Conferences

UC Merced Student Leadership Center conferences banner

The Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center hosts conferences throughout the year to help UC Merced students grow as leaders, connect with community, and build confidence. Explore our conferences below.

Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center

Student Leadership Conference

A full day of leadership development for UC Merced students, alumni, and guest speakers, built around workshops, connection, and confidence-building.

 

This Year's Theme & Details

This year's conference theme is Resilient & Rising: Leading through Challenge & Change. This theme recognizes that resilience is not just about surviving college - it's about learning how to lead with intention, set boundaries, build community, and care for yourself along the way. Centering the experiences of first-generation students, this conference creates space to explore the realities of stress, pressure, self-doubt, and growth in ways that are honest, affirming, and empowering. 
 Through interactive workshop sessions, meaningful dialogue, and community-centered learning, participants will: 
  • Develop sustainable approches to leadership and well-being
  • Strengthen their voice in academic and professional spaces
  • Explore identity, culture, and community as sources of resilience
  • Translate their lived experiences into leadership & career readiness
Students wll choose a focused learning track that reflects their personal leadership journey - whether that's cultivating self-care, finding their voice, honoring their story, or preparing for life beyond college.
At it's core, this conference sends a message to students: You are already resilient - and you deserve to rise in ways that support your whole self. 

Please take a moment to register below:

Registration

Registration is now open! Please RSVP to secure your spot at this year's Student Leadership Conference!

RSVP HERE

 

 Questions? Contact us at lead@ucmerced.edu.

Meet Our Guest Speakers
Headshot of Josiah Beharry Josiah Beharry
Opening Keynote Speaker

Josiah Beharry is a Ph.D. candidate in Interdisciplinary Humanities at the University of California, Merced, where his research explores masculinity, humor, higher education, and social belonging. His scholarship examines how stand-up comedy can serve as a pedagogical tool to foster educational engagement, particularly among young men navigating identity, isolation, and political polarization. A first-generation college graduate and immigrant, Josiah's work is deeply informed by his lived experiences and commitment to expanding educational opportunity for historically marginalized communities. Josiah previously served as the University of California's 50th Student Regent, making history the first student from UC Merced to hold the position. Josiah is an educator, public speaker, and community leader dedicated to connecting scholarship with public impact. He has taught university courses, published work, and developed initiatives that to strengthen student success. His work has crossed organizations including California Competes, the Roosevelt Institute, and the ACLU. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in public service, Josiah is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to tell their own stories. He holds a B.A. in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies with a minor in Writing Studies and a master's in interdisciplinary Humanities from UC Merced.

Headshot of Alejandro Llamas Alejandro Llamas
Closing Keynote Speaker

Alejandro "Alex" Llamas is a higher education professional, proud UC Merced alumnus, and passionate advocate for student leadership, belonging, and success. A first-generation college graduate, Alex earned his B.A. in Psychology from UC Merced and has built his career supporting and empowering college students through leadership development, mentorship, student engagement, and student conduct. Throughout his career, Alex has served students across UC Merced, Fresno State, Los Rios Community College District, and AmeriCorps. At UC Merced, he has helped lead initiatives focused on integrity, student accountability, cultural celebration, and community building, including serving as Chair of the university's Latinx Celebration. Alex believes leadership is not about having everything figured out- it is about having the courage to grow, remain resilient when plans change, find your voice, and use that voice to lift others. As a former UC Merced student who once sat in the same seats as many of today's student leaders, Alex is honored to return to the Leadership Conference as this year's keynote speaker.

Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center

WE ARE HERE

Women of the Central Valley / Mujeres del Valle Central

Convening for Connection & Empowerment / Convivio para la conexión y el empoderamiento

 

This Year's Theme & Details

This year's theme and full schedule will be posted here once finalized. / El tema y horario de este año se publicarán aquí una vez confirmados.

Join us during Womxn’s History Month for a one-day convivio celebrating the incredible womxn of California’s Central Valley. Open to all womxn-identifying individuals and allies, this is a powerful opportunity to connect, learn, and be empowered by the voices shaping our community. Sessions will cover health and wellness, financial literacy, policy and politics, and technology and innovation. Spanish interpretation is available, entry is free, and lunch will be provided.

Acompáñanos durante el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer para un convivio de un día en celebración de las increíbles mujeres del Valle Central de California. Abierto a todas las personas que se identifiquen como mujeres y a sus aliades, esta es una oportunidad para conectar, aprender y empoderarse con las voces que están dando forma a nuestra comunidad. Las sesiones cubrirán salud y bienestar, educación financiera, políticas públicas, y tecnología e innovación. Habrá interpretación en español, la entrada es gratuita, y se ofrecerá almuerzo.

Registration

Registration will open once the date is confirmed. Check back soon! / El registro abrirá una vez confirmada la fecha.

Meet Our Guest Speakers / Conozca a Nuestras Oradoras

Speaker lineup coming soon. Check back for updates! / Próximamente más información.

Headshot of [Speaker Name] [Speaker Name]
[Speaker Title / Organization]

[Speaker bio / about text goes here.]

View announced speakers on their own page / Conozca a Nuestras Oradoras Invitadas