their weekly schedules, they will identify tasks that energize or drain them while participating in fun, hands-on exercises. By the end of the session, students will gain a clearer understanding of their priorities and develop strategies to better balance their time and energy.

Say What? Learning the Jargon of the Professional World - 394
Kat Kane, Senior Director for Career and Professional Development @ West Texas A&M University
In a "cards against humanity" style, we'll learn professional ways of communicating while still in college with faculty and administrators and dip our toes into how to professionally say the things we all might be thinking. Finally, we'll learn some professional jargon so we're not caught off guard upon graduation.

 

3:00 PM Breakout Session Block 5

Stand Out! Building Your Personal Brand Through Resumes and LinkedIn - 333A
Ethan Gillis, Digital Gifts Officer @ Southern Missouri University
How to build your personal brand by optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile. Learn how to highlight leadership experiences, use impactful keywords, and connect with professionals and mentors to advance your career.

Becoming the Leader of Your Financial Journey - 333B
Paul Goebel & Kamrin Penny, Director and Assistant Director @ University of North Texas
Focus on ways anyone can manage money effectively to become a leader and take control of their personal finances. By applying participative leadership principles, you’ll learn how to make informed financial decisions, empower yourself, and lead by example in creating lasting financial success.

Master Your Future - 333C
Madeline Pena, Associate Director, Follett Student Leadership Center
Are you considering grad school? If you are looking for guidance on applying, finding the right programs, and receiving financial aid, this is the session for you!

Art of Digital Dialogue: Email Etiquette and Communication Mastery - 339
Alexia Williams, Program Manager @ Texas A&M University
Explore key elements to include on an email, what not to include on an email, and provide a thorough understanding of effective communication.

Mental Health: Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving - 341
Sierra Jones, Director Student Transition and Support @ East Texas A&M University
Explores common mental health challenges faced by college students and offers practical, research-backed strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and supporting yourself and others. Learn how to thrive, not just survive, during your college journey.

Eureka Moment - Intro to Undergraduate Research - 382A
Julian Spindola, Scholar @ Texas A&M University San Antonio
Manifest that 'Aha' moment and unlock an invaluable academic opportunity. Introduces students to the concept and value of engaging in academic research. Outlines what undergraduate research is, its benefits, practical strategies for getting involved, and personal success stories.

Leading Change Through Mentorship - 382B
Aundrea Caraway, Online Student Experience Manager @ University of North Texas
You will learn what it takes to be a great mentor, explore the benefits of mentoring, and discover how mentorship can shape organizational culture and drive positive change. We’ll explore how mentoring can help you grow personally and professionally while making a difference in the lives of others. By understanding the transformative power of mentorship, we hope you’ll be inspired to become a mentor yourself and create a lasting impact on individuals and your community.

Communication, Collaboration and Cookies - 394
Kat Kane, Senior Director for Career and Professional Development @ West Texas A&M University
Communication is essential to group and team success but is rarely happens without some struggle. We all bring our own ideas, experiences, and perspectives to the table. According to research done by Harvard, the Carnegie Foundation, and the Stanford Research Institute, career success and advancement relies 85% on soft skills, such as communication and team dynamic skills! Come learn how to amplify your skill set!

3:55 PM            Group Energizer - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

4:15 PM            BREAK to get ready for Etiquette Dinner - Joe Greene

5:30 PM            Etiquette Dinner Group Photo - Emerald Eagle Ballroom       

6:00 PM            Etiquette Dinner - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

Day 3: Achievement and Development

7:00 AM           Pack Up and Check Out - Joe Greene

8:00 AM           Breakfast - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

8:30 AM           Welcome & Workshop Explanation - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

8:50 AM           Resume and Interview Workshops - Various Conference Rooms
333A          333B          333C          338
339            341             382A           382B
385A         385A           386             394

11:30 AM         Group Energizer and Connection Activity - Emerald Eagle Ballroom

Noon                Closing Remarks and Conference Survey - Emerald Eagle Ballroom