2026 Leadership Conference: San Antonio

2026 Conference Program

Breakout Session Presentations:

Session 1:

Programming the Pillars: Service - The Hidden Impact of Service on Others and Ourselves
Presenter: Jody Marsh, Saint Vincent College

Brains & Bots: Using AI to Crush College Academics
Presenter: Amanda Andrews, Northern Kentucky University

Success Without Sacrifice: Balancing Ambition and Well-Being
Presenter: Shayne Ventura, Dickinson College

Session 2:

ALD HQ Offerings & Resources including AMP
Presenter: Eileen Merberg, ALD Headquarters Executive Director

Programming the Pillars: Career Development - Power of Stories in Interviewing
Presenters: Anthony Helms & Sarah Misiak, Western Michigan University

Beyond Event Planning: Thinking Like an Organizational Problem-Solver
Presenter: Carrie Christensen, Midway University

Leaving Lasting Legacy: ALD Week & the 40 for 40 Initiative
Presenters: Desiree Morton, Natalie Alexander, Saidah Johnson, Amaya Nelson, & Sahara Dagon, Spelman College

Session 3:

Strategically Planning for Success
Presenter: Karlea Brunelle, Saint Anselm College

Applying Anyway: Navigating Imposter Syndrome, and Applying for Scholarships
Presenter: Dr. Ashleen Williams, University of Mississippi

Making the Most of Your College Years: Turning Opportunities into Success
Presenter: Reese Hanley, PennWest California

CLICK to Connect: Recruitment Through Radical Hospitality
Presenter: Lexy Poyner, University of Oklahoma

Session 4:

Preparing a Winning Scrapbook for Order of the Torch
Presenters: Hannah Prickett, Nick Rankin, & Katie May, Purdue University

Make Your Case: Writing for Scholarships, Grants, and Other Opportunities
Presenter: Toni Stevens, Spelman College

Make Room: Leadership that Creates Belonging
Presenter: Jerrod Lockhart, University of Arkansas

Engaging Your Members
Presenter: Idonas Hughes, ALD Global