27th Annual Student Leadership & Career Development Conference
Saturday, February 22, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bayou Building - Atrium I
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, TX 77058
Join us for an exciting and enriching day at the 27th Annual Student Leadership & Career Development Conference, where students will have the opportunity to enhance their leadership potential and gain valuable career insights. This event brings together industry professionals, campus leaders, and peers for a transformative experience focused on personal and professional growth.
RSVP and Secure Your Spot
Free for UHCL Students. Submission Deadline: Friday, February 21.
Light breakfast and lunch provided.
Conference Schedule
Time | Activity/Event |
---|---|
8-8:30 a.m. | Check-In |
8:30-9:20 a.m. | Keynote Speaker |
9:30-10:10 a.m. | Breakout Session 1 |
10:20-11 a.m. | Breakout Session 2 |
11:10-11:50 a.m. | Student Leader Panel |
12-1 p.m. | Lunch & Networking |
Breakout Sessions
Students will have the opportunity to attend the following breakout sessions:
- Leadership Exploration: Explore the concept of leadership and understand why it is essential for your college journey and future career.
- Career Preparation: Get the support you need to prepare for entering the professional landscape with confidence.
- Skills Development: Focus on key skills that will help you grow and thrive on your professional journey.
What to Expect
- Keynote & Featured Speakers: Gain valuable insights from accomplished professionals across various industries.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, alumni, and professionals to expand your network.
- Resource Gallery: Explore a variety of leadership and career development tools and resources designed to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
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Get ready to be inspired by our distinguished speakers at this year's conference!
Our keynote speaker is an accomplished professional who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help students navigate their leadership and career journeys. Our keynote speaker and panel will provide valuable insights, share their personal experiences, and equip you with the tools and motivation needed to achieve your goals.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Carlissa Runnels, '11 MA
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Carlissa Runnels, UHCL alumna, as this year's keynote speaker. Dr. Runnels is an author, speaker, and leadership development consultant, as well as the CEO and Founder of Carlissa Runnels, LLC. With extensive experience in organizational development and personal growth strategies, Dr. Runnels is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential. Her keynote session, "Student Leadership," will provide students with actionable insights to develop their leadership skills, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal and academic success.
Key takeaways from her session:
- Overcoming obstacles that impede personal development.
- Strategies to achieve personal and academic goals.
- Cultivating and implementing leadership skills.
Time: 8:30-9:20 a.m.
Location: Bayou Building - Atrium I
Learn more about Dr. Runnels at www.carlissarunnels.com.
Student Leadership Panel
Moderator:
Dr. Andrew Wiemer, Assistant vice President of Student Engagement
Panelists:
- Kaylee Madden, '22 BS and Alumni Association Board Member
- Jordan Jones, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership
- Zachary Sherrif, President of Student Government
- Luis Polanco, Director, Office of Military and Veteran Services
This engaging panel discussion will feature several university administrators, facilitated by Dr. Andrew Wiemer, as they explore the importance of student leadership on campus and its impact on our university community. Panelists will share insights into what we look for when identifying students for leadership positions and how we cultivate student leaders through programs like the conference, the Hawk Leadership Institute, mentorship opportunities, and other leadership development initiatives. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the role leadership plays in shaping student experiences and how they can take advantage of the opportunities available to grow as leaders.
Directions
Conference activities will be held in the Bayou Building on the UHCL campus.
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, TX 77058
Parking
Free parking is in Student Lot D for the conference.
Dining
A light breakfast and lunch are included with your conference registration.
Special Accommodations
If you require accommodations to participate in the event, please contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership in advance at 281.283.2560 or via email at getinvolved@uhcl.edu.
The Student Leadership & Career Development Conference is hosted by Career Services, Military and Veteran Services, and Student Involvement and Leadership.