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

Speaker lineup coming soon. Check back for updates!

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

[Speaker bio / about text goes here.]

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