Students Discover Leadership Potential at Area Conference
Student Leadership Conference returns for second year in Staples, Minn.
Over 90 students from central Minnesota schools attended Sourcewell's Student Leadership Conference on Oct. 25, 2024, at Sourcewell.
Students in grades 9-12 were selected individually by their schools to attend. Invitees were chosen based on the potential they showed as leaders in their classrooms, sports teams, and extracurricular clubs. The event focused on how each young leader could create positive impact throughout their school and community.
The foundation for the event was the concept of GiANT Worldwide – an international program designed to help individuals understand their leadership voices, their unique strengths, and the settings in which each can excel. Conference sessions focused on helping attendees identify their leadership skills, whether in traditional or less-publicized forms.
“It was a joy to see students find their leadership voices in real time,” said Crysta Christensen, Sourcewell’s student academic programs coordinator. “These students were already showing up for each other as leaders in small everyday moments, without even thinking about it. This event showed them skills they might not have seen in themselves, and it energized them to develop those skills even further. We’re honored to be a part of that discovery.”
Presenters and topics included:
Jane Peterson | Finding Your Voice and Using it Effectively
Being a team leader is hard, but your voice is essential to your team's success. In this session, you'll discover how to lead with integrity, hold your team accountable, and be a servant leader. Explore different ways to effectively communicate and see why what you think, say, and do truly matters.
Rachel Logan and Lisa Worden | Advocating for Yourself and Others
Have you ever felt the need to speak up but couldn’t find the words? We’ll address those situations in this session, talk about why it can be hard to speak up, and together, explore phrases to keep in your back pocket so you feel even more confident advocating for yourself and those around you.
Keri Johnson | Discovering Your Leadership Voice
Discover your foundational leadership voice and why it matters. Learn to recognize the five leadership voices and build confidence in using your own to become a stronger leader. You'll also identify the voices around you and understand what it’s like for others to be led by you.