LEAD UB Conference
Get a deeper understanding of topics related to leadership, service and student development by attending the LEAD UB Conference.
Spring 2023
LEAD stands for Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and Development; this conference is designed to bring students from across UB and the surrounding communities together to learn about and engage in topics related to leadership, service, and overall student development. You can expect engaging and relevant speakers, roundtable discussions, and the discovery of new skills and programs for you to be involved with.
Thank you to all of our presenters for a great spring 2022 conference! Check back in fall 2022 for more information on how to register for next years conference.
Thank you, Brian Miller!
A huge thank you to our closing note speaker, Brian Miller, for two amazing sessions! “The Magic of Human Connection” teaches people how to make meaningful connections and build trust with anyone that they meet. In 2022 when competition is fierce, the pressure to succeed is crippling, and mental health issues are staggering, students are asking themselves:
“How do I build a meaningful life and worthwhile career… without burning out?”
Brian was able to demonstrate a simple answer to this question. The most successful students – tomorrow’s professionals – are those who know how to make the people in their lives feel heard, understood, and valued.
Conference Sessions
Each day brings a new theme - leadership, engagement, advocacy, and development - to provide students with a meaningful experience.
Recordings from the 2022 LEAD UB Conference will be posted here throughout the summer. Check back then to catch up on the awesome presentations you might have missed!
Feeling inspired? We thought you might be! Check out these opportunities to take what you've seen in these sessions and keep the learning going!
Recorded Sessions
The following sessions have been pre-recorded and are available for you to watch on-demand!
Presenter: Vanessa Ho (she/her/hers)
Your college experience is what you make of it. We know that being involved in the campus community is an important part of your college experience, so we’re here to help you connect with opportunities that are right for you. Getting involved will not only help you make friends, develop leadership skills and build your resume, but it will also give you a sense of belonging and make you feel at home here.
Presenter: Susan O’Rourke (she/her/hers)
Want to be inspired, challenged and energized? Watch our inspiring student leaders! This session is full of amazing student speakers like you who share their leadership stories. You’ll learn about the leadership development opportunities possible at UB, plus the benefits for your future after graduation.
Presenter: Hannah Giarrizzo (she/her/hers)
Servant Leadership is a growing movement in the business world today, and it starts with you. Discover the many benefits of serving the people around you, and how you can become a servant leader. This session will teach you the concept of servant leadership and help you understand how it has been known to create positive social change, while developing your personal leadership style.
Presenter: Alyssa Reese (she/her/hers)
This session will begin with a discussion of what “advocacy” can look like while pursuing an undergraduate/graduate degree. Alyssa will discuss her experience of becoming an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, as well as her advocacy/policy work through the American Medical Association. Participants will leave the session with an understanding of how to advocate for a cause they are interested in and the influence of advocacy work on personal and professional development.
Challenge Yourself
Intentionally designed to engage students in conversations about leadership skills, strategies, and theories, Virtual Leadership Academy will help students discover who they are as a leader and develop their full leadership potential. We'll host modules on UBLearns coupled with small group meetings that allow students to take a deep dive into what it means to be a leader and understand how they can leverage these skills to stand out from the crowd.
Challenge yourself to keep the learning going - register today!
Ongoing Opportunities
Was there a presenter that totally stood out to you? An attendee that was courageous in sharing their experiences? A staff member who inspired you? Recognize them with a LEAD Award!