UGA Student Leadership Conference empowers future leaders 

On October 19, more than 200 University of Georgia students participated in the 28th annual Student Leadership Conference, a day of student-focused leadership development organized by Engagement, Leadership, and Service. The conference offered a variety of workshops, keynote speakers, and interactive sessions.

This year’s theme, “Empower,” highlighted the importance of empowering each other to lead authentically and create positive change. Participants engaged in sessions on emotional intelligence, team-building, and actionable leadership, gaining tools to become more effective and inclusive leaders.

Wyatt Williams, a conference attendee, shared that the conference provided valuable lessons on leadership and humility.

“The Student Leadership Conference taught me that true leadership comes when we realize our presence is not what’s most important,” Williams said. “It comes when we humble ourselves, empower others by making them feel seen, and express relentless gratitude.”

One of the presenters, Brooklyn Potter, spoke on behalf of rural voices at UGA.

“This experience allowed my co-presenter, Molly Roberts, and I the opportunity to discuss the importance of engaging with the rural demographic at UGA and to share resources from the ALL Georgia Program with the goal of reaching out to the growing rural community on campus,” Potter said. “Presenting was among the most memorable experiences that I have had at UGA, and I am incredibly grateful to have been given a platform to draw attention to the need for community engagement with the rural community at UGA.”

The conference featured an inspiring keynote by Sarah McKinney, the CEO and President of the Athens Area Community Foundation who spoke about the power and importance of gratitude in leadership. Students also had the opportunity to connect with local and student organizations like Bigger Vision of Athens, ServeUGA, and the UGA Mentor Program to learn about ways to contribute to their community.

For more information, visit the UGA Student Leadership Conference website.