Students can learn how to develop leadership skills and translate them into their future careers at Stevenson University’s annual Leaderstang conference taking place in Rockland banquet on Nov. 3 from 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

The purpose of the conference is to provide students with all of the training and skills necessary to be a successful leader. Students who are currently leaders of clubs and organizations can further grow as leaders and learn how to use those skills after college in their careers. Those who may not be involved in clubs or organizations on campus, but are interested in learning more about leadership, are also encouraged to attend the conference.

The Office of Student Activities and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) are spearheading the conference. Jenna Womack, assistant director of Student Activities, said, “Through planning, we have been aiming to make this something students can get a lot out of, rather than just having it be another requirement.” The planning team has listened to feedback from previous years and used it to help create the schedule for this year.

Womack said that this year’s conference will have many worthwhile activities and opportunities. Elliot Hirshman, president of Stevenson University, and Tiffany Sanchez, vice president of Student Affairs, will speak at the event.

There will also be an opportunity to have professional head shots taken, and a presentation with Office of Career Services will explain how leadership experience can translate to the workplace. Additionally, a networking lunch with Stevenson alumni will be followed by an alumni panel, as well as Pecha Kucha presentations during which 20 slides are presented for only 20 seconds each.

Krystal Alexis, president of the Organization for Latin American Students (OLAS) club, will give one of the Pecha Kucha presentations at the conference. She attended the conference last year and said that she learned valuable lessons and was motivated by a presentation by the opening speaker. She also found that she was able to network with members of other clubs to establish connections and find possible collaboration opportunities for events.

Alexis said that she is excited for Leaderstang this year as it is based on a construction theme, the conference appropriately being titled “Blueprints to Leadership and Success.” She added, “This conference is how you lay the foundation and is basically giving students a leadership toolbox to be the best that they can be.” With these initiatives, she believes that the conference will be beneficial to students and many clubs or organizations.  

Students who are interested in attending the event must register here by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 28. For more information, students can visit the Office of Student Activities or can contact Womack through Stevenson email.