This session explores how great leaders set the example by living out the values and behaviors they want to see in others. Through hands-on activities and reflection, participants will identify their own leadership values and see how their actions match up with their beliefs. By learning how to model the way, attendees will come away with simple practices that will help them build lasting success leading any team.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building. Knowledge Transfer, Personal Reflection

Session Facilitator: Bonnie Duhart, Professor, ESOL, LSC-University Park
Facilitator Bio: Bonnie Duhart is currently a Professor of ESOL at LSC-University Park. She has a BA in Foreign Languages from Pepperdine University, an MBA from IESE in Barcelona, Spain, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston. She also has an MA in Linguistics with an emphasis in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Texas A&M Commerce. Before working as a professor, she worked in the marketing departments of large multinational corporations, including Jose Cuervo, Allied Domecq, and Mattel. Professor Duhart has also dedicated the past seven summers to working at a military-style leadership development camp, helping cultivate confidence and leadership skills in teenagers.

Master the art of email etiquette and communication! Learn how to write messages that are clear, professional, and impactful so you can lead with confidence from your inbox. In this fun and interactive session, you'll learn how to transform your emails into powerful leadership tools. Discover the five key parts of an effective email, laugh at some "Hall of Fame" email fails, and pick up practical tips to make your words clear, professional, and influential. Whether you're writing to professors, employers, or peers, you'll leave confident in your ability to write emails that get noticed and get results. Because great leaders don't just send emails - they send results.

Session Objectives: Skill Development

Session Facilitator: Ronnie Nespeca, Professor, PHED, Kinesiology Department Chair, LSC-CyFair
Facilitator Bio: Ronnie Nespeca is the Kinesiology Department Chair at LSC-CyFair, and a founding faculty member since 2003, teaching specialized and interdisciplinary courses, and leading study abroad programs in Costa Rica and Italy. Before his academic career, he worked as an Exercise Physiologist for the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Nespeca holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas, where he researched high altitude adaptation in Bolivia, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Saint Mary's College. An accomplished athlete, he was part of the U-17 USA National Soccer Training Team and completed an internship with the Houston Rockets. He is a co-author of the textbook, Strength Training for Total Health and Wellness, He is a distinguished professional speaker, with presentations including a TEDx talk, and known for his engaging "edutainment" style, informed by his travels to over 40 countries.

Unleash the leader within by confronting the very flaws that hold you back. This isn't a workshop on leadership theory, it's an interactive, high-energy guide to mastering the dark side of leadership, inspired by iconic villains. Through a series of fast-paced challenges, you'll discover how to cast out your "kryptonite" and harness the heroic qualities needed to inspire your teams. Join us for a transformative experience that promises to be both fun and powerfully insightful, proving that even the best leaders can learn from the worst.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building, Inspiration and Motivation, Team Building

Session Facilitator: Debbie Munoz, Trainer, Professional Development, LSC-University Park
Facilitator Bio: Debbie Muñoz is a trainer at LSC-University Park with a rich background in empowering individuals, businesses, and leaders to adapt and grow. She has a diverse range of experience, including exploring and sharing best practices to help colleagues navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in higher education, supporting neurodiverse students at Lone Star College, and advising entrepreneurs at the Del Mar College Small Business Development Center. This deep and varied experience provides her with a unique understanding of the evolving needs of the modern workforce and equips her with the ability to help leaders develop the skills needed to guide their teams toward success.

Join Dr. Demeka Simmons for an inspiring session designed specifically for students ready to step into leadership roles on campus and beyond. Dr. Simmons will guide you through practical strategies to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. You will learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and use your unique voice to make a positive impact in your community. This session will empower you to understand the importance of leadership rooted in service, equity, and social justice, encouraging you to embrace your potential and "dare to be it"  leading with courage and vision. Hence, if you are  aiming to lead student organizations, advocate for change, or influence your future career, this session will motivate and equip you to make a meaningful difference.

Session Objectives: Self-Confidence Building and Inspiration & Motivation

Session Facilitator: Dr. Demeka Simmons, Adjunct, Criminal Justice, LSC-East Aldine Center/ Kingwood
Facilitator Bio: Dr. Demeka Simmons is a seasoned educator, school administrator, and leadership advocate with over 20 years of experience across K-12 and higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in Administration of Justice with a minor of Educational Leadership from Texas Southern University, with a research focus on public-school discipline policies and their impact on African American students. She also holds a Master of Science in Criminology and Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Education.
Throughout her career, Dr. Simmons has served as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, assistant principal, and principal, leading campuses at both the middle and high school levels. She is currently an adjunct professor, teaching courses that support student development and success in higher education. Dr. Simmons is deeply committed to advancing equity, student achievement, and inclusive leadership. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including TABSE Assistant Principal of the Year and NABSE Principal of the Year and the Texas Council of Women School Executives Award. She has presented at national and state conferences on topics such as leadership identity, educational equity, and empowering women in leadership, and transformation leadership. An active member of professional organizations such as AERA and TCWSE, Dr. Simmons also serves as a manuscript reviewer for journals focused on leadership and education. Her sessions are known for being engaging, honest, and deeply motivating-encouraging students and educators alike to lead with purpose and courage.

Have you ever been frustrated by the personalities in your collaborative group? Maybe one loud person takes over, or the smartest or most creative person withdraws. What if there were a way to insure that everyone gets heard and the best ideas rise to the surface? Maybe there is. In this session participants practice a disciplined approach to discussion that insures that all members are relevant, concise, and responsive to other speakers. 

Session Objectives: Skill development & Team Building
Session Facilitator: Alice Savage, Professor, ESOL, LSC-North Harris
Facilitator Bio: Alice Savage is a professor of English as a Second Language and author of ESOL materials. Her interest in conversational dynamics has led her on a quest to better understand the deep power of disciplined listening in collaborative projects.

How to become a positive change agent by applying the coffee bean challenge.

Session Objectives: Self-Confidence Building, Personal Reflection, Inspiration and Motivation

Facilitator: Penny M. Rosas, Adjunct, History, LSC-Cypress Center
Facilitator Bio: An educator for over 40 years, Penny Rosas is currently an adjunct history instructor at the Cypress Center. She loves attending musical theater--Hamilton and Wicked are her favorites.  In addition, she has visited seven  presidential libraries with number eight scheduled during a trip to  Boston.

The Pizza and Politics Club at LSC-Montgomery was established to provide students and the community with a place to share and discuss political topics, issues, and events.  We have been in existence for three years and have won awards for  Best New Club, Most Impact, and Best Program.  But our proudest accomplishments came last year when we hosted the only Black History month event (panel), the only Women's History event (panel), and the only Diverse Political Ideologies (panel) at LSC-M.   We also had an event spotlighting Autism, ADHD and Ableism.   With the passing of House Bill 8 and the destruction of DEIA offices on most of our campuses, we are seeking to serve and protect our students, free speech, and DEIA from government intrusion as opposed to preemptive compliance.  To paraphrase Tony Stark "if we cannot protect  DEIA you can be darn sure we will avenge it.  We are not heroes, we are normal people with flaws, doing extraordinary things, as a team, in extraordinary times.  Come join us to learn more!  New Avengers...assemble!

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building, Networking Opportunities, Knowledge Transfer, Personal Reflection, Inspiration and Motivation, Cultural Awareness, Career Development, Team Building

Session Facilitators: 
Professor Mike Devoley, Professor of Psychology
Professor Ernest Dupree III, Professor of Political Science
Professor Kevin Fritze, Professor of Criminal Justice 
Tessa Martin, Prior VP & Current President of Pizza & Politics
Abiela Swan, Current VP of Pizza & Politics

Becoming an INCREDIBLE Leader- Unmask your superpowers and connect passion and career. This hands-on workshop will help you discover your passion while you further develop into an INCREDIBLE leader. Practice your superpowers: CHARISMATIC communication, STRATEGIC networking, and POWERFUL interviewing. Let's collaborate with our peers while we explore our identity and purpose!

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Networking Opportunities, Career Development, Team Building             

Session Facilitator:
Twyla Coy, Professor, Speech Communication, LSC-Kingwood

Dr. CaLandra Pervis, Professor, EDUC, Education Department Chair, LSC-Kingwood

Facilitator Bios:
Twyla Coy has a passion for teaching communication and mentoring students. "I love creating a safe and encouraging classroom environment where students learn from each other, as well as love to learn and appreciate the study of communication."

Dr. CaLandra Pervis is the Chairperson of the Education Department at LSC-Kingwood. As an educator, she's a firm believer in helping others and empowering students to discover their purpose, protect their peace, and the importance of paying it forward.

This session is designed to empower and encourage students to recognize, appreciate and nurture the leader within themselves by building self-confidence. Students will participate in an interactive session and engage in self-reflection, peer reflection, practical skill-building. Students will explore their comfort zones, identify challenges and explore personal strengths and areas for growth.

Session Objective: Self-Confidence Building

Session Facilitator: DaNiesha Glass, Division Operations Manager, LSC-Cypress Center
Facilitator Bio: DaNiesha Glass is a Division Operations Manager and Rising Star Alumni with a passion for developing emerging leaders and helping individuals discover and develop their inner leadership potential.  DaNiesha believes that leadership starts from within-and that every student has the power to lead boldly when they believe in themselves. She is dedicated to her own growth and actively pursues opportunities to strengthen her self-leadership skills. She prides herself on her personal leadership brand: ""Ethical. Empathetic. Empowering."" She leads with integrity and a servant-leader mindset-supporting others to grow and succeed.

Ready to take your leadership to a new level? Do you ever wonder what it takes to be a leader? The purpose of this session is to help students identify, understand, and develop key leadership skills. It goes beyond buzz words and asks participants to reflect on their strengths in order to discover their leadership skills. We will define and describe commonly known leadership skills such as communication, problem solving, and emotional intelligence, etc., and identify other less known skills. By using a strength-based approach, students will be able to recognize the skills they already possess and most likely demonstrate on a daily basis.

Session Objective: Skill Development

Facilitator: Bukky Oyebade, Adjunct, EDUC, LSC-North Harris
Facilitator Bio: Dr. Oyebade is an educator with 25 years of teaching, school leadership and workshop facilitation. She serves as an adjunct faculty at the Lone Star, North Harris campus, teaching the 1st Year experience class. She has extensive experience facilitating interactive workshops and professional development for youth and adults. Her passion is empowering emerging leaders to recognize their potential and intentionally cultivate the skills they need to make a lasting impact. Her approach invites participants to identify the leadership skills they already have, and encourages them to harness those strengths, while developing plans to address areas of growth.

Your power as a leader begins with knowing and caring for yourself - and grows when you uplift others. In this session, we'll explore leadership through both an inward and outward lens, blending counseling insights with wellness and practical leadership skills. Students will engage in interactive activities designed to help them identify their unique leadership "superpowers" and build self-confidence. Together, we'll discuss how empathy, active listening, and self-awareness can transform the way you lead in student organizations, the classroom, and beyond. This session also invites personal reflection on the connection between leadership, mental health, and personal values. Students will leave with strategies they can apply not only to their roles on campus but also to their academic success, career growth, and everyday relationships.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building, Knowledge Transfer, Personal Reflection, Career Development

Facilitators:
Shvonne Williams, Counselor, LSC-Online

Leslie Lucero, Counselor, LSC-Online
Session Facilitator: Shvonne Williams is all about helping students thrive and succeed - both in and out of the classroom!  She works as a Part-Time Counselor at LSC-Online, where she supports students through mental health counseling, academic coaching, and disability services, making sure everyone has the tools and support they need to reach their goals and level up their college journey. Shvonne started her own educational path in business, earning her Bachelor's degree in Business and later a Master's in Higher Education Administration. She knows firsthand what it's like to navigate college life and is passionate about helping students find their strengths, build confidence, and make the most of their time in school.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore pieces of Far East culture through the art of origami, with a decoration option prompt gratitude journal. Get centered and focused through zen audio during this relaxing and introspective session.

Session Objectives: Cultural Awareness, Personal Reflection

Facilitator: Jill Vu, Reference Specialist

What if mindfulness were as powerful as an Infinity Stone? In this session, you'll collect six "Mindfulness Stones," each unlocking a different superpower: the Soul Stone of Stillness, the Time Stone of Presence, the Power Stone of Balance, the Space Stone of Focus, the Reality Stone of Gratitude, and the Mind Stone of Clarity. Together, we'll assemble a "Mindfulness Gauntlet," not for control, but for calm and connection. Along the way, you'll discover simple, superhero-inspired practices you can use every day. Walk away with your own set of mindfulness superpowers to strengthen your mind and transform your day.   

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Personal Reflection, Inspiration and Motivation, Cultural Awareness

Session Facilitator: Kiet Le
Facilitator Bio: Kiet Le serves as an Internal Relations Manager at LSC, where he is passionate about empowering individuals through transformative education and programming. With a career spanning Housing, Student Activities, and Support Services, he brings a wealth of experience in fostering growth for students, faculty and staff. A proud first-generation Vietnamese-American, Kiet holds a Bachelor's in Entertainment Industry Management from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master's in College Student Personnel Services and Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. Named a 2022 ""40 Under 40"" honoree by the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Kiet is also the Founder of Navigate Life Coaching and Consulting, where he equips individuals to thrive academically and professionally through impactful coaching, dynamic keynotes, and engaging workshops.

While Superheroes in the movies make the power of reading minds quite appealing, the reality is that leaders have genuine power from understanding nonverbal communication. In this interactive workshop, we'll seek to further understand nonverbal communication by looking at real-world scenarios of leaders, and we'll discuss how we can use it to our advantage in team building, problem-solving, and other cases that our LSC student leaders might experience.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Knowledge Transfer

Facilitators:

Twyla Coy, Professor, Speech Communication, LSC-Kingwood

Dr. Abigail Heller, Professor, Communication, LSC-Kingwood

Facilitator Bios:

Twyla Coy has been teaching at LSC since January 2011. She has a passion for teaching communication and mentoring students. ""I love creating a safe and encouraging classroom environment where students learn from each other, as well as love to learn and appreciate the study of communication."

Dr. Abigail Heller has been teaching at LSC since January 2005. She holds a master's degree in Literature from the University of Houston, and a PhD in Communication from the University of Texas.

This interactive presentation helps student leaders uncover how business etiquette is more than good manners-it is a key leadership skill. Drawing from Emily Post's Business Etiquette and Pearson & Porath's The Cost of Bad Behavior, the session explores how civility and professionalism influence credibility, trust, and career success. Through improv-based activities, students will practice handling difficult situations, communicating with confidence, and delighting others through added value. The focus is on practical tools that first-generation and student leaders can use now in part-time jobs, campus roles, and future careers. Participants will leave with strategies that reveal their leadership potential by showing up with respect, presence, and professionalism.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building, Knowledge Transfer, Personal Reflection, Career Development

Session Facilitator: Jack Hernandez, Counselor, LSC-Houston North Victory
Session Bio: Dr. Jack Hernandez has been a counselor at Lone Star College since 2001, helping students with academic advising, career planning, and building their resilience to overcome challenges.   He is a U.S. Army veteran and Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping students succeed both in college and in life. Jack has shared his expertise at local and national conferences and continues to learn and grow through advanced study in leadership, counseling, and topics around creativity. He also brings in lessons from improv theater and  energy and wellness training to make his workshops engaging and practical. Above all, Jack enjoys working with students to build confidence, resilience, and the professional skills they'll need today and for the future.

By reflecting on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by today's young adult leaders, this presentation will emphasize the
importance of trust in achieving effective collaboration. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, student leaders will
gain the knowledge necessary to build and support high performing teams with a solid foundation of trust.

Session Objectives: Skill Development & Team Building

Session Facilitator: Cyndi Deleon Guerrero - Manager, Student Leadership and Activities, LSC-CyFair

 

We all have superpowers waiting to be discovered-whether in the classroom, at work, or at home. This session will explore how leadership is less about giant leaps and more about small, intentional steps that add up to extraordinary impact. Through engaging stories and practical takeaways, you'll learn how to unlock your inner superhero and approach challenges with confidence. Come ready to see yourself as the hero of your own story-cape optional!

Session Objectives: Self-Confidence Building, Personal Reflection, Inspiration and Motivation

Session Facilitator: Casey Timme, Manager, Student Life, LSC-Online
Facilitator Bio: Casey Timme is the Manager of Student Life at LSC-Online, with over a decade of experience in higher education helping students find their path. Born and raised in Houston, she's also a wife, mom of three, and ultramarathoner who knows a thing or two about endurance and perseverance. Casey believes life's challenges are like training runs; you can either let them hold you back or use them to get stronger. Through setbacks, reflection, and growth, she's discovered how to turn obstacles into opportunities and step into her own superhero story. Her message: everyone has the power to do the same, one step at a time.

 

Being a leader requires grit, setting firm expectations and boundaries, but it also requires active listening, empathy, and communication skills. It is easy to be the beloved hero of your team when all the news is good, but what happens when it is time to let someone go, budgets must be cut, or the job expectations have changed? Having these conversations requires authenticity and true understanding. This session will discuss how to talk about hard things and bring your team together during times of strife.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building

Session Facilitator: Kimberlee Ball, Professor, History, LSC-Online
Facilitator Bio: Professor Ball is now a full-time faculty member for LSC-Online, the current HIE Faculty Fellow, and a former FSP for both North Harris and LSC-Online. Through these positions, she has learned many things about leadership, particularly during tough times. She is currently working on Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership with a focus on Academic Support at SHSU, where she is also learning how to do hard things.

Tired of boring and awkward Ice Breakers at meetings or social gatherings? Come and learn how to plan out an Ice Breaker that people will actually enjoy! This session will solicit volunteers from the audience to be active participants in live Ice Breaker demonstrations.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building, Knowledge Transfer, Team Building

Session Facilitator: Eric Hernandez, Advisor II, LSC-Online
Facilitator Bio: Eric Hernandez has been a public educator and college advisor since 2010 and served in the US Army between 2000-2005. He enjoys helping others achieve their goals, and continues to challenge himself with new goals and experiences each year.

In this session, students will learn about a variety of international superheroes including EXO (Nigeria), Sereno (Argentina), El Santo (Mexico), Latifa (Saudi Arabia), and the Monkey King (China). They will then explore the ways in which each character's home culture informs their origin story, superpowers, and destiny. Lastly, students will have the opportunity to connect each character to core intercultural competencies in leadership and reflect on the ways in which the characters lead through their own cultural perspective.

Session Objectives: Inspiration and Motivation, Cultural Awareness

Session Facilitator: Dana Van De Walker, Director, Honors and Int'l Education, LSC-North Harris & Houston North
Facilitator Bio: Dr. Dana Van De Walker is the Director of Honors and International Education at LSC-Houston North and North Harris. She has been working in international education for nearly 20 years and has her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Sam Houston State University, along with her B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from Illinois State University. When she's not leading Honors and Global Scholars, she teaches government and is passionate about civic engagement, immigration policy, and U.S. diplomatic relations.

The purpose of this workshop is to engage with students to self-reflect on their own ideas about leadership qualities and empower them to explore leadership styles and qualities. We will explore and address objectives and traits of effective leadership and encourage students to become more holistic leaders.

Session Objectives: Self-Confidence Building, Knowledge Transfer, Personal Reflection, Inspiration and Motivation|

Session Facilitator: Kenneth Garcia, Manager, Internal Relations, LSC-Tomball
Facilitator Bio: Kenneth Garcia has worked in higher education for over 20 years.  Most of those years have been spent working as an academic advisor. Through his experience in higher education he has led students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Currently in his role he leads professional development, trainings, and educational programming.

What if, like Superman, there was a weakness that could eliminate your superpower and make you seem useless and worthless as a leader and manager? There is such a "Kryptonite" that can not only take away your superpower but also cause you to be the source of chaos, frustration, and confusion in the arenas of leadership and management. This session will not only reveal what the "Kryptonite" is but help you identify how to eliminate it so it does not take your superpower from you and keep you from being a positive influence.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Knowledge Transfer, Team Building

Session Facilitator: Leo Simpson II, Adjunct, Business, LSC-Montgomery
Facilitator Bio: Leo Simpson II, a Strategy and Execution Expert and a former Student Leader, is an influential executive leader who is impacting future professional and personal excellence as an Adjunct Business Professor at LSC-Montgomery, a Partnership Coordinator/Program Manager for HealthCARE Elevation Partners, and as a Chair of a Prison Ministry Program Advisory Council. He has authored a number of books to include a kid's book and has been a featured guest on a number of platforms to include a globally recognized podcast with an audience of more than 130 million. Leo is renowned for his innovative management skills, empowering people at the level of their potential, and revitalizing the synergy between the two most pivotal areas of life. As a Speaker and Business Coach, his transformative insights prove to advise leaders to initiate and navigate change, marry vision with execution, and drive significant results.

Professional networking can be daunting, especially for the inexperienced.  During this interactive workshop, participants will move outside their comfort zones to make real connections.  Whether your intention is to find collaborators or expand your network, this session will provide opportunity to connect with others in meaningful ways.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Self-Confidence Building, Networking Opportunities, Personal Reflection, Inspiration and Motivation, Career Development

Session Facilitators:

Cindy Goode, Associate Librarian/Counselor, LSC-North Harris

Gary Chaffee, Digital Resources Professional, Lone Star College-North Harris

Facilitator Bios:

Cindy Goode is a Librarian with LSC-North Harris.  She earned her first college credits at a community college in Lufkin, Texas before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Radio/TV/Film production at Sam Houston State University.  After working two decades in the media industry, she then earned a master’s degree in library science and began working in higher education.  Her passion is lies in helping others achieve their personal academic and professional goals.  In her spare time, she likes taking extreme close-up photos of plants and has been dabbling in astrophotography.  

Gary Chaffee is a Librarian with LSC-North Harris.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wyoming (where he was a McNair Scholar) and his Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Kentucky. His professional experience includes academic libraries, Special Collections and archives, K-2 district library management, and public libraries. His conference presentations over the years have included topics such as library space planning and revision, and starting a school archives.  His spare time activities include spending time with his dog Kirby, all things Star Trek, and collecting Curious George books and memorabilia.

We often frame conflict in our lives as an "us vs. them" story where we are the hero and other are the villains. This session will challenge participants to think past this simple narrative and use empathy and listening to move past conflict so that everybody can become a hero.

Session Objectives: Skill Development, Personal Reflection, Inspiration and Motivation, Team Building

Session Facilitator: Patrick Barton, Professor, Speech, LSC-CyFair
Facilitator Bio: Patrick Barton is a professor of Communication Studies at LSC-CyFair and has previously served as Department Chair, Faculty Senate President, and Professional Development Faculty Fellow. After faltering early in his academic career and spending nearly a decade in the workforce, he returned to earn his Bachelor's Degree from George Mason University and his Master's Degree from Kansas State University. In 2015, Patrick did a TEDx Talk about choice management, which spawned a series of workshops on choosing productivity. In 2022 he became an altruistic kidney donor, and continues to advocate to others to become a living donor. In his spare time, Patrick is a long-distance runner, an amateur actor, and a recreational poker player.