Schedule of Events:

"Culture: Understanding the Invisible Element of Leadership”

One of the most often ignored and poorly understood forces in leadership is culture: the unspoken rules, thoughts and attitudes that either secretly enhance or silently sabotage our efforts as leaders. This talk will explore how leaders of the future must also be able to understand what culture is, how to diagnose a culture and how to intentionally engage in creating healthier cultures for our companies, communities and families.

• Nonverbal Communication: The Ultimate Transformative Power for the Ultimate Leader

  Location: Bayou 1408
  General Student Leader Track

  Before any aspiring leader can move, motivate, inspire and/or create change, he/she must first become aware of their own nonverbal communication profile and what it “communicates” to those individuals with whom they must interact. Actions such as tone of voice, use of space, manner of handshake, expediency of returning emails and phone calls, use of silence, pauses and hesitation, appearance, level of eye contact, body movement and use of time are just a few aspects of this profile that speak volumes about your leadership style and directly impacts the willingness of others to interact with you! It is also important to note that this form of communication transcends all ages, all genders and all disciplines and has the unique ability to transform anyone’s world instantaneously. Without embellishment, it can prove to be the single most powerful influence on anyone seeking leadership ascension and positive influence. Therefore, this session will utilize a highly-interactive lecture format (discussion/group activity) designed to impart an awareness and understanding of this absolute power, as well as afford each participant an action plan that can help increase the success of any leadership venture!

  About the Presenter: Regina Julian has served as a college/university instructor of Communication Studies including Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, as well as Business and Professional Communication for the past eight years. Additionally, she develops and facilitates training seminars/workshops with an emphasis on communication/leadership skill development for various associations, businesses and educational institutions in the East and Southeast Texas regions. Ms. Julian holds both an M.A. and a B.A. in Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Certified Training Professional (CTP) from Texas A&M University.

• The Emerging Leader: Leading with the Mind by Following Your Heart

  Location: Bayou 1311
  Leadership in the Workplace Track

  The primary focus of my program will be the discussion of the dynamic characteristics of an effective leader. I will expand upon the actuality that the era of the dictatorial leader is at an end and how an individual obtains the respect and loyalty of the group/groups for which they are responsible. This includes a thorough understand of the group’s dynamics, an empathetic awareness of the diversity of the cultural and socio-economic structure of a group, and a keen ability to establish clear and attainable short and long term goals that challenge the group and encourage it to progress forward as a cohesive and highly functional unit. The presentation will include a brief lecture, but will primarily be interactive. I would like the participants to leave the discussion with the discovery or the intention to discover those unique qualities within them that allows them to fulfill their infinite potential as today’s emerging leaders.

  About the Presenter: Dr. Monica M. Davis is a board certified anesthesiologist, certified hypnotherapist, life coach, and Reiki practitioner who currently resides in Houston, Texas. Dr. Davis has held medical staff positions at both MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. During her tenure as Asst. Professor at MD Anderson, Dr. Davis held the position of Medical Director of Non-Operating Room Anesthesia. Her responsibilities included creating and/or attenuating policy to increase the safety and efficiency of the scheduling and performance of out of OR procedures, directing a core group of diverse employees dedicated to this specific area, and coordinating with numerous medical departments to facilitate continuing improvements and quality assurance while increasing patient satisfaction. Dr. Davis has since left the practice of anesthesia and has embarked upon a new path of promoting health and wellbeing. She believes that true healing comes from within the individual and has created the entity Empowered Transformations, LLC with the intention to be a facilitator in this extraordinary process. Dr. Davis is honored to be given the opportunity to share her experiences and insights with the participants of this distinguished conference.

• Leadership on the Loose with Dr. Seuss

  Location: Bayou 1218
  General Student Leader Track

  Would you, could you, should you lead? Won’t you, don’t you, meet their needs? Dr. Seuss has been teaching us to lead since we were infants. Such stories as Green Eggs and Ham and Horton Hatches the Egg offer views on lessons to be learned and on leadership techniques.

  About the Presenter: Vanessa J. Solis-Maduzia, J.D., is a licensed attorney who graduated from South Texas College of Law in 2004 earning a Doctorate of Jurisprudence. She is a named partner and mediator with the law firm of Novelli, Harvie and Maduzia, Attorneys at Law, P.L.L.C. She completed her graduate studies at the University of Houston – Clear Lake in 2000, earning an M.A. in Sociology with a Concentration in Criminology and her B.A. in Pre-Law in 1998. Vanessa is a past Student Government Association Recording Secretary and the past President for HACE (Hispanics Advancing Culture and Education) at UHCL. Vanessa brings this session to the conference by popular request for the fifteenth consecutive year. She was originally motivated to present this session after participating in the same session at the Loyola University Leadership conference in New Orleans in 1997.

• The Competitive Leader: Becoming a Skilled Communicator Across Generations

  Location: Bayou 2236
  Leadership in the Workplace Track

  The pressure for Employers to find and develop capable leaders grows stronger by the day. By the year 2020, Generation Y (ages 12 to 32) will outnumber all generations in the workforce. In the meantime, 10,000 Baby Boomers (ages 48 to 66) retire every day, leaving larger and larger gaps in corporate skills and experience. With four very different generations in the workforce at the same time, strong communication skills are essential for developing leaders. Effective and proficient communicators will have a major competitive advantage as leaders.

  In this engaging and interactive session, participants will discover how to:

  • Be more effective in job interviewing, networking and building work relationships with a diversity of generations
  • Gain important advocates from the current leaders of the older generations
  • Become more effective communicators through understanding the differences in generational motivations and perceptions

  About the Presenter: Amy Hart, owner of Hart Training Connection, has over 20 years of experience facilitating and developing training programs for employees and volunteers across the U.S. Amy is a former training director and marketer in the financial services and insurance industries. She is also the current President of the Houston Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development.

• Dimensions of Power

  Location: Bayou 1438
  Diversity and Leadership Track

  Explore and engage in discussing various dimensions of power in our world including local and international influences that sway human rights and advocacy. This session includes one group and one individual power activity.

  About the Presenter: Tina Stokes is a community human rights advocate, speaker, educator, activist and student. Her experience includes working with NGOs, government, educational institutions, serving on various committees, and advocacy for the rights of the child. Tina has trained and been taught by individuals who work for United Nations Human Rights Development Program, World Bank, InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights, Displacement Solutions Inc., Human Rights Education Associates, Facing Ourselves and History, United States Peace Institute, and prominent professionals in the field of human rights law, human rights advocacy, conflict analysis, and advocacy development. She has attended the University of Houston – Clear Lake, Washington College of Law, American Military University, and is continuing her studies with the University of London Human Rights Law program. Tina is also a former student president for the UHCL chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

• Food and Fitness: A Foundation for Good Leadership

  Location: Bayou 1219
  General Student Leader Track

  A leader should be the foundation of an organization. The foundation provides a source of strength and stability to the structure and if the foundation is not strong, then the structure may not withstand the forces it is subjected to. There are many things you need to know and do in order to be the strong and reliable foundation needed to keep your organization running smoothly and successfully. This workshop focuses on food. Food is information to your cells and choosing the wrong foods results in poor physical and mental performance. “Food and Fitness: A Foundation for Good Leadership” will give you the opportunity to learn how to enhance your abilities as a leader by taking care of your nutritional and fitness needs.

  About the Presenter: Denise Cazes provides education and support in the areas of nutrition, exercise, health risk reduction and stress management to help people make lifestyle changes necessary to achieve better health. She works to teach others (individually or in a group setting) a healthier way to lose weight, how to incorporate exercise, lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as how to reduce menopausal symptoms, pre-diabetes and how improve energy levels. Denise has a B.S. in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Fitness and Human Performance and have been teaching at the college level for 12 years. She is a full-time lecturer at the University of Houston Clear Lake and has also taught health related courses at Texas A&M Galveston and College of the Mainland. She has a private practice as a Nutritional Consultant, Lifestyle and Weight Management Counselor, Health Educator (www.onebodyonechoice.com) and is a 200hr Registered Yoga teacher. Her goal is to help her students and clients feel better, look better, and perform better and to help them understand that engaging in healthy behaviors does not result in a life of misery!

• Learn to Be an Inspiring Leader with the V.I.E. Model

  Location: Bayou 3332
  Leadership in the Workplace Track

  If you manage a team or would like to, you are probably aware that your actions set the state for the entire group’s experience – you have the power to create a positive team environment! Your team needs a leader that values them, influences and inspires them, and provides fair and beneficial evaluation. Learn how to lead and inspire others while increasing motivation and effectiveness in your organization! During this session, you will discover the first step to becoming an effective leader. Creating an environment where team members feel valued can benefit your team in ways that raise team morale, increase synergy, build trust and commitment, and enhance overall team effectiveness.

  About the Presenter: Shirley Crews Taylor is the President/Principal Consultant for her professional development firm, TCT Enterprises, LLC. She has a diverse background with extensive experience in Career Development, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Development, and Human Resources Management. Her experience spans multiple industries including oil/gas, retail, manufacturing, education, consulting, and non-profit organizations. Shirley loves consulting and coaching, and is always willing. She has coached hundreds of clients and has an innate ability to tap into an individual’s feelings and develop a deep connection with them. Shirley has a real passion for helping others reach their goals. Self-exploration is also her specialty. Through assessments and effectively asking the right questions, clients can gain a better sense of themselves and how to shift their mindset. Her clients start to view their skills from a position of strength and master explaining what they bring to the table. Shirley’s academic accomplishments include a Masters Degree in Industrial Psychology and Organizational Development at the University of Houston. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Alabama A&M University. Shirley is very active in her community and believes in professional development. She is also an active member of HR Houston, Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), Houston Association of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (HAIOP), Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, (SIOP), the Association of Career Professionals, and Houston Organizational Development Network (HODN).

• Brand New You – The Power of Personal Branding

  Location: Bayou 2311
  Advisor/Staff Track

  Branding is essential in the marketing in the marketing of goods, services… and people. From the computers we buy to the individuals we elect to lead our cities and country, brands drive decisions big and small. This discussion will focus on how cultivating personal brands can help achieve professional and personal success.

  About the Presenter: For 17 years, Mike Emery has worked in public relations and corporate communications, including the past 10 years in University of Houston’s Office of Communication. As senior media relations representative, he coordinates public relations for UH’s arts programs such as theater, music, art and creative writing. At UH, he also oversees the University’s arts blog “Creative Pride”. In addition, Emery teaches communication courses at UH’s Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, UHCL and UH Downtown. At UH, he serves as faculty adviser for the student chapter of International Association of Business Communicators. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in MJass Communication from Texas State University, and a Master of Arts in Humanities from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

• The Collective Power of One International

  Location: Bayou 2122
  Community Service Track

  Description:

  About the Presenter: Dr. S Kalangi….

• Leadership Essentials: The Keys for Effective Leadership!

  Location: Bayou 3332
  General Student Leader Track

  This inspiring and uplifting workshop will teach you the definition of leadership, how to recognize leadership styles, and the key traits of successful leaders. You will receive a booklet packed with several leadership assessment tools.  You will be engaged, laugh, and have fun in this interactive workshop learning about the essentials of leadership!  Several give-away items will make this additionally a special workshop to attend.

  About the Presenter: Joyce Delores Taylor is the Chief Operating Officer with ONEPowerful Movement Community Development Center – a not for profit agency of Bible Way Fellowship Baptist Church.  In this role, she is responsible for the operation of the center including all personnel, volunteers, programming and community relationships and interactions.  Ms. Taylor has also taught courses on Race and Justice in the Criminology Department at the UHCL-Pearland campus. Joyce is a native of Memphis, Tenn., and has undergraduate degrees in Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, a certificate in Physics as an academic study abroad scholar, and three masters degrees from UHCL in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Criminology, and Cross Cultural and Women’s Studies.  Joyce has been very involved on the UHCL campus and has been President of the SGA, the Black Students Association, Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and a member of several other National Honor Societies and campus organizations.  Joyce believes in leadership and sharing and being a role model for other leaders.  She quotes Rosa Parks and believes that “We should live our lives as role models for others.”

• If I Only Had a Brain, a Heart, a Home, the NERVE!

  Location: Bayou 1311
  General Student Leader Track

  “If I only had a brain, a heart, a home, the NERVE!”  As spoken so clearly from the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz”, the characters take their audience on a journey to discover those unique characteristics within themselves to “make sense” of the world around them and live the life they desire.  Take a moment and ask yourself, “What do I want?”  Learn how your journey and the people around you shape who you are in the most unlikely ways.  Come, listen, respond, and be a kid at heart!

  About the Presenter:  The philosophies of “The Wizard of Oz” are a passion that have shaped Kim Barfield’s unique and energetic way of looking at the world. She continues to apply the lessons learned throughout her own life journey.  Kim is a 2001 graduate from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and former SGA leader.  She was the ’02 Commencement Speaker for UHCL and served as President of the UHCL Alumni Association (2003-05). In 2005, Kim was awarded the UHCL Alumni Association’s Leadership Service Award. Currently, Kim works for the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX as the Coordinator for Alumni and Parent Relations.  Since 2008, Kim has spent her free time volunteering with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY) and this year will be her second as the Leadership Seminar Chair. Recognized for her passion and enthusiasm for life, she continues to enjoy the success of her efforts in stewardship, program development, leadership training, and volunteer engagement.  Kim’s many leadership roles have benefitted from the Oz lessons, and today, she shares them with you!

• Building Leaders

  Location: Bayou 1408
  General Student Leader Track

  Many leaders wear many hats and hold various roles on-campus.  We will explore the roles leaders play and share ways to be an effective leader.

  About the Presenters:  Andy Vu is the Student Government Association Activity Coordinator at Texas Woman’s University.  She has been a student ambassador at Lone Star College, and actively volunteers with St. Luke’s Hospital, Memorial Hermann Hospital and the Health Museum. She is also an active member of the Vietnamese-American Nurse Association (VAN) and Nurse Ministry at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Chizite Iheonunekwu is the Treasurer for the Student Government Association at TWU. She is a former member of the NAACP, peer mentor for TNSA, member of the Pre-Healthcare Club, and volunteers at the Canyon Akea Library and St. Luke’s Hospital.

• Mindful Leadership

  Location: Bayou 2311
  General Student Leader Track

  Mindfulness originated in ancient India and has emerged in contemporary mental healthcare as a leading paradigm to treat a wide array of concerns that people experience.  This presentation will explore Mindfulness, from its rich cultural origins to its current manifestations in psychology, and how it can provide a conceptual stance and specific techniques for emerging leaders to approach both challenges and opportunities.  This presentation will include a guided mindfulness meditation exercise.  Some desired outcomes for participants include:

  • Participants will have a better conceptual understanding of mindfulness and how it relates to skillful leadership in creating better communities
  • Participants will gain a familiarity with specific techniques they can use in handling challenging situations that leaders face
  • Participants will be provided with some multicultural resources for deepening their knowledge and skills in mindfulness

  About the Presenter:  David Zuniga, M.A., studied mindfulness-based philosophy and meditation while earning a Master’s degree from Harvard Divinity School.  He is currently employed as an Intern Psychologist in UHCL’s Counseling Services Office as he completes his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology focusing on mindfulness-based interventions in mental health.  Mr. Zuniga has spent a great deal of time in East Asia studying mindfulness and other forms of meditation, and currently has a book contract with Wisdom Publications based on his work with using mindfulness techniques in end-of-life healthcare.

• There is an “I” in Team

  Location: Bayou 2236
  Leadership in the Workplace Track

  The objectives of this session are to identify the dynamics of full engagement, and identify individual passions that contribute to high performance work teams and cultures through authentic experiences, interactive grounding exercises, and current research.

  About the Presenter: Laurie Peterson is the founder, coach, consultant, and facilitator of New Horizon Strategies, LLC. This female-owned business has over a decade of experience in project management, system management, strategic planning, and process improvement that enable a full suite of opportunities to aid you and your company in achieving the highest level of effectiveness. Trained through the College of Executive Coaching, and working towards her International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Coaching Certification (PCC), Laurie is a fully qualified and experienced coach. Laurie is also completing her career coaching certification via the New York based career placement firm, 5 O’Clock Club. She is also working with the world-renowned researcher on joy and perfectionism, Dr. Brene Brown, through her ‘Connections’ certification program. Laurie greatly enjoys developing work-process flow methodologies for her clients from organization-wide strategic planning to 1:1 individual coaching. Laurie’s NASA experience centered on project and system engineering and management. She completed Kepner Tregoe Project Management training, and is a certified NASA process improvement (Lean Six Sigma) Black Belt, NASA Green Belt, and Lockheed Martin Green Belt. She has been trained via numerous NASA leadership classes and assessment courses. Laurie has received multiple awards for her services and accomplishments with NASA.

• Learn to Motivate Your Self and Your Team:  Catch the Fish!

  Location: Bayou 1218
  General Student Leader/Leadership in the Workplace Tracks

  FISH! Is an invitation to reawaken the self-trusting, creative spirit within all of us. To start new conversations about what is possible. To develop new attitudes. To have more fun again. At work. At school. At home. Imagine a workplace or assigned glass group for a project where everyone chooses to bring energy, passion and appositive attitude with them each day. This workshop will introduce you to the FISH! Philosophy embraced by the employees of Pike’s World-Famous Fish Market in Seattle, Washington.

  About the Presenters:  Marlene Morgan, M.S., is an adjunct faculty for Lee College and advisor for a student organization.  Her leadership awards include: UHCL Orientation Leader of the Year, Omicron Delta Kappa Leader of the Year, Association for Childhood Education International Leadership of the Year, Outstanding International Service Award.  Who’s Who o f American Women 2008, 2009, and 2012, Who’s Who in the World for 2009, 2010.  Who’s Who in America for 2011.  Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge, George Washington Medal Award. Best Global Award.  Student Organizations Leadership positions have included: UHCL Executive Council Student Government Association Vice President – Administration, Kappa Delta Pi (UHCL Omicron Kappa chapter President), Omicron Delta Kappa (UHCL Chapter President), Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association (UHCL Chapter Vice President), Unity Club, Texas State Teachers Association SGA Representative. 

• How to Start a Revolution

  Location: Bayou 1438
  Diversity and Leadership Track

  This session provides an introduction in how revolutions develop and examines methodologies through Dr. Gene Sharp’s The Politics of Nonviolent Action, Vol. 2: The Methods of Nonviolent Action.  This session includes one case study and one group “How to Start a Revolution” activity.

  About the Presenter:  Tina Stokes is a community human rights advocate, speaker, educator, activist and student.  Her experience includes working with NGOs, government, educational institutions, serving on various committees, and advocacy for the rights of the child.  Tina has trained and been taught by individuals who work for United Nations  Human Rights Development Program, World Bank, InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights, Displacement Solutions Inc., Human Rights Education Associates, Facing Ourselves and History, United States Peace Institute, and prominent professionals in the field of human rights law, human rights advocacy, conflict analysis, and advocacy development.  She has attended the University of Houston – Clear Lake, Washington College of Law, American Military University, and is continuing her studies with the University of London Human Rights Law program. Tina is also a former student president for the UHCL chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

• Advisors & Staff Only:  Sharing Tips for Successful Leadership and Community Development Programs

  Location: Bayou Forest Room 1418
  Advisor/Staff Track

  This round-table discussion will focus on tried-and-true successful leadership development programs at colleges and universities.  We invite all advisors and professional staff members to attend this session to share information about programs they have planned and implemented at their institutions, and to share any promotional materials they have used on their campuses to recruit student participation.
  

  About the Facilitators:  Jennifer Clark is the Assistant Director of Student Life at the University of Houston – Clear Lake.  In her ten years at UHCL, Jennifer has developed the Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLICE) program from the ground up. SLICE has grown to provide an ongoing workshop series, Emerging Leaders Academy, annual student leadership retreat, a statewide annual student leadership conference, Day of Service, Servant Leader Scholar Program (leadership and service recognition program), clearinghouse for volunteerism both on-campus and in the community, and also provides support for our student chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, which has grown to become the largest student organization on campus with over 4000 members since 2007.  Jenn has also volunteered with the national LeaderShape Institute, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY), and has presented leadership and personal/professional development seminars for many on- and off-campus organizations, including SHRM, Clear Lake Baptist Church Singles Ministry, and the University of Houston.  Jenn holds a Bachelor of Science degree  in Human Services (Counseling/Mental Health) from California State University, Fullerton, and a Masters of Science degree in College Student Personnel (Student Development Theory and Organizational Development) from Miami University in Ohio.

  Patrick Lawrence Cardenas, Coordinator of Student Life – Student Organizations at UHCL, recently earned his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University.  Patrick also holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, as well as double Bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from UHCL.  During his student years at UHCL, Patrick served as SGA President for two consecutive years, SGA Vice President – Administration, and has served on countless university committees and executive councils for student organizations. His is also a lifetime member of the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. As part of the Student Life team, Patrick has coordinated several of our annual campus traditions, including I Heart UHCL Day and our Annual Chili Cook-Off.  He also provides guidance for more than 70 student organizations and coordinates the Student Leadership Banquet for the organizations at the end of the year. Patrick is also a current member of the University of Houston-Clear Lake Alumni Association Executive Council.

• Effecting Leadership and Change through Volunteer Mentoring and Volunteer Recruitment

  Location: Bayou 1219
  Community Service Track

  Big Brothers, Big Sisters is a donor-supported volunteer organization that places caring adults in the lives of at-risk children through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. This program will entail a description of each function (or department) required to meet our mission. This presentation will primarily be lecture, audio/visual, and question and answer. This program intends to make aware to its participants the leadership skills and efforts needed for successful, life-changing mentoring programs.

  About the Presenter: Raul L. Garcia is a Recruitment Manager for Big Brother, Big Sisters. He was born and raised in Laredo, TX, received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree from the University of Houston, and has been a resident of Houston since 2006.

• John Maxwell’s Leadership

  Location: Bayou 2122
  General Student Leader Track

  Description:

  About the Presenter:  Dr. S. Kalangi

“Risky Leadership: Creating the Spark Good Culture in Your Community”

This conversation will focus on the nuts and bolts of shaping culture, first starting with your own life and the lives of those directly around you. This talk will focus on the attributes of the most robust and life-giving cultures: Risk, Generosity, Community, Failure and Progress. When these values combine, the culture becomes a fertile soil for our best humanity to emerge.