Aggies Leading the Way! 2021
The eighth annual Aggies Leading the Way! Undergraduate Leadership Conference was held online Thursday, February 4 through Saturday, February 6, 2021.
This annual event is free for all undergraduate students and open to students in all majors. With workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities, the event helps you reach your leadership potential and practice your professional skills!
2021 Conference Theme: Moving Through Disruptions
2020 was a year full of abrupt loss, pain, and disruption. Although our future remains in flux and we don’t know what’s ahead, we can take this time together to restore, reconnect, and reconstruct our world. We all are being called upon as leaders to find opportunities within the disruption to create a more just and humane path forward. The conference consisted of a series of engaging speakers and interactive sessions that explored topics and strategies related to personal wellness, strengthening relationships, and discovering our place in creating change.
Conference Agenda
times listed in Pacific Standard Time
Thursday, February 4 - Day 1
- 6:00-6:15pm Welcome, Land Acknowledgement
- 6:15-6:55pm Featured Speaker - Vernon A. Wall
- 6:55-7:00pm Stretch Break
- 7:00-8:00pm Breakout Sessions - Round 1
Friday, February 5 - Day 2
- 6:00-6:05pm Welcome
- 6:05-6:55pm Featured Speaker - Brandon Leake
- 6:55-7:00pm Stretch Break
- 7:00-8:00pm Breakout Sessions - Round 2
Saturday, February 6 - Day 3
- 10:00-10:10am Welcome, Day 2 Raffle Winners
- 10:10-10:50am Featured Speaker - Gabriela Fresquez
- 10:50-11:00am Stretch Break
- 11:00a-12:00pm Breakout Sessions - Round 3
- 12:00-12:15pm Stretch Break
- 12:15-1:15pm Breakout Sessions - Round 4
- 1:15-1:20pm Stretch Break
- 1:20-1:50pm Featured Speaker - Vernon A. Wall
- 1:50-2:00pm Raffle and Close
Featured Speakers
Vernon A. Wall - Author, Lecturer, Consultant (Thursday 6:15-6:55pm and Saturday 1:20-1:50pm)
Vernon A. Wall has accumulated over 30 years of professional Student Affairs experience at Iowa State University, the University of Georgia, UNC-Charlotte and UNC-Chapel Hill. He has experience in Greek life, new student orientation, student activities, leadership development, global education and university housing. Vernon currently lives in Washington DC where he serves as th2 Director of Business Development for LeaderShape, Inc. Vernon is also President and Founder of One Better World, LLC – a consulting firm specializing in engaging others in courageous social justice and equity conversations. In spring of 1998, Vernon sailed with Semester at Sea as a member of the Student Life Team accompanying 600 students on a voyage around the world. Vernon is currently serving as President of ACPA – College Student Educators, International.
With degrees from North Carolina State University and Indiana University, Vernon is the consummate scholar-practitioner. Vernon is a nationally known speaker in the areas of social justice and leadership styles and is one of the founders and facilitators of the Social Justice Training Institute. Vernon has written several articles and has co-edited two books on issues of inclusion on today’s college campus. His award-winning programs and presentations have been seen by thousands of students, faculty, and staff on campuses across the country. Vernon’s passion for social justice and inclusion is grounded in a quote from his late grandmother: “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
Brandon Leake – Founder and CEO of Call to Move, Spoken Word Poet, Artistic Educator (Friday 6:10-7:00 pm)
Brandon Leake, winner of America’s Got Talent Season 15, is an artistic visionary whose roots lie in Stockton, California. Brandon started Called To Move – CTM at Simpson University with a small group of artists trying to share their gifts and encourage others to do so, which has grown into a national initiative that has inspired audiences through poetry all across the country. In 2016, Brandon Leake released a debut album entitled, “In My Thoughts”, and since has traveled from LA to New York and everywhere in between performing his pieces, leading spoken word poetry workshops, and keynote speaking. He's performed at conferences, universities, and theatres nationwide - leaving audiences speechless by his beautiful words.
Gabriela Cristina Fresquez - Actress & Television Host with NBC Universal Telemundo (Saturday 10:10-10:50 am)
Gabriela Cristina Fresquez is a Mexican-American actor and host born and raised in Los Angeles. She has appeared in over 40 network television shows and commercials combined, and has worked alongside everyone from comedy legends like Robin Williams, Conan O’Brien and Danny Devito to drama queens like Angela Bassett and Patricia Arquette.
Gabriela graduated from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism. One of the first positions she was offered was hosting a show called, Inspira, a docu-web series profiling influential Latinx leaders throughout the country. Producers at LATV took notice and offered her a position to co-host the nationally syndicated news show, Latin Nation. Gabriela has since hosted other television shows, including Doc Talk on the Documentary Channel and Take Part Live on Pivot TV.
Gabriela switched gears to producing and writing when she launched her first web series, The LatinXpert. The series explores all things Latinx in media, cultura and politics. Recently, Gabriela caught the eye of executives at NBC Universal Telemundo to host a new English-language news show geared toward the Latinx millennial (Gen Z & Y) audience. She is currently producing the show in Miami, Florida and is set to launch on YouTube to an NBCU Telemundo audience of more than 10 million subscribers.
Overview of Conference Breakout Sessions
A variety of conference sessions related to the conference theme of "Moving Through Disruptions" are offered for attendees to select from throughout the conference. Check them out below and plan which you'd like to attend; registered participants will receive information on how to access conference events via email (and it's not too late to register!)
Asterisks (*) indicate that the session is offered multiple times during the conference.
Thursday Breakout Sessions, 7:00-8:00pm (Round 1)
- Reflect, Review, and Renew (Restore)
- Description: Come spend some time reflecting on and reviewing the challenges and adversity of 2020. Develop tools to help you be individually resilient and that can help a group reflect and identify opportunities for the future. Utilize reflection tools to overcome various adversities and identify opportunities for the future. 2020 brought about many adversities for UC Davis students.
Learning objective:
* This workshop provides students with tools to reflect on the adversities and disruptions and identify the opportunities to help them move into 2021.
Facilitator: Dr. Kristin Dees
Director, UC Davis Center for Student Involvement
she/her/hers
Dr. Kristin Dees is currently the Director of the Center for Student Involvement at the University of California Davis. Kristin received her Doctorate of Education conducting her dissertation on first-generation student leadership development. She has 15 years of experience in college student transition, student organization advising, leadership development, community service, risk management, event planning, and responding to freedom of expression incidents. Kristin is a certified Gallup Strengths trainer and has been doing strength training and development since 2008.
- Beyond Thank Yous & Shout Outs: Making Appreciation Meaningful (Reconnect)
- Description: Research shows that when we feel appreciated, we have better health, less stress, and are more productive. But do we all feel appreciated in the same way? Effective leaders recognize that there are many ways to make people feel valued, and that everyone has preferences for how appreciation is shown. In this interactive session we’ll discuss overarching approaches to expressing appreciation so that it is meaningful to the receiver as well as practical ways to implement these, even in an online world. These concepts can be a tool to help strengthen both professional and personal relationships. After all, don’t we all deserve a little appreciation after this past year?
Learning Objectives:
* Name and understand five overarching methods of expressing appreciation
* Identify your top preferred method of receiving appreciation
* Determine ways you can use these concepts as a leader to strengthen relationships and effectively motivate individuals
Facilitators: Kimberly Bellows and Janice Tse
Kimberly Bellows
Intercultural Programs Coordinator, UC Davis Global Learning Hub
UCD Alum
she/her/hers
Kimberly works at UC Davis in the Global Learning Hub as an Intercultural Programs Coordinator. She is passionate about creating programs that help students make connections and see the world through a globally aware lens. Prior to joining UC Davis, Kimberly coordinated short term faculty-led study abroad programs at Arizona State University, and before that she designed and facilitated programs at a peace and reconciliation centre in Northern Ireland. She has also worked for a member of the House of Representatives in Washington, DC and taught English in Chile. She graduated from UC Davis and has a MA in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Fun fact: she can eat an entire jar of pickles in one sitting!
Janice Tse
Intercultural Programs Coordinator, UC Davis Global Learning Hub
she/her/hers
Janice is an Intercultural Programs Coordinator with the Global Learning Hub, a part of UC Davis Global Affairs. Her work at UC Davis involves creating programming for students with a concentration on global and intercultural learning and engagement. She graduated with a Masters in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan, and received her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, double-majoring in Asian Studies and Peace, War, and Defense. In her free time she enjoys travelling, and has currently been to 20 countries, including living and working abroad for 3 years in Ethiopia and China.
- How to connect when you're stuck at home (Reconnect)*
- This session is also offered Saturday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Description: Being a college student provides the ability to connect and build connections with other students outside of the classroom. Peer groups, friends, study group, and clubs may find it difficult to build and sustain connections with students due to it being limited to a virtual world. There is no doubt that it is difficult to create engaging spaces for peers on Zoom. Come learn how to translate team building and community building to a zoom environment with tutorials of icebreakers and teambuilders to take your community building to the next level!
Learning objectives:
* Learn how to facilitate icebreakers for various group settings
* Learn the importance of community building
Facilitator: Corrine Hawes
Student Leadership Program Coordinator, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Office
Corrine "Co" Hawes is the Student Leadership Program Coordinator in the Dean’s Office. She is originally from Connecticut, did her undergraduate work at the University of Rhode Island and her master’s work at UConn. Prior to UC Davis, Co worked at the University of South Carolina. In her current role, she is the advisor to the Aggie Ambassadors, presents leadership workshops, and coordinates service opportunities for CA&ES students.
- Finding Opportunities that make a Social Impact (Reconstruct)
-
Description: Join this session to learn three effective ways to start building skills and experience that aligns with making a social impact you care about, including virtual opportunities while still in a pandemic. Learn about job boards, internships, and full time career positions that can lead to meaningful work in making a difference.
Learning objective:
* Identify 3 areas of social impact you want to make, 3 skills you know how to do, 3 skills you want to learn, 3 different job boards, and how to network effectively to connect with professionals in career positions of interest.
Facilitator: Eva Lee
Senior Career Advisor, UC Davis internship and Career Center
she/her/hers
Eva Lee is a solution-focused student affairs professional with a spunky passion for creativity and innovations in career services. She grew up in Fresno, CA and is proud to identify as a Hmong American and first-generation. She currently serves as a Senior Career Advisor in the Liberal Arts & Business program area at the UC Davis Internship and Career Center. She advises, consults, and plans with students and employers in building internships and career opportunities, networking engagements, and career exploration programming. She is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and her top five strengths include: Focus, Discipline, Consistency, Harmony, and Significance. Eva holds a Master of Science in Counseling from CSU Sacramento and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development.
- UN Millennium Fellowship - Sustainable Development Goals (Reconstruct)
- Join us for an interactive session about the United Nations (UN) Millennium Fellowship, the Sustainable Development Goals, and how you can get involved at UC Davis. Learn about this free worldwide leadership development program focusing on addressing United Nations goals. Benefits include: certificate, network with global leaders, leadership training, and experience with community social change. The program will run virtually from August – November 2021, with cohorts of 8-20 Millennium Fellows on each campus around the world. Contact Lili Larson lklarson@ucdavis.edu for more information.
Learning objective:
* Gain a comprehensive understanding about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, how UC Davis has been addressing them, and how you can develop and apply leadership skills through these initiatives, especially the UN Millennium Fellowship.
Facilitators: Liliane Larson and Jolynn Shoemaker
Liliane Larson
Executive Director, UC Davis Blum Center for Developing Economies - Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
she/her/hers
Liliane Larson (Lili) is from Brazil. She is currently the executive director for the UC Davis Blum Center for Developing Economies – Global Learning Hub within Global Affairs, where she administers programs that train and sponsor students to develop sustainable solutions for underserved communities in California and around the world. Mrs. Larson holds a B.A. in International Relations, an MBA, and a J.D. She is passionate about taking on projects that empower underserved communities to change their reality in a positive and sustainable way, and she has done so in 29 countries. Lili has worked in worldwide known organizations, such as the United Nations, the British Council, and Laureate International Universities – Sylvan Learning Systems.
Jolynn Shoemaker
Director of Global Engagements, UC Davis Global Affairs
she/her/hers
Jolynn Shoemaker is the Director of Global Engagements in Global Affairs at UC Davis, where she is working extensively to support UC Davis engagement on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She has also taught national security as an adjunct professor in Political Science at California State University Sacramento. Jolynn spent almost 20 years in Washington DC working on foreign policy and national security issues. She has worked with a variety of non-profit organizations engaged in policy-relevant research, advocacy, and training, with a focus on gender equality, peace and security. Earlier in her career, Ms. Shoemaker served in the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense in both legal and policy positions, and in the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. She holds a J.D. (focus on international human rights) and an M.A. (Security Studies) from Georgetown University and a B.A. from University of California, San Diego.
Friday Breakout Sessions, 7:00-8:00pm (Round 2)
- Not Throwin' Away My Shot: Restoring Courage & Knowing Your Worth (Restore)*
- This session is also offered Saturday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Description: We are all innately courageous, but society suppresses this quality in us so that we conform to what it views as acceptable. Thus, we challenge the phrase “building up the courage,” for we believe in restoring our inherent courage. Now more than ever we need courageous leaders who are confident to speak up and stand up for themselves and others. In this session we aim to ignite students to take back their courage and recognize their worth. By restoring courage, we will grow our leadership abilities. Moreover, this session will empower students to no longer hold themselves back from pursuing their goals and ambitions because of self-imposed and societal limits.
Learning objectives:
* Feel empowered to pursue your goals and realize your worth.
* Develop your self-esteem through healing and rebuilding a greater sense of courage.
* Accept failure, take risks, and take ownership of fears while learning ways to challenge them.
* Challenge the negative beliefs and damaging judgements by recognizing that anything that ignites passion fuels your value.
Facilitators: Cayley Chan and David Vargas
Cayley Chan
UCD Undergraduate Student, Environmental Policy and Political Science - Public Service
she/her/hers
Cayley Chan is a third-year Environmental Policy and Political Science - Public Service double major at UC Davis. She aspires to be an environmental lawyer and one day become an elected official in the California State Government. Her passions include environmental justice, education, and racial, gender, and LGBTQIA+ equality. On campus, she is an Involvement Mentor at the Center for Student Involvement and the Secretary for Prytanean Women's Honor Society. As an Involvement Mentor, she primarily works on helping students grow their leadership through student involvement with a special interest in uplifting and empowering students of color in their leadership and involvement endeavors. Fun Fact: She has a scar on her left eyebrow from running into the corner of a table as a child.
David Vargas
UCD Undergraduate Student, Human Development and Spanish
they/them/theirs, he/him/his
David is an undergraduate student currently working on his B.S. in Human Development, his B.A. in Spanish, and his Education & Chicanxs Studies dual minor at the University of California, Davis. He works as an Involvement Mentor at the Center for Student Involvement. He plans to attend a graduate school higher education program. In his free time, he likes to run and make different kinds of food. A fun fact is that he was born and raised in Mexico until the age of 15.
- Igniting the Gift of Wellness (Restore)*
- This session is also offered Saturday 12:15-1:15pm
Description: Leaders are expected to manage a variety of tasks and take on a number of roles. To balance all of this, it is important that leaders implement wellness strategies to reduce stress and restore energy. In this interactive workshop, you will learn about the dimensions of wellness. You will also walk away with strategies you can utilize to have a better quality of life, especially during times of disruption and uncertainty.
Learning objectives:
* Identify the eight dimensions of wellness
* Brainstorm a list of campus resources that can help you with each dimension of wellness
* Develop a wellness plan of strategies you will implement to balance the dimensions
Facilitators: Zelene Molina and Ilda Ortega-Gomez
Zelene Molina
Program Coordinator, UC Davis Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP)
she/her/hers
Zelene Molina is a first-gen professional with over 10 years of experience in the field of education. Her upbringing and the struggles her family encountered were what inspired her to work with underrepresented communities. She developed a passion for education through her involvement in campus and community organizations during her undergrad years. She began her career working with educational programs, specifically supporting students in K-12, and upon earning her Master’s degree, began working in higher education. Zelene holds a B.A. in Sociology and Raza Studies from San Francisco State University and a Master's degree in Higher Education Leadership from Sacramento State. She currently serves as the Program Coordinator of the Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) here at UCD.
Ilda Ortega-Gomez
UCD Undergraduate Student - Sociology, Social Services Emphasis, and Spanish double major, Education minor
she/her/hers
Ilda Ortega-Gomez was born and raised in East Oakland, CA. Her identities as a first-generation, low-income, WOC have definitely played a critical role in what she wants to pursue. As she approached her undergraduate years here at UC Davis, she realized she wanted to pursue higher education and one day serve her community as a legal consultant. She is now a 4th-year Sociology, Social Services Emphasis, and Spanish double major student with a minor in Education. She has affiliated herself with the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) as an intern and Peer Advising Counselor and now works for the Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) as a Special Project Assistant. - Bridging the Divide: Connecting with others through dialogue (Reconnect)
-
Description: We are living in a time where differences are leveraged to divide us, rather than celebrated and respected. At the core, all humans want to be seen, heard, and valued. Utilizing the LivingRoom Conversations model, this session will simulate a dialogue among participants and will highlight strategies on how to create spaces for deeper connection. Come ready to unmute and engage!
Learning objectives:
* Identify the difference between debate, discussion, and dialogue
* Understand the importance of using "I" statements to foster connection
Facilitator: Christie Navarro, M.A.
Director, Center for Leadership Learning, UC Davis Office of Undergraduate Education
she/her/hers
Christie Navarro serves as the Director of the Center for Leadership Learning (CLL) at the University of California, Davis. She has been a part of the UC Davis community for 16 years, with 15 of those years leading the CLL. Prior to her tenure at UC Davis, Christie served as the California state representative for the college admission testing organization ACT, as a regional outreach coordinator for UC Merced Early Academic Outreach Program, and as a case manager for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Tulare County. Christie earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Higher Educational Leadership from California State University, Sacramento. As a leadership educator, Christie infuses identity development, inclusivity, and social justice and change into her teachings and is passionate about supporting students on their leadership journey. - Challenging Diversity In The Age Of Anti-Racism (Reconstruct)*
- This session is also offered Saturday 12:15-1:15pm
Description: Over the last 30 years, universities have increasingly begun to adopt diversity rhetoric and initiatives to create the image of inclusion. These initiatives, however, have not solved nor addressed the racial, gender, and economic inequalities that disenfranchise historically marginalized students. Student leaders and activists have grown increasingly weary of diversity rhetoric, as it’s often used as an agent of suppressing student dissent. Now that universities across the country publicly vow to commit to anti-racist practices, how can students hold themselves and their administrators accountable to producing actual results for historically marginalized students, rather than just creating the same marketable image of social justice?
Learning objectives:
* Define neoliberalism, identify examples of neoliberalism and privatization on your campus, and understand ways in which universities have historically used diversity rhetoric to stifle student leaders.
* Critically reflect on your decision-making and carry out your positions on campus with knowledge that will help you be successful leaders.
Facilitator: Alejandro Alfaro Ramirez
Chico State Alum
he/him/his
Alejandro Alfaro Ramirez is a recent graduate of Chico State with two majors in Multicultural and Gender Studies & Intersectional Chicanx and Latinx Studies. During his four years at Chico State, he was heavily involved in the efforts of various student coalitions. His work and research currently focuses on diversity as a neoliberal tool, privatization of higher education, as well as police and prison abolition. A fun fact about Alejandro is that during his free time he is a vinyl DJ.
- Reconstructing Personal Career Narratives and Social Justice (Reconstruct)*
-
This session is also offered Saturday 12:15-1:15pm
Description: Through the lenses of Career Construction Theory and Happenstance Learning Theory, students will learn to reconstruct their personal career narratives through the "Elevator Pitch," typically a one minute pitch that introduces the individual to prospective employers or new people within their networks. Using "case studies," attendees will, in groups, practice turning the typical Elevator Pitch into reconstructed pitches that better reflect the personal narratives of the attendees, which will reinforce self advocacy and therefore, social justice. Students will then present the new pitches to the larger group, and process the emotions that came up during the practice.
Learning objective:
* Craft an Elevator Pitch that more accurately reflects your personal narrative, which will promote self advocacy and resilience in the career development process.
Facilitator: Emma Singletary
Graduate Intern, UC Davis Internship and Career Center
CSU Sacramento Graduate Student
she/her/hers
Emma Singletary is a graduate intern currently working on her Master's degree in Career Counseling at CSU Sacramento. Emma previously earned her Bachelor's in History with a minor in English at CSU Sacramento, with the intent to pursue a PhD in History. However, she came to the realization that teaching at the college level did not fit with her career needs and began exploring other career options.
She discovered a passion for counseling and working with students; she is currently in her second year of the three-year program. She understands how complicated and confusing the career exploration process can be and wants to help other students in their career development process. She currently works as an Intern at the ICC at UC Davis, helping students with their career development needs.
Saturday morning Breakout Sessions, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Round 3)
- Dismantling Productivity and Discovering Your True Self (Restore)*
- This session is also offered Saturday 12:15-1:15pm
Description: As a result of numerous social factors, productivity is ingrained to be a central influence in measuring our self worth and value in society. With this mindset, we often devalue our own mental well-being in favor of success by fixating on achievement. Compounded with a public health crisis and social upheaval, many feel the pressure of maintaining productivity while combating fatigue, loneliness, fear, and numerous other issues. This interactive workshop will help students redefine what it means to be productive and learn how to form goals and habits focused on bettering one’s mental well-being in the current moment and beyond.
Learning objectives:
* Recognize and define productivity as a social construct
* Begin to establish goals that prioritize self improvement instead of achievement
* Learn how to integrate newly formed habits into post-pandemic life
Facilitators: Nina Capurso and Trent Capurso
Nina Capurso
UC Berkeley Undergraduate Student, Sociology and Ethnic Studies
she/her/hers
Nina Capurso is a fourth year transfer student at UC Berkeley studying Sociology and Ethnic Studies and incoming 1L at the UC Davis School of Law. Dedicated to ensuring all groups are guaranteed civil rights, Nina is involved in various student organizations and community work to eradicate social issues impacting women and communities of color in Northern California. She will continue to engage in community dialogue and organizing as a civil rights lawyer to protect and uplift marginalized groups. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, cuddling with her dog Stewie, and watching trash reality television.
Trent Capurso
Evergreen Valley College
UCD Alum
they/them/theirs, he/him/his
Trent Capurso obtained his Masters Degree from Sacramento State in history and is currently employed by Evergreen Valley College in San Jose. They have done extensive historical research on civil rights leadership, United States immigration, and the emergence of electronic dance music, and have experience presenting this research at history conferences and research symposiums. He has also previously presented at the Undergraduate Leadership Conference three times before. In their free time, they love to cook, workout, watch numerous television shows, listen to a wide variety of music, dialogue about social issues, and procrastinate. A quote that Trent lives by is, “Another day, another slay!"
- Not Throwin' Away My Shot: Restoring Courage & Knowing Your Worth (Restore)*
- This session is also offered Friday 7:00-8:00 pm
Description: We are all innately courageous, but society suppresses this quality in us so that we conform to what it views as acceptable. Thus, we challenge the phrase “building up the courage,” for we believe in restoring our inherent courage. Now more than ever we need courageous leaders who are confident to speak up and stand up for themselves and others. In this session we aim to ignite students to take back their courage and recognize their worth. By restoring courage, we will grow our leadership abilities. Moreover, this session will empower students to no longer hold themselves back from pursuing their goals and ambitions because of self-imposed and societal limits.
Learning objectives:
* Feel empowered to pursue your goals and realize your worth.
* Develop your self-esteem through healing and rebuilding a greater sense of courage.
* Accept failure, take risks, and take ownership of fears while learning ways to challenge them.
* Challenge the negative beliefs and damaging judgements by recognizing that anything that ignites passion fuels your value
Facilitators: Cayley Chan and David Vargas
Cayley Chan
UCD Undergraduate Student, Environmental Policy and Political Science - Public Service
she/her/hers
Cayley Chan is a third-year Environmental Policy and Political Science - Public Service double major at UC Davis. She aspires to be an environmental lawyer and one day become an elected official in the California State Government. Her passions include environmental justice, education, and racial, gender, and LGBTQIA+ equality. On campus, she is an Involvement Mentor at the Center for Student Involvement and the Secretary for Prytanean Women's Honor Society. As an Involvement Mentor, she primarily works on helping students grow their leadership through student involvement with a special interest in uplifting and empowering students of color in their leadership and involvement endeavors. Fun Fact: She has a scar on her left eyebrow from running into the corner of a table as a child
David Vargas
UCD Undergraduate Student, Human Development and Spanish
they/them/theirs, he/him/his
David is an undergraduate student currently working on his B.S. in Human Development, his B.A. in Spanish, and his Education & Chicanxs Studies dual minor at the University of California, Davis. He works as an Involvement Mentor at the Center for Student Involvement. He plans to attend a graduate school higher education program. In his free time, he likes to run and make different kinds of food. A fun fact is that he was born and raised in Mexico until the age of 15.
- Creating your best you on Social Media (Reconnect)
- Description: This session will address how to connect and engage in this virtual reality we currently live in due to COVID. In a digital world, your online platforms are your identity and it's important to consider how you present yourself to the outside world and if it's aligning with your goals. A key focus will be on using LinkedIn and LinkedIn profiles to outreach in areas like job searching, grad school, finding like-minded communities, and broadening your awareness of resources.
Learning objective:
* Build a LinkedIn profile that aligns with your goals and presents your best self.
Facilitator: Ginger Welsh
UC Davis Office of Summer Sessions
UCD Alum
she/her/hers
Ginger Welsh is a long time staff member at UC Davis. She is also a proud UC Davis alum - one of 6 in her immediate family. She holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communications and a masters in Higher Education Administration. She has worked in Alaska, California and South Carolina and more than 5 universities and colleges. Her focus on alumni and constituent engagement has allowed her to travel to more than 20 countries and 15 U.S.states on behalf of UC Davis. She has worked closely with Student Housing, Leadership Programs, Parent Programs, Alumni and Development (fundraising), International Programs, First Year success programs, Diversity and Inclusion offices, and Admissions.
- How to connect when you're stuck at home (Reconnect)*
- This session is also offered Thursday 7:00-8:00pm
Description: Being a college student provides the ability to connect and build connections with other students outside of the classroom. Peer groups, friends, study group, and clubs may find it difficult to build and sustain connections with students due to it being limited to a virtual world. There is no doubt that it is difficult to create engaging spaces for peers on Zoom. Come learn how to translate team building and community building to a zoom environment with tutorials of icebreakers and teambuilders to take your community building to the next level!
Learning objectives:
* Learn how to facilitate icebreakers for various group settings
* Learn the importance of community building
Facilitator: Corrine Hawes
Student Leadership Program Coordinator, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Office
Corrine "Co" Hawes is the Student Leadership Program Coordinator in the Dean’s Office. She is originally from Connecticut, did her undergraduate work at the University of Rhode Island and her master’s work at UConn. Prior to UC Davis, Co worked at the University of South Carolina. In her current role, she is the advisor to the Aggie Ambassadors, presents leadership workshops, and coordinates service opportunities for CA&ES students.
Saturday afternoon Breakout Sessions, 12:15-1:15pm (Round 4)
- Dismantling Productivity and Discovering Your True Self (Restore)*
- This session is also offered Saturday 11:00am - 12:00pm
Description: As a result of numerous social factors, productivity is ingrained to be a central influence in measuring our self worth and value in society. With this mindset, we often devalue our own mental well-being in favor of success by fixating on achievement. Compounded with a public health crisis and social upheaval, many feel the pressure of maintaining productivity while combating fatigue, loneliness, fear, and numerous other issues. This interactive workshop will help students redefine what it means to be productive and learn how to form goals and habits focused on bettering one’s mental well-being in the current moment and beyond.
Learning objectives:
* Recognize and define productivity as a social construct
* Begin to establish goals that prioritize self improvement instead of achievement
* Learn how to integrate newly formed habits into post-pandemic life
Facilitators: Nina Capurso and Trent Capurso
Nina Capurso
UC Berkeley Undergraduate Student, Sociology and Ethnic Studies
she/her/hers
Nina Capurso is a fourth year transfer student at UC Berkeley studying Sociology and Ethnic Studies and incoming 1L at the UC Davis School of Law. Dedicated to ensuring all groups are guaranteed civil rights, Nina is involved in various student organizations and community work to eradicate social issues impacting women and communities of color in Northern California. She will continue to engage in community dialogue and organizing as a civil rights lawyer to protect and uplift marginalized groups. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, cuddling with her dog Stewie, and watching trash reality television.
Trent Capurso
Evergreen Valley College
UCD Alum
they/them/theirs, he/him/his
Trent Capurso obtained his Masters Degree from Sacramento State in history and is currently employed by Evergreen Valley College in San Jose. They have done extensive historical research on civil rights leadership, United States immigration, and the emergence of electronic dance music, and have experience presenting this research at history conferences and research symposiums. He has also previously presented at the Undergraduate Leadership Conference three times before. In their free time, they love to cook, workout, watch numerous television shows, listen to a wide variety of music, dialogue about social issues, and procrastinate. A quote that Trent lives by is, “Another day, another slay!"
- Igniting the Gift of Wellness (Restore)*
- This session is also offered Friday 7:00-8:00pm
Description: Leaders are expected to manage a variety of tasks and take on a number of roles. To balance all of this, it is important that leaders implement wellness strategies to reduce stress and restore energy. In this interactive workshop, you will learn about the dimensions of wellness. You will also walk away with strategies you can utilize to have a better quality of life, especially during times of disruption and uncertainty.
Learning objectives:
* Identify the eight dimensions of wellness
* Brainstorm a list of campus resources that can help you with each dimension of wellness
* Develop a wellness plan of strategies you will implement to balance the dimensions
Facilitators: Zelene Molina and Ilda Ortega-Gomez
Zelene Molina
Program Coordinator, UC Davis Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP)
she/her/hers
Zelene Molina is a first-gen professional with over 10 years of experience in the field of education. Her upbringing and the struggles her family encountered were what inspired her to work with underrepresented communities. She developed a passion for education through her involvement in campus and community organizations during her undergrad years. She began her career working with educational programs, specifically supporting students in K-12, and upon earning her Master’s degree, began working in higher education. Zelene holds a B.A. in Sociology and Raza Studies from San Francisco State University and a Master's degree in Higher Education Leadership from Sacramento State. She currently serves as the Program Coordinator of the Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) here at UCD.
Ilda Ortega-Gomez
UCD Undergraduate Student - Sociology, Social Services Emphasis, and Spanish double major, Education minor
she/her/hers
Ilda Ortega-Gomez was born and raised in East Oakland, CA. Her identities as a first-generation, low-income, WOC have definitely played a critical role in what she wants to pursue. As she approached her undergraduate years here at UC Davis, she realized she wanted to pursue higher education and one day serve her community as a legal consultant. She is now a 4th-year Sociology, Social Services Emphasis, and Spanish double major student with a minor in Education. She has affiliated herself with the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) as an intern and Peer Advising Counselor and now works for the Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) as a Special Project Assistant.
- Relying on Emotional Intelligence in Uncertain Times (Reconnect)
- Description: A leader's ability to understand and manage their emotions is pivotal in collaborating with and leading others, particularly in times of uncertainty and upheaval. This session will introduce Goleman's dimensions of emotional intelligence--self awareness, self management, social awareness, and relationship management--and how developing our emotional intelligence helps us to build stronger connections with others. Attendees will have the chance to reflect on their strengths and set goals to grow their emotional intelligence, even amidst physical distancing.
Learning objectives:
* Verbalize the dimensions of emotional intelligence and their role in leadership
* Name developmental goals that will help you grow your emotional intelligence
Facilitator: Annalisa Teixeira, Ph.D.
she/her/hers
Director of Resident and Fellow Development, UC Davis Health, Graduate Medical Education
UC Davis Alum
Dr. Annalisa Teixeira has worked in student and staff development at UC Davis for the past five years in various roles. She currently serves as director of Resident and Fellow Development at UC Davis Health, Graduate Medical Education. An alumna of UC Davis (Ph.D., '15), she is a linguist by training. As an associate certified coach with the International Coaching Federation she works to help others realize their personal and professional goals, including leadership development. Beyond helping people grow their potential, she loves to grow veggies and fruit in her garden.
- Challenging Diversity In The Age Of Anti-Racism (Reconstruct)*
- This session is also offered Friday 7:00-8:00pm
Description: Over the last 30 years, universities have increasingly begun to adopt diversity rhetoric and initiatives to create the image of inclusion. These initiatives, however, have not solved nor addressed the racial, gender, and economic inequalities that disenfranchise historically marginalized students. Student leaders and activists have grown increasingly weary of diversity rhetoric, as it’s often used as an agent of suppressing student dissent. Now that universities across the country publicly vow to commit to anti-racist practices, how can students hold themselves and their administrators accountable to producing actual results for historically marginalized students, rather than just creating the same marketable image of social justice?
Learning objectives:
* Define neoliberalism, identify examples of neoliberalism and privatization on your campus, and understand ways in which universities have historically used diversity rhetoric to stifle student leaders.
* Critically reflect on your decision-making and carry out your positions on campus with knowledge that will help you be successful leaders.
Facilitator: Alejandro Alfaro Ramirez
Chico State Alum
he/him/his
Alejandro Alfaro Ramirez is a recent graduate of Chico State with two majors in Multicultural and Gender Studies & Intersectional Chicanx and Latinx Studies. During his four years at Chico State, he was heavily involved in the efforts of various student coalitions. His work and research currently focuses on diversity as a neoliberal tool, privatization of higher education, as well as police and prison abolition. A fun fact about Alejandro is that during his free time he is a vinyl DJ.
- Reconstructing Personal Career Narratives and Social Justice (Reconstruct)*
- This session is also offered Friday 7:00-8:00pm
Description: Through the lenses of Career Construction Theory and Happenstance Learning Theory, students will learn to reconstruct their personal career narratives through the "Elevator Pitch," typically a one minute pitch that introduces the individual to prospective employers or new people within their networks. Using "case studies," attendees will, in groups, practice turning the typical Elevator Pitch into reconstructed pitches that better reflect the personal narratives of the attendees, which will reinforce self advocacy and therefore, social justice. Students will then present the new pitches to the larger group, and process the emotions that came up during the practice.
Learning objective:
* Craft an Elevator Pitch that more accurately reflects your personal narrative, which will promote self advocacy and resilience in the career development process.
Facilitator: Emma Singletary
Graduate Intern, UC Davis Internship and Career Center
CSU Sacramento Graduate Student
she/her/hers
Emma Singletary is a graduate intern currently working on her Master's degree in Career Counseling at CSU Sacramento. Emma previously earned her Bachelor's in History with a minor in English at CSU Sacramento, with the intent to pursue a PhD in History. However, she came to the realization that teaching at the college level did not fit with her career needs and began exploring other career options.
She discovered a passion for counseling and working with students; she is currently in her second year of the three-year program. She understands how complicated and confusing the career exploration process can be and wants to help other students in their career development process. She currently works as an Intern at the ICC at UC Davis, helping students with their career development needs.
The 2021 ALW! Conference is funded and made possible by the UC Davis Center for Leadership Learning and Undergraduate Education.
Thank you to our outstanding featured speakers and session facilitators, as well as our conference planning committee for their dedication and hard work:
- Carla Fresquez - First Year Seminars/CURES - Undergraduate Education
- Co Hawes - Dean's Office - College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Divine Otico - Wheelhouse, School of Education
- Ginger Welsh - Summer Sessions - Undergraduate Education
- Janice Tse - Global Learning Hub - Global Affairs
- Regina Slaughter-Canegan - International & Academic English - Undergraduate Education
- Sara Blair-Medeiros - Women's Resources and Research Center - Student Affairs
- Vanessa Talavera - Center for Student Involvement - Student Affairs
- Christie Navarro - Center for Leadership Learning - Undergraduate Education
- Erin Blobaum - Center for Leadership Learning - Undergraduate Education