The Office of Student Involvement at Indiana University–Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC), hosts its Inaugural Student Leadership Conference on November 14 and 15 at Hotel Indigo. The conference will inspire and educate IUPUC clubs and organizations about leadership, service learning, positive thinking, and time management.

This year’s conference theme is “Ignite the Leader in You” and features two keynote speakers, Lauren Henley and Linal Harris.

Lauren Henley, the principal at KIPP Ascend Middle School in Chicago’s West Side is a high performing educator and leader. Henley has trained teachers and students in collegiate environments and has facilitated multiple workshops for Teach for America where she has served as corps member advisor, curriculum specialist, and curriculum coordinator. Henley has addressed the following organizations: The National Charter School Conference, Keynote speaker for Teach for America Corps Members Induction Ceremony, and Guest speaker at North Park University.   

Linal Harris is a Fortune 500 business leader for U. S. Cellular. He effectively strengthens the focus on customer service within the organizations international call centers and their global operations. Harris is a heavily sought as a keynote speaker for conferences and events across the country. He delivers motivational messages and tools on how to win in life on WVON 1690 AM talk radio program entitled “Inspirational Perspective.” Harris is also noted for his active involvement in the Chicago Metro YWCA Board and UCAN Advisory Board.

The Assistant Director of Student Involvement Kaleb Briscoe shares, “The importance of student leadership has always been instilled in me. This conference was designed to enrich student leaders in a life-long commitment for personal development and leadership. Clubs and organizational leaders who participate can expect to learn positive leadership techniques as well as improve upon their interpersonal skills.”

IUPUC invites two members from each recognized student club and organization to attend the conference. The primary objective is to inspire and motivate students through meaningful presentations, discussions, and team building activities.