Join us for a special keynote event featuring UCF alumnus and LEAD Scholar Brian Kleinschmidt ’04. Brian will share insights from his journey — from working construction jobs in college to becoming an HGTV star and successful entrepreneur. He’ll discuss how vision, resilience and teamwork have shaped his leadership approach and helped him turn ambitious goals into reality. This event …
Events at UCFHave you ever hesitated to apply for an opportunity, talk to someone, raise your hand in class or take advantage of other opportunities? Join Cassi Willard at the Blackstone LaunchPad for this session to help you identify aspects that may be holding you back from taking steps forward to unlock your full potential. Be prepared to discuss your strengths as …
Events at UCFJoin Stacey Malaret and LEAD Scholars for Networking 101! This beginner-friendly event is designed to help students build confidence in professional conversations and make meaningful connections. Attendees will learn practical tips for introducing themselves, starting conversations and networking with purpose. This event is open to all members of the UCF community and is featured as part of Leadership Week 2026. …
Events at UCFIn a world of rapid change and uncertainty, students need more than technical skills — they need the courage and clarity that come from leading authentically. Join us for this workshop with special guest speaker Diali Coll-Mercado, where students will explore how authentic leadership, a framework grounded in self-awareness, balanced decision-making, relational transparency, and a values-driven core, can serve as …
Events at UCFSpeaker: Tobey Smith This 90-minute workshop will include a panel of 3-8 leaders from various professional backgrounds. The first 15 minutes will include opening remarks and introductions of the panelists. The first 30 minutes of the Q&A will be prepared questions from the Active Minds officer board about leadership, mental health, resilience, and burnout. We will then open up to …
Events at UCFCards and Cupcakes is a meaningful service event where participants write heartfelt cards, decorate cupcakes, and donate them to local elderly homes. This event spreads kindness, creativity, and joy while giving back to the senior community. **Leadership Week Credit OR 1 Service Hour**
Events at UCFSpeaker: Raiya Shaw It's no secret that poetry has innumerable positive effects on a person's emotional well-being and is often described as a transformative art form. In this program, we'll be focusing on the supportive literary community created by the Young Poets' Society, and why the act of writing together both fosters rich connections, creates a welcoming atmosphere, allows members' …
Events at UCFExperience leadership through art at the Leadership Week Art Show, a vibrant creative showcase where participants express what leadership means to them through a wide range of artistic mediums. From bold visuals to thoughtful designs, each piece tells a unique leadership story. Attendees are invited to explore the artwork, connect with the artists' perspectives and vote for their favorite pieces. …
Events at UCFSpeaker: Alexandra Minnick This interactive workshop empowers attendees to take control of their leadership and career development through the creative and strategic tools of mind mapping. By visually organizing their skills, interests, values, goals, and potential career paths, attendees will gain clarity, identify opportunities, and build actionable plans to thrive and grow. Using mind mapping techniques, attendees will create a …
Events at UCFSpeaker: Monal Patel This interactive session introduces participants to key principles of research design, data integrity, authorship ethics, and the scholarly publishing process. It aims to build confidence in conducting research that advances institutional goals, fosters collaboration, and upholds the highest standards of academic integrity.
Events at UCFHave you ever wondered about the local flora and fauna? Join us for the final in-person event of Leadership Week 2026 as we take a relaxing walk across UCF's campus to explore the beauty of the natural world around us. This thoughtful experience offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature through fun and enriching outdoor exploration. …
Events at UCFThe LEAD Alumni Zoom Panel brings together accomplished alumni for a dynamic conversation on career paths, industry experiences, and professional growth. As the final event of Leadership Week 2926, this interactive panel offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect and gain practical advice from professionals who have turned their LEAD experience into real-world success. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, …
Events at UCF