Cultural Engagement Osprey (CEO) interns hosted the annual Empowered Leadership Conference on Friday April 4, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Created by Dr. Ana Edmondson, the CEO Project provides student interns with the opportunity to gain workplace readiness and skills. This opportunity engages interns to attend several professional development workshops to prepare for the Empowered Leadership Conference.

The event is intended to prepare and empower students in their career and community while prioritizing equity, inclusion, career development, teamwork, and leadership. The conference began with an introduction from Dr. Edmondson, who acknowledged the work put into the conference: “Coming up with the idea was easy but taking a risk to bring that vision to life is incredibly challenging. That’s exactly what the CEO’s did- they stepped up, they delivered, and they exceeded every expectation. None of this would have been possible without their supervision.” She then opened the floor to the Galloway Township Middle School Step Team to perform as a way to honor the talent of the younger generation, leading into a panel discussion centered around shaping the next generation of leaders. 

Panelists consisted of Assistant Director of Career Education and Development, Natesha Peterson; Assistant Dean of School of Business Dr. Esther C. Lawrence; Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Internship Coordinator, Tara Marsh; Director of Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center, Irvin Moreno-Rodriguez; and Assistant Professor of Political Science, Dr. Lauren Balasco. They stressed the importance of education, mentorship, and taking advantage of opportunities offered on Stockton’s campus. Dr. Lawrence emphasized that “education is key. It’s someone no one can take away from you once you get that knowledge in your brain.” 

To further emphasize the importance of navigating challenges in life, career, and education, guest keynote speaker, Dr. Shedia R. Laguer presented her story, “From the Deep End: Navigating Life’s Challenges With Strength and Grace” which touching on her academic and career challenges and how she faced it with adversity and strength. “The community that you build around you will help you,” she highlighted. 

Following the discussions was an interactive lunch, featuring opportunities to see inclusive organizations on campus such as Transition Activity Leaders of New Students (T.A.L.O.N.S), Greek life, Asian Student Alliance, Study Abroad Programs, and more. With the intention of networking and interaction, workshops followed lunch. These breakout sessions featured presentations on disability and accessibility in communities, mental health in workplaces, brand building from college to career, and several other opportunities for students to navigate how empowerment can apply to college and after.

Concluding the conference was an award ceremony, where CEO interns had the opportunity to nominate students and staff they believed applied these cultural engagement skills to their lives.

To learn more about the conference and internship opportunity, follow @su.empoweredleadership on Instagram.