University of Memphis students who want to beef up their leadership skills can sign up for the LEAD Conference, held on Saturday, November 15th from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. on the third floor of University Center
The LEAD Conference is a partnership with Carnival Memphis and The Jefferson Awards, which provides training and networking opportunities for nearly 300 college and high school student leaders annually. In 2012, 27 high schools registered for the 2014 LEAD Conference.
This year, fifteen high schools registered: Raleigh Egypt High School, Central High School, Whitehaven High School, Ridgeway High School, Power Center Academy, Germantown High School, Memphis Academy of Health Sciences, Memphis Catholic High School, Evangelical Christian School, City University, Houston High School, Olive Branch High School, Bolton High School, Arlington High School and the Neighborhood Christian Center.
Over 61 students have registered for the 2014 LEAD Conference.
Students will hear from campus and community leaders about a range of topics meant to support organizational growth and personal development. The conference will also have a combination of keynote speakers, self-selected breakout sessions and shared discussions.
The 2014 LEAD Conference will also feature the annual presentation of several awards, such as Carnival Memphis’ Youth Leader of the Year Award, Collegiate Leader of the Year Award and the Noreen Cathey Mallory Award, honoring the lifetime achievement of a female Memphian. Recipients will be honored during luncheon in the UC, and all attendees are invited to join in the festivities.
Kay Barkoh, a leadership programs advisor and works in the U of M student leadership involvement, explained how the LEAD Conference benefits students.
“The LEAD Conference is a free professional development program that will give students hands on training, identifying leadership skills, and how to go about getting a job.”
Barkoh said that the conference is a one-day event that is intended to help student leaders grow and improve their organizations and personal brand.
“Students will have the opportunity to hear campus and community leaders speak on a range of topics that will help them with personal growth,” she said.
The deadline to register for the LEAD Conference is Nov. 10. The conference is open to all U of M and Lambuth campus students. Breakfast and lunch is provided, and is partially funded by student activity fees. Attendance is free of cost, and a box lunch will be provided to each participant. All students will also be provided an access code to complete Gallup’s StrengthsQuest Inventory.
