Schedule
Schedule at a Glance
The Empowered Leadership Conference will be held on April 3, 2026, from 9am to 3pm. Delve into our exciting schedule featuring a motivational keynote speaker, immersive interactive lunch, inspirational panel discussions, and engaging breakout sessions exploring various topics on leadership. From interactive discussions to thought-provoking sessions, our conference promises to be both enriching and impactful. We can't wait to welcome you as we explore these transformative topics together!
Location: Campus Center Grand Hall
Welcome to the Empowered Leadership Conference! Enjoy a comfortable and convenient check including:
- Light breakfast refreshments provided by Chartwells
- Distribution of conference materials and swag items
Location: Campus Center Theatre
Cultural Engagement Osprey Interns will welcome everyone to the conference
Performance by: Stocktones Acapella Group
Location: Campus Center Theatre
Panel Discussion on "Leading Your Community to Promote Social Change"
This panel discussion explores how leaders can mobilize their campus communities to drive meaningful social change. Panelists will share practical strategies for fostering inclusive dialogue, empowering student voices, and building collaborative partnerships that extend beyond the university. Attendees will gain insights into leading with purpose, navigating institutional challenges, and turning vision into measurable community impact.
Panelists will include the following:
- Brian Pluchino, Director of Residential Life, Advisor for Circle K
- Melany Cruz, Vice President of GUASA
- Victorious Johnson, Office of Community Engagement
- Jecce Harriott, President of Pride Alliance
Location: Campus Center Theatre
Performer: Amina Pleasant, '28,
Sustainable Leadership: Balancing Performance and Mental Well-Being
In today’s fast-paced, high-demand, and often overwhelming world, leadership is frequently measured by output, resilience, and the ability to keep going—no matter the cost. At the same time, we are navigating a constant news cycle and cultural pressures that can feel heavy and unrelenting, yet we are still told to push forward. But when we neglect our mental well-being, persistence without care can lead to dysregulation, burnout, and a diminished capacity to show up fully, for ourselves and for others. What if true leadership is not about pushing harder, but about leading with intention, awareness, and sustainability?
Location: Campus Center Theatre
Keynote: Aleyshka Barbosa, MSW
Location: Campus Center Event Room
Enjoy a Free Lunch, Activities & Interactive Tabling Opportunities
Location: Campus Center Grand Hall
Free Professional Headshots in the Career Education & Development Office "Limited to 50 students"
Free conference T-Shirts will be distributed
Choose a breakout session below!
An interactive breakout session that helps students recognize and cultivate the unique strengths that make them valuable in the world. Participants will explore how identity, self-worth, and self-awareness shape the way they develop and express their gifts and talents.
Location:Meeting Room 1
Presenter: Bryant Edmondson, Stockton University ‘25, MSW ‘26
If the system wasnt built for us, how to prepare the next generation to lead.
Location: Meeting Room 2
Presenter: Timaya McGowan, Multicultural Center PREP Team, Class of ‘28
Learn how to translate your academic experiences into real-world career skills using the NACE Career Readiness Competencies. This session will help you identify, articulate, and strengthen the key abilities employers are actively seeking.
Location: Meeting Room 3
Presenters: Patrick Burns, Assistant Director, Career Education and Development
Edson St. Juste, Interim Associate Director of Employer Engagement & Outreach
Drawing from his military background and leadership experience on campus he will share how discipline, accountability, and personal presence influence the way others respond to you.
Location: Meeting Room 4
Presenter: Jose Morales, Stockton University Class of ‘28
Location: Meeting Room 5
Presenter: Cassandra Burnett, Esq. Founder of Hey Girl! Conference
This interactive session explores the unseen emotional and mental burdens that impact how we show up in leadership, relationships, and daily life. Participants will engage in guided reflection and real-life scenarios to better understand how “baggage” such as stress, burnout, and unspoken expectations influence behavior and decision-making. The session includes a powerful “Letting Go” activity, where participants will identify a burden they are carrying, write it down, and physically release it as a symbolic step toward healing and growth.
Location: Career Success Studio
Presenter:Jestina Drysdale, M.Ed., Assistant Director Office of Student Conduct
Location: Campus Center Event Room
Award Recognitions
- 2026 Empowered Leader of the Year
- 2026 Empowered Organization of the Year
- 2026 Empowered Staff/Faculty of the Year
- Remembering Yolanda Pacheco: Advocate for Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Community Award
