Leadership Studies Commons^™

The Mental Game: Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among Ncaa Diii Student-Athletes, Kaitlin J. Bouchard

Thinking Matters Symposium

This study explores the lived experiences of NCAA Division III student-athletes as

they relate to mental health challenges, coping strategies, and perceptions of

institutional support. Although awareness of student-athlete mental health has

increased, barriers such as stigma, limited resources, and cultural pressures

within collegiate athletics continue to influence help-seeking behaviors. Using a

phenomenological qualitative approach, confidential survey data were collected

from approximately 56 NCAA Division III student-athletes across divisions. Data

included both multiple-choice and open-ended responses, allowing participants

to share their experiences in their own words. Thematic analysis was used to

identify common themes and inform recommendations for improving mental …

Rooted In Purpose: A First-Generation Student's Path To Leadership Through Community Research And Equity Work, Florence Osei

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Description: This session shares my journey as a first-generation student navigating graduate education, community research, and leadership development. Drawing from my work as a research assistant on refugee and immigrant studies, my graduate research assistantship supporting housing research, and participation in the Point-in-Time Count, I explore how lived experience, cultural identity, and resilience shape purpose-driven leadership. Through personal storytelling and reflection, attendees will learn how empathy, service, and community engagement can guide meaningful leadership and inspire positive social change.

Speaker Bio: Florence Osei is a first-generation graduate student in Urban and Regional Planning at Eastern Washington University. She …

Beyond Words: Supporting Nonverbal Autistic Preschoolers With Exceptional Cognitive Abilities, Dawn Timms

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

This project explores how caregivers can support autistic preschoolers who are nonverbal yet demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities. Grounded in communication theory and neurodiversity‑affirming practice, it reframes communication as a shared, relational process that extends beyond spoken language. Drawing from interdisciplinary research, I created a strengths‑based caregiver communication toolkit that translates complex theory into clear, practical strategies families can use in everyday routines. This work honors the intelligence of children whose thinking outpaces their speech and equips caregivers with tools that make communication more accessible, responsive, and affirming.

Conflict Clarity: How To Teach Students To Turn Disputes Into Growth Opportunities, Eileen Paige Petzold-Bradley

Learning and Educational Center Virtual Teaching and Learning Conference

Conflict is an unavoidable part of learning and working in today’s fast-changing industries. Faculty often observe students struggling with teamwork, communication breakdowns, and emotional self-management during group projects or internships. This session equips educators with practical strategies to help students build durable skills—conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness—that translate directly into professional success.

Drawing on research in conflict management, leadership, and organizational psychology, participants will explore the “Conflict Clarity” framework: a set of teaching tools, reflection prompts, and case scenarios designed for classroom use across disciplines. Faculty will learn how to integrate conflict styles, the CLEAR conversation framework, and role-play …

Promoting Student-Led Advocacy Initiatives In Graduate Programs: A Narrative Review Of The Literature, Nawar Albarak

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Student-led advocacy is essential for driving change, minimizing oppression, and fostering leadership and critical-thinking skills that strengthen socially conscious professionals. This narrative review examines institutional support, intersectionality, and inclusive practices, proposing strategies to overcome barriers, empower diverse voices, and reinforce an ongoing commitment to equitable progress in higher education contexts.

Affinity Groups, Gonzaga

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Affinity groups are a space for you to connect with others with shared identities and interests. The origins of affinity spaces was to bring together individuals together where they are in the minority, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks for community, belonging and authenticity. At our SLC, affinity groups are an invitation. They are based on social identities and interests. If you would like to propose an affinity group, please submit a request during the opening plenary.

• BIPOC
• Queer + LGBTQ+
• Immigrants
• White Accountability

Creativity As Dialogue: Navigating Change Together, Chantell Cosner

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #2Theoretical physicist David Bohm described group creativity as “thinking together,” linking it to the practice of dialogue. In ambiguous and challenging environments, our connection to each other can help us produce new ideas, engage in creative action, and facilitate innovation. In this session, we will explore the idea of social creativity, its link to dialogue, and how these principles can be applied in our teams at work, school, and home. We will also learn how leaders can play a crucial role in fostering creativity within their teams and communities, even when faced with the unknown.

Mastering Your Inner Dialogue, Adie Segadelli

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #2I propose the idea of crushing your inner critic and embracing your inner mentor to live a more full and hopeful life. I will present in a workshop style with activities to open people's eyes to the critic. My goal is to help people understand how much our critics can control our lives and how sometimes we haven't met our mentor. I recently took a weekend class that presented this idea, and it provoked a lot of change in me and how I approach my life now.

Leading With Nuance: How To Lead With Love, Compassion And Courage, Elysée Kazadi

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

The world we live in has its simplicities and its complexities. In leadership learning how to make tough decisions even when it's not popular is crucial for leadership. I will talk about how nuanced thinking enhances decision-making, communication, and resilience, particularly in times of change and uncertainty. This presentation is also to offer practical strategies for cultivating these qualities in leadership, emphasizing the importance of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and its manifestation in authentic and impactful leadership.

"Knowing What I Know Now…" A Panel Of Undergraduate Students Sharing Wisdom, Stories, And Insights, Gonzaga

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #2Some things are meant to be learned by doing it yourself. But, not all of it. In this session, you will meet seasoned students who have been involved in a variety of leadership spaces. They will engage in a conversational style panel to share with attendees lessons and experiences that might help you avoid mistakes and pitfalls to achieve success and change. You might also be inspired by the ways that these peer leaders have found and cultivated their hope in times of change and uncertainty.Presenters to be announced.

Know Your Rights, Nicole Ruiz, Li Velasco

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #2This presentation would give students the tools to know and exercise their rights in the current political and social environment. Topics that will be covered include: people's rights when interacting with law enforcement (including immigration/border enforcement agencies), but we will also discuss people's rights when protesting and how to be civil advocates. The goal is to make sure students are aware of their voice and know how to use it to the greatest effect for the purpose of enacting change in their community at the local and federal level.

Conflict Management, Giona Hoaglund, T J. Aguma, Zion Vaoifi

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #2Navigating conflict in a predominantly white institution and understanding multiple perspectives of conflict. People have different conflict styles, and it is important to learn how those apply to real life conflicts, as well as how those tie in to justice and career.

Know Your Rights, Nicole Ruiz, Li Velasco

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #1This presentation would give students the tools to know and exercise their rights in the current political and social environment. Topics that will be covered include: people's rights when interacting with law enforcement (including immigration/border enforcement agencies), but we will also discuss people's rights when protesting and how to be civil advocates. The goal is to make sure students are aware of their voice and know how to use it to the greatest effect for the purpose of enacting change in their community at the local and federal level.

Liberating The Whole Self Through Leadership, Abby Morioka, Stefanie Marlow, Nick Peralta

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #1Liberation is the freedom from limits, thoughts, and/or behaviors that would keep us stuck or imprisoned. The work of leadership is the act of looking to the needs of others that you lead by fighting for their good and well-being. The starting point of this leadership style focuses on freeing ourselves from thoughts, limits, and/or behaviors that keep us stuck. Liberating leadership is the act of bridging a gap between personal change and systematic change through authentically showing up powerfully and consistently for yourself and others.

Wellness For Student Leaders: Peer Health Educators’ Approach To The Eight Dimensions Of Well-Being, Katie Warnke, Amelia Stabler, Zia Meyers

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #1Student leaders play an important role in holding conversations around health and wellness on a college campus. Knowing about the Eight Dimensions of Well-Being—social, environmental, spiritual, financial, physical, emotional, intellectual, and occupational—and understanding how they impact people that leaders serve is imperative. It is also critical that student leaders are informed about these eight dimensions for endorsing their own wellness. Supporting and leading others can be a daunting task that demands a lot of people, especially student leaders. Peer Health Educators encourage student leaders to invest in strategies to develop self-care and resiliency. Informed student leaders take …

Cross-Cultural Leadership: Coping With Change And Uncertainty With A Global Perspective, Duoyu Zhang

Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference

Breakout Session #1

In a globalized and ever-changing world, cross-cultural leadership is more vital than ever. This presentation explores how the concept of Cura Personalis can guide leaders to effectively navigate change and uncertainty in multicultural environments.Participants will gain practical skills in cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, and adaptability. Through interactive discussions and activities, they will build a foundation for inclusive leadership and discover ways to create meaningful, positive impacts within their global communities.

Simplicity Is The Ultimate Sophistication: Ume Lessons From Trauma-Focused Simulation, Victoria-Marie Berlandi-Short, Kelsey Yang, Jonmark Dolendo, Grace Hwang, Brianna Kuhse, Samuel Blees, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Simulation-based training has become essential in preparing medical professionals to manage high-stakes situations effectively before encountering them in real-life clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cut Suit Week (CSW), a high-stress, trauma-focused simulation training for second-year military medical students hosted by Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine in San Diego, California. As members of the 2024 cohort, our team from Touro University Nevada (TUN) and Touro University California (TUC) sought to address three questions: (1) Does CSW improve confidence in managing stressful situations? (2) Does it enhance clinical and leadership skills? (3) Would similar training …

Reform Impacts: The Long-Term Outcomes Of An Equal Opportunity Admissions Reform, Fatima Aqeel, Hadia Majid

CBER Conference

The effects of a Pakistani medical school reform that increased the share of female doctors are studied. Data is collected from a survey of over 600 Pakistani doctors to identify the reform’s effects. Female doctors in fields affected by the reform experienced lower pay and spent less time on each out-patient, which is consistent with their becoming more likely to work in public hospitals relative to the control. Male doctors experienced few changes, or changes in the opposite direction over the same time period. The results suggest that the medical labor market became segregated by gender for initial cohorts, with …

Examining The Effects Of Leadership-Fostered Organizational Priorities On Employee Mental Health, Lauren Cornelio

Thinking Matters Symposium

This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge by addressing the gap in the current literature regarding how organizational priorities enacted by a leader foster a work environment that can impact the mental health of employees. Utilizing a qualitative research design grounded in phenomenology, this study explores employees’ subjective experiences within different organizational cultures. By adopting a phenomenological approach, the study uncovers nuanced insights into employees’ lived experiences, shedding light on the intricate interplay between organizational priorities determined by the leader and employee mental health. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, allowing participants to reflect upon their perceptions of …

Worldviews Impacting Leadership Within U.S. National Security: Christianity Vs Secularism, Remy Goldsmith

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

Worldviews influence and impact all aspects of life. This is because the way one chooses to see the world affects the decisions one chooses to make. Whether choosing a job, a religion, or a partner, all are affected by one’s worldview. This is also because worldview is where virtues derive from. The establishment of virtue is the cornerstone of building character and developing ethics. In other words, it forms the moral compass that an individual uses to base their decisions. As that stands, this means that worldviews and virtues are applicable and impactful toward leadership and decision-making within national security. …

The 5 Disruptions, Anthony Hughes

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

The end of GWOT, coupled with Russian failures in Ukraine, has created an uncertain strategic environment—similar to the environment after WWI. The Great War aftermath created a power vacuum exploited by rising powers—likewise, the GWOT and Russian aftermath has created a new multi-polar environment with a new actors competing to revise the balance of power. The emerging era is a Great Power competition marked by competitions between powers across different venues to accrue status relative to their competitors. After WWI, 5 Disruptions emerged to reshape the balance of power between states. These disruptions were: diplomatic, technical, military, economic and social. …

Team Student: Putting Families And Students First, Gabrielle S. Brundidge

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

What does it take to be a true family-friendly, student-focused school? Putting families and students first means making hard choices; meeting students where they are; ensuring that all aspects of learning are relevant and engaging; helping students own their learning and control their pace; and personalizing the learning for each student-even when it's more work for the adults. In this engaging and relevant session, the team from Myers Middle School will practice what they preach. They will share processes and strategies for building relationships with students and families, communicating effectively and supporting all students through social-emotional learning and other resources. …

Leading Development Of Skilled Workers: Transforming Unskilled Labor To Skilled Craft Labor In The Pulp And Paper Manufacturing Industry, Brian Barnes

Thinking Matters Symposium

The demand for entry level skilled trades workers in the pulp and paper industry has far outnumbered the supply of workers currently available in the United States. Many pulp and paper manufactures have dozens or even hundreds of unfilled high paying jobs with great benefits currently available. Concurrently to this, an available workforce of unskilled workers with little to no formal technical training remains available. These unskilled workers are frequently working in lower wage jobs with poor benefits that offer very little opportunity for advancement. This research explores and attempts to identify what is the most effective process that can …

Sticky Situations: Understanding The Law And Life, Krystal Banks

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Law and life go hand in hand. Understanding the law and how it connects to life can be an effective tool in teaching youth and adults the value of making good decisions when it comes to life and the law. Sticky Situations places real-world situations in the context of learning how to apply the law and effectively respond to life's sticky situations.

Rising Together Through The Bionic Program, Jessica Meadows

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

This presentation outlines the BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) Program at Mattoon High School. For the past 10 years, Dr. Larson and a team of counseling interns have partnered with Mattoon High School to implement BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care), a school-wide peer mentoring program.

Identifying The Support Women Entrepreneurs In Rural Maine Need From Each Other And Their Communities To Thrive, Lisa Luken

Thinking Matters Symposium

Rural women entrepreneurs have the power to positively impact the sustainability of their communities, yet they are faced with internal and external challenges in their pursuits to grow successful businesses and create sustainable livelihoods. While a number of scholars in the past 10 years investigated these challenges and suggested some solutions, more research is needed to identify additional solutions, including those specifically relevant to rural Maine communities. This qualitative study explored the support women entrepreneurs in rural Maine need from each other and their communities to thrive. Data gathered through semi-structured interviews with eleven women entrepreneurs from rural Maine revealed …

Women And Gender Studies And The Potentiality Of Feminist Leadership, Clara Perka

Thinking Matters Symposium

Graduates of Women and Gender Studies (WGS) programs gain skills that aid in the development of a feminist leadership, a leadership practice that is committed to challenging oppressive structures and institutions and empowering others to reach their full potential. Through semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study explored the experiences of five graduates of WGS undergraduate programs in the Northeast region of the United States whose post-graduation work across a variety of professional fields has offered them opportunities to practice feminist leadership. While research on both WGS and Leadership is abundant, this research addresses the gap in the literature on feminist leadership …

A Crack In The Glass Ceiling: How Trio Programs In Maine Are Narrowing The Gender Gap, Michelle Richards

Thinking Matters Symposium

Although women have increased their presence within the workforce, higher education, and politics, they are still underrepresented in top leadership positions. Men outnumber women in the Senate, House of Representatives, Congress, and at the CEO level. Even in the nonprofit sector where women have historically outnumbered men, the top leadership positions are primarily held by men. However, there is a predominance of women directors in Maine’s TRIO programs. TRIO programs are federally funded non-profit organizations designed to encourage access to higher education for economically disadvantaged and first-generation students (Council for Opportunity in Education, n.d.). There are 23 TRIO programs in …

Courageous Followership And Leadership In Higher Education: The Professional Relationship Between Presidential Assistants And Their Leaders, Lisa Smith

Thinking Matters Symposium

The term courageous followership was introduced over fifteen years ago by author Ira Chaleff in his book The Courageous Follower: Standing up to and for our leaders (2009). While the concept of courageous followership is relatively new in leadership theory models, the idea has shifted from the all-powerful leader and submissive follower model to a more dynamic model that supports and balances leadership today (Chaleff, 2009). Whether an institution has a more hierarchical or a shared leadership model, some power exists in the leaders and some in the followers (Chaleff, 2009). To this end, a professional relationship between an assistant …

United We Rise, Alexander Averin

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

No abstract provided.