Stockton hosts first-ever Inclusive Leadership Conference

By The Argo on April 17, 2023

Written for The Argo by Zuleika Rodriguez Garcia

Lloyd presents to the students gathered at the Inclusive Leadership Conference. Photo courtesy of Zuleika Rodriguez Garcia.

On Friday, April 14, Stockton’s first Inclusive Leadership Conference took place in the Galloway Campus Center. The day consisted of two keynote speakers, three social justice speakers, an interactive lunch, two breakout session time slots, and a closing ceremony.

The speech portion of the day highlighted the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce, and in society as a whole. Keynote speeches were given by HR Consultant and founder of Propel on Purpose Coaching, Anyelis Cordero, and founder of A Leadership Journey, a Youth and Leadership nonprofit, Akeen Lloyd. Live music for the event was provided by Lillian “DJ Lillis” Nickens and the Young Picassos, a musical trio including keys, drums, and the Caribbean steelpan.

The Cultural Engagement Operations (CEO) Project came about from a proposal by Dr. Ana Edmonson. The goal of this event was to “equip and empower students to advance in their communities and excel in their careers,” according to the program’s official mission statement.

Clothing featured at the conference’s free thrifting breakout session. Photo courtesy of Zuleika Rodriguez Garcia.

Guests had several professional opportunities during the conference, including a chance to network during the lunch portion of the event and the ability to get professional headshots taken. Several student organizations and resources were present at the event as well, such as the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Center and cultural organizations, giving students in attendance more opportunities to get involved on campus.

The breakout sessions offered a diverse range of topics, covering ways to dismantle ableism, racism, and homophobia in the workplace. One session allowed attendees to shop in a free “thrift store,” the goal being to give the community access to professional work attire. Other events covered self-care methods such as healthy eating on the go and yoga.

The conference ended with awards given to notable faculty members by the CEO interns and the announcement that the Inclusive Leadership Fair will be back in years to come. For more information on the Inclusive Leadership Conference at Stockton, please visit: https://stockton.edu/inclusive-leadership-conference/