Texas Leadership Scholars Summer Leadership Conference

Campus Coordinator Round Table - J.C. Kellam Ballroom    

The Leadership Buffet: Choosing the Right Roles for Your Plate - 2127
Avery Hirsch, Cohort 3, 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.                                  

When Growth Feels Uncomfortable: A Scholar Reflection on Exposure, Pressure, & Feeling Stuck - 2128
Jashwa Villanueva, Cohort 2 Scholar, The University of Texas at El Paso  
A full-ride scholar shares their experience of someone who had everything figured out on paper but still felt stuck. Through a reflective activity called “Invisible Walls,” participants will explore how fear, obligation, and assumptions shape the choices they think they have to make. The goal of this workshop is not to tell anyone to change their path, but to realize that feeling uncomfortable can be part of growth and that being stuck doesn’t always mean you’re trapped. 

Before Talent: The Habits that Actually Build Success - 3028
Safa Kazi, Graduate Assistant TLS, University of North Texas
Explore the power of showing up consistently and how it alone can drive progress and open opportunities. Participants will learn the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones, initiating meaningful conversations, and building a strong network. The focus is on actionable habits like consistency and discipline that help students stand out and create lasting professional connections. 

Grad School Curious? Finding Programs and Preparing Your Application - 3041
Austin Allen, Recruiting Coordinator, Texas State University
Are you thinking about furthering your education by attaining a graduate degree? Are you wondering how different this is from undergraduate studies? Learn about the benefits of graduate school, how to find programs that are a good fit for you, and how to prepare your application materials. 

A Passport to Leadership: The Power of Studying Abroad - 3066
Joanna Fonesca, Cohort 2 Scholar, Tarleton State University
What happens when students step outside the classroom and into the world? Explore the transformative impact of studying abroad through experiences in Costa Rica with the Texas Leaders Scholars program, highlighting cultural immersion, global business exposure, and leadership development beyond the traditional classroom. 

Money Matters: Personal Finance for Students - 4005
Miriam Castaneda, Money Coach, East Texas A&M University
In a simple yet helpful manner, this presentation explains to college students the basic concepts of personal finance. It covers budgeting, understanding loans and credit, and building simple savings habits.

Community Engagement - 4007
Nhi Pham and Jackie Dunn, Cohort 3 Scholars, West Texas A&M University
Help TLS Scholars understand the importance of community engagement and how getting involved can create positive change. This will highlight opportunities for service, leadership, and collaboration. This will also show how these experiences support personal, academic, and professional growth. 

True Colors in Conflict - 4008
Greta Dieter, Assistant Director of Residential Services, Texas State University
Participants will understand how their personality shows up in conflict. Participants will identify how to utilize other personality traits to de-escalate conflict. Participants will create communication plans to work better with their supervisors and peers.  

From Fights to Making Things Right: Your Guide to Dealing with Conflict - 4009
Araceli Olvera, Aileen Chairez, Jade Ochoa, Vincent Lopez, and Angie Ochoa, Scholars, East Texas A&M University
During this interactive presentation, students will learn about conflict in its various forms and understand others' perspectives. Students will walk away with a guide on how to deal with conflict in their own lives in a way that leaves relationships intact. 

Campus Coordinator Round Table - J.C. Kellam Ballroom  

The Leadership Buffet: Choosing the Right Roles for Your Plate - 2127
Avery Hirsch, Cohort 3, 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.                                  

When Growth Feels Uncomfortable: A Scholar Reflection on Exposure, Pressure, & Feeling Stuck - 2128
Jashwa Villanueva, Cohort 2 Scholar, The University of Texas at El Paso  
A full-ride scholar shares their experience of someone who had everything figured out on paper but still felt stuck. Through a reflective activity called “Invisible Walls,” participants will explore how fear, obligation, and assumptions shape the choices they think they have to make. The goal of this workshop is not to tell anyone to change their path, but to realize that feeling uncomfortable can be part of growth and that being stuck doesn’t always mean you’re trapped. 

Before Talent: The Habits that Actually Build Success - 3028
Safa Kazi, Graduate Assistant TLS, University of North Texas
Explore the power of showing up consistently and how it alone can drive progress and open opportunities. Participants will learn the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones, initiating meaningful conversations, and building a strong network. The focus is on actionable habits like consistency and discipline that help students stand out and create lasting professional connections. 

Grad School Curious? Finding Programs and Preparing Your Application - 3041
Austin Allen, Recruiting Coordinator, Texas State University
Are you thinking about furthering your education by attaining a graduate degree? Are you wondering how different this is from undergraduate studies? Learn about the benefits of graduate school, how to find programs that are a good fit for you, and how to prepare your application materials. 

A Passport to Leadership: The Power of Studying Abroad - 3066
Joanna Fonesca, Cohort 2 Scholar, Tarleton State University
What happens when students step outside the classroom and into the world? Explore the transformative impact of studying abroad through experiences in Costa Rica with the Texas Leaders Scholars program, highlighting cultural immersion, global business exposure, and leadership development beyond the traditional classroom. 

Defining Your Leadership - 4005
Elizabeth Cardenas, Cohort 3 Scholoar, The University of Texas at Arlington
There are over 1,500 different definitions of leadership and this workshop aims to help you create a definition which resonates with you. This session educates participants on the importance of understanding their strengths and growing edges to create impactful leaders while also emphasizing that leadership is a process, not a position. Through reflection, participants will leave the session confident in their core values as a leader.

Community Engagement - 4007
Nhi Pham and Jackie Dunn, Cohort 3 Scholars, West Texas A&M University
Help TLS Scholars understand the importance of community engagement and how getting involved can create positive change. This will highlight opportunities for service, leadership, and collaboration. This will also show how these experiences support personal, academic, and professional growth. 

True Colors in Conflict - 4008
Greta Dieter, Assistant Director of Residential Services, Texas State University
Participants will understand how their personality shows up in conflict. Participants will identify how to utilize other personality traits to de-escalate conflict. Participants will create communication plans to work better with their supervisors and peers.  

Leading with Confidence - 4009
Kate Martinez, Cohort 4 Scholar, Texas A&M University - Kingsville
We will focus on building effective leadership and communication strategies in professional and team settings. Participants will explore key leadership traits and learn practical communication skills that improve teamwork, clarity, and productivity. 

How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich - 2127
Antoinette Murphy, Director of Texas Leadership Scholars Program
You may know how to make a PB* sandwich, but would you be able to describe how to make one to someone who doesn’t know where to begin? Tap into your detail-oriented side to teach someone this skill. *Peanut Butter will not be used; an allergy free substitute will be utilized. 

Lead the Room - 2128
Jacinda Vera, Campus Coordinator, Texas A&M University - Kingsville
This session focuses on building strong leadership and communication skills. Participants will practice handling real-life situations, improve teamwork, and communicating professionally. You’ll leave with simple strategies you can use right away in your leadership role. 

Leadership Framework - 3028
Ramces Luna, Digital Strategist, The University of Texas 
Saludos. I am Dr. J. I enjoy cafés, tacos, hip hop, and preparing young scholars for their current and future leadership roles. In this workshop, you will learn about different types of leadership. My goal is to help you recognize and apply various leadership styles so that you and your team may achieve your personal and professional goals. 

Are You Considering Grad School? What You Need to Know - 3041
Tiana Ramos, Student Success Associate/Graduate Assistant, THECB
We will prepare and encourage students to explore the idea of considering graduate school by hearing from current and prospective graduate students. 

A Student Guide to Budgeting, Credit, and Financial Confidence - 3066
Emmanuel Delgadillo, Cohort 2 Scholar, The University of Texas at Dallas
Introduce students to the fundamentals of personal finance and the long-term benefits of developing healthy financial habits early in life. Explore key financial concepts and gain practical knowledge and strategies to make informed financial decisions during college and beyond. By strengthening their financial literacy, students will be better prepared to build a stable financial future and confidently navigate their financial responsibilities after graduation. 

Beyond Grades; Giving Back to College - 4005
Cecilia Martinez & Alexander Gutierrez, Program Specialists, Texas A&M University - International
Community service in college is more than volunteering—it’s an opportunity to make a difference while developing valuable life skills. This presentation explores how students can get involved, the benefits of serving their communities, and how small actions can create a big impact. 

LinkedIn Profile Optimization - 4007
Luisa Suarez, Cohort 2 Scholar, The University of Texas
We will focus on helping students transform their LinkedIn profiles into strong personal branding tools that attract recruiters and professional opportunities. Attendees will learn practical tips to optimize each section of their profile and strategies to network effectively. By the end, participants will be equipped with simple, actionable steps to stand out online. 

Keep Your Cool: Navigating Conflict Without Losing It - 4008
Lindsay Harper, Director of Academic Leadership Development, Texas Tech University
Conflict is inevitable, but how you respond to it can either strengthen relationships or damage them. This interactive session helps participants understand the brain’s threat response and equips them with practical tools to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence. 

The Untaught Lessons About Your Mental Health - 4009
Sierra Jones, Director of Student Transition and Support, East Texas A&M University
College is full of lessons about what to achieve but rarely teaches you how to recognize when your mind and body are asking for something different. In this honest and interactive session, scholars will identify the hidden messages they may have absorbed about stress, struggle, and help-seeking and why unlearning them is essential to thriving in college and beyond. Scholars will leave with practical tools and one concrete commitment to their own well-being. 

How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich - 2127
Antoinette Murphy, Director of Texas Leadership Scholars Program
You may know how to make a PB* sandwich, but would you be able to describe how to make one to someone who doesn’t know where to begin? Tap into your detail-oriented side to teach someone this skill. *Peanut Butter will not be used; an allergy free substitute will be utilized. 

Lead the Room - 2128
Jacinda Vera, Campus Coordinator, Texas A&M University - Kingsville
This session focuses on building strong leadership and communication skills. Participants will practice handling real-life situations, improve teamwork, and communicating professionally. You’ll leave with simple strategies you can use right away in your leadership role. 

Leadership Framework - 3028
Ramces Luna, Digital Strategist, The University of Texas 
Saludos. I am Dr. J. I enjoy cafés, tacos, hip hop, and preparing young scholars for their current and future leadership roles. In this workshop, you will learn about different types of leadership. My goal is to help you recognize and apply various leadership styles so that you and your team may achieve your personal and professional goals. 

Are You Considering Grad School? What You Need to Know - 3041
Tiana Ramos, Student Success Associate/Graduate Assistant, THECB
We will prepare and encourage students to explore the idea of considering graduate school by hearing from current and prospective graduate students. 

A Student Guide to Budgeting, Credit, and Financial Confidence - 3066
Emmanuel Delgadillo, Cohort 2 Scholar, The University of Texas at Dallas
Introduce students to the fundamentals of personal finance and the long-term benefits of developing healthy financial habits early in life. Explore key financial concepts and gain practical knowledge and strategies to make informed financial decisions during college and beyond. By strengthening their financial literacy, students will be better prepared to build a stable financial future and confidently navigate their financial responsibilities after graduation. 

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: Being Smart About Who You Are and How You Lead - 4005
Paige Haber-Curran, Professor, Texas State University
What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent as a leader? Co-author of the book Emotionally Intelligent Leadership will guide participants through an applied exploration of the EIL model, offering a practical framework for understanding how emotions shape leadership. Through reflection, discussion, and skill-building activities, participants will leave with concrete strategies to grow their leadership practice. 

LinkedIn Profile Optimization - 4007
Luisa Suarez, Cohort 2 Scholar, The University of Texas
We will focus on helping students transform their LinkedIn profiles into strong personal branding tools that attract recruiters and professional opportunities. Attendees will learn practical tips to optimize each section of their profile and strategies to network effectively. By the end, participants will be equipped with simple, actionable steps to stand out online. 

Enneagram for Personal and Professional Growth - 4008
Jessica Burchfield, Director of Scholar Programs, Texas Woman's University
The Enneagram is a powerful tool that helps you understand not just your behaviors, but your core motivations, stress responses, communication patterns, and leadership instincts. In this session, we will explore the nine Enneagram types and reflect on how your unique wiring shapes the way you show up — in group projects, in student organizations, in difficult conversations, and in future career spaces. This isn’t about putting yourself in a box. It’s about gaining language for your strengths, recognizing your growth edges, and learning how to collaborate more effectively with people who think differently than you. Because strong leaders don’t just know what to do — they understand themselves well enough to do it with intention. 

Leadership is Not One Size Fits All - 4009
Itzel Anett, Director of Study Abroad and Distinguished Scholars, West Texas A&M University
Kat Kane, Sr. Director of Career and Professional Development, West Texas A&M University
"Leadership is Not One-Size Fits All" challenges the idea that there is a single “right” way to lead. In this session, students will explore different leadership styles, examine the strengths and weaknesses of each, and learn when to adapt their approach based on the situation, issue, or role within an organization. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their default leadership style, greater self-awareness of its impact, and practical insight into one alternative style they can intentionally develop.