On behalf of a team of dedicated professional and student staff, welcome to the 2025 SDSU Leadership Summit!

The SDSU Leadership Summit Conference theme, "Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders," emphasizes the diverse leadership paths and identities within our community. By fostering qualities like authenticity, resilience, and positivity, we prepare today's students to become innovative and visionary future leaders. This theme celebrates the unique contributions of each individual, highlighting how diverse perspectives and experiences shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Join us at the 16th annual San Diego State University (SDSU) Leadership Summit conference to learn tangible strategies to become a better leader. Together, let's uncover how to create a better tomorrow. You can read more about the conference here: Leadership Summit Conference.

We have a dynamic program planned for the day which will include insight from university leaders, performance arts, skill-building workshops, networking opportunities with peers and alumni, and words of wisdom from our keynote speakers. Stay tuned for more information on our keynote and featured speakers! Each will share important insights they learned throughout their leadership journey.

Enjoy what we hope will be a transformative experience.

Dr. Randy Timm
Associate Vice President
Student Affairs and Campus Diversity & Dean of Students

Chelsea Lombrozo
Assistant Director
Glazer Center for Leadership & Service

We're very excited to announce our speaker lineup! These speakers will be part of the day-of schedule, in addition to amazing breakout session speakers.

Keynote Speaker: Zachary Willmore

I’m Zachary, a Junior at SDSU majoring in marketing with plans to add a minor in LGBTQ+ studies. I’m actively involved with Look Magazine on campus and work in social media, where I’ve gained recognition for my advocacy work, including de-stigmatizing HIV. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at events like the International AIDS Conference in Munich and the No Time to Wait leadership event in Toronto. I've also been featured in publications like NBC, People, and Parents Magazine. My goal is to inspire others to embrace authenticity and resilience, and in the future, I hope to pursue public speaking, social media marketing, and eventually launch my own men’s lingerie brand. Join us at the Leadership Summit conference to hear me discuss how to show up as an authentic leader.

Keynote Speaker: Ambra Costanza

I’m Ambra, a Junior majoring in communications with a minor in leadership studies. I began my leadership journey in high school and have continued to grow through my involvement in organizations like The College Panhellenic Association and the Residence Hall Association. I founded the Positivity Club on campus, where we spread kindness and foster positive connections. After graduation, I plan to pursue an MBA and continue developing as a leader to make a lasting impact in both my professional and personal life. I hope to see you at the Leadership Summit, where I'll discuss how to incorporate positivity into your everyday leadership.

Keynote Speaker: Cesar Lopez

I’m Cesar, a graduate student pursuing my MBA. I'm a passionate advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved communities and advancing equity in education. As a member of Project Rebound and Launch Into Leadership, I’ve worked to break down barriers for justice-impacted students. I believe in the power of resilience and grit, using my personal experiences to inspire others to overcome challenges and lead with purpose. Come hear my keynote speech, where I'll share my personal mission: to empower others through leadership and to foster meaningful change for a more equitable future.

Questions?

Contact [email protected]

March 8, 2025

9-9:30 a.m. CHECK IN
9:30-10 a.m. WELCOME
10-10:20 a.m. OPENING SPEAKER
10:25-11:25 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSION
11:30 a.m. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
12:15-1:25 p.m. LUNCH
1:35-1:55 p.m. DEEPER DIVE SESSION
2-2:45 p.m. ALUMNI PANEL
2:45 p.m. CLOSING

Breakout Session – 10:25am-11:25am

Authentic Leadership - Bringing Your True Self to Your Work

Pride Suite, 1st floor

• Shareka White, Director, EOP Outreach and Success, San Diego State University
• Mario Barahona-Miguel, Assistant Program Coordinator, San Diego State University

Let's discuss authentic leadership and why people feel they cannot bring their true selves to their work. We will go over concepts and debunk the patriarchal ideology of professionalism. This session will also include discussion amongst one another to learn why it is important to take off our masks to be a true leader in any environment. Come prepared to TALK and share your ideas and lived experiences. 

Constructing Your Unique Story: Embracing Vulnerability in Interviews

Park Boulevard, 1st floor

• Lianne Aratea, Coordinator for New Student and Parent Programs, San Diego State University
• Makayla Hall, Coordinator of Leadership Programs, CSU San Marcos

The session will explore the practical frameworks for combining personal stories and professional experiences, helping leaders present themselves authentically. Through interactive activities, attendees will learn how to integrate vulnerability into their interview style. Participants will take away individual examples of their own leadership skills and how to discuss them. 

First Impressions Matter: Building Connections for Success

Templo Mayor, 2nd floor

• Deanna Martin Mackey, General Manager, KPBS

Throughout your college journey, you'll have countless opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, peers, and employers—relationships that can shape your future career, professional development, and volunteer opportunities. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn effective networking and relationship-building communication strategies that will help you engage with others, make lasting connections, and follow up to strengthen your professional network and achieve your goals.

Leading From Within: Embracing Introverted Leadership

Metzli, 2nd floor

• Crissy Ramirez, SDSU Connects, San Diego State University

Introverted leaders are often overlooked and undervalued in a society that values extroverted traits such as charisma and outspoken leadership. However, introverts possess unique qualities that create meaningful impact. This session aims to empower introverted students to embrace their natural qualities and lead confidently, providing strategies to build confidence and succeed as effective leaders.

Leading with Heart: Harnessing Identity, Empathy and Vulnerability to Lead with Purpose and Action

Council Chambers, 3rd floor

• Danelle Go, Academic and Career Advisor, University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education
• Ailene Huang, Pre-Health Advisor, University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences

What does it mean to lead with empathy, compassion, and authenticity? Discover how identity-driven leadership and the power of vulnerability can inspire trust and collaboration to advance inclusivity and impact. Learn some actionable strategies to integrate empathy and social justice into your leadership, feeling empowered to create meaningful change.

Self-Coaching Made Simple: Synergizing VIA Strengths and AI for Job Crafting

Legacy Suite, 3rd floor

• Dr. Daniel Davis, Sociology Faculty, San Diego State University

Discover how to harness self-coaching tools to unlock your leadership potential. This hands-on workshop explores the synergy between VIA Character Strengths, ChatGPT, and job crafting. Learn practical strategies to identify, develop, and apply your unique strengths to enhance personal growth and leadership skills.

The Blueprint for Emotional Intelligence and Self-Care in Leadership

Aztlan, 2nd floor

• Zohra Razi, Business Technology and Transformation Leader, Student Mentor and Career Coach, San Diego State University Alumni

Join the self-care revolution in this interactive workshop designed to empower purposeful leaders. Discover how to identify emotional intelligence (EQ) triggers, develop positive coping skills, and enhance your work-life balance. Gain actionable strategies, resources, and self-care techniques to thrive in the workplace, including EQ insights and wellness tips for acing interviews. Whether you're a current or aspiring leader, this session equips you to lead with purpose and well-being.

Deeper Dive Session – 1:25pm-1:45pm

Learn about the Glazer Center for Leadership & Service

Pride Suite, 1st floor

Join us for an informational session about the Glazer Center for Leadership & Service at SDSU! This session will provide an overview of key leadership and service programs, offer guidance on how to get involved, and help you kickstart your leadership and service journey at SDSU. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills or make an impact through service, this session will equip you with the resources and opportunities to get started.

Glazer Gives Back service project

Council Chambers, 3rd floor

Assemble hygiene and craft kits, which will be donated to local nonprofits in San Diego, spreading care and support to those in need.

Fireside Chat with Campus Leadership

Park Boulevard, 1st floor

Join us for an engaging conversation with campus leadership

Speed Friending with the Student Advisory Board 

Templo Mayor, 2nd floor

Join this interactive networking session and build your professional connections!

Headshots in Montezuma

Montezuma Hall Lounge, 2nd floor

Get a free headshot in Montezuma Hall

Taking Leadership to the Next Level: Majoring and Minoring in Leadership Studies at SDSU

Aztlan, 2nd floor

 Come meet the Director of the SDSU Leadership Studies Major and Minor in this info session! Learn what a degree in leadership studies entails and what you can do post-graduation with a leadership studies degree.

“The Leadership Summit, held at San Diego State University, was an amazing way for both emerging and experienced leaders to re-evaluate their standpoints on leadership ethics and the importance of diversity. The summit was presented by some of the most influential leaders of our campus and their real world experience proved to be an extreme asset to everyone that attended. Leading a student based organization on a college campus can be an extremely difficult task, but the summit provided it's attendees with tools and necessities to guide leaders into success. This annual event will be sure to cultivate young leaders into building a stronger and more organized community on our college campus."
-Christine, Business Management Major

"After attending this event my knowledge of myself and my leadership skills have grown. The workshops and presentations were beneficial in identifying ways to improve leadership abilities as well as bring awareness to diversity issues on and off campus.”
-Joshua, Mechanical Engineering Major

“The workshops I was able to attend were both enlightening and intriguing. Not only did I learn about leadership, but I was pleasantly surprised by the openness to diversity and what it means to embrace diversity. The keynote address really brought us all together and made us reflect on our own lives. I highly recommend this summit to anyone wanting to enrich their leadership and diversity experience!”
-Jasmin, Theatre Arts Major with a focus in Management

"As a student presenter, I was able to illustrate the collective struggle people of color, and more specifically cultural organizations, face on majority campuses. As an observer, I was able to develop myself as a leader within the diverse spaces I am involved in and critically reflect on my role as a student. Overall, this summit provided a space for everyone in attendance to further understand how diversity and leadership are interconnected and is an essential aspect within our society.”
-Washington, Criminal Justice Major with a minor in Chicana/o Studies

• Adapting to Change
• Alumni/Employer Panels
• Appreciation for Difference in Perspectives
• Being Inclusive
• Building Trust
• Communication Respectfully & Professionally
• Conflict Resolution
• Creating a Vision
• Decision Making
• Delegation
• Development Strategies
• Emotional Intelligence
• Entitlement
• Etiquette
• Event Planning
• Fostering Creativity
• Grit and Resilence
• Leading with Creativity
• Learning from Failure
• Making Transitions between Roles
• Networking
• Parliamentary Procedure
• Personal Branding
• Personality Assessments
• Planning for the Future
• Public Speaking
• Searching for Balance
• Social Media Responsibility & Consequences
• Team Work
• Time Management
• Values Clarification