Fall 2019 Conference
Fall 2019 Conference Recap
Power In a Voice
Saturday, November 9
11:00am - 3:00pm
McLaren Complex
About the Theme
We live in a world comprised of various cultures, perspectives and beliefs yet are still expected to live by certain social norms*. While social norms may be widely accepted, they also have the power to suppress cultures, perspectives, and beliefs. This power only grows stronger as individuals remain silent. This is why it is important to stand up for what you believe in.
This year’s conference theme, “Power in a Voice”, explores the roles of power, identity, and advocacy to equip individuals with tools, experiences, and motivation to use their voices. After all, it only takes one leader to make an impact in the world.
*Social norms are accepted behaviors that individuals are expected to conform to.
Conference Schedule
| Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30am - 11:00am | McLaren Complex | Check-in |
| 10:30am - 11:15am | McLaren Complex | Brunch |
| 11:00am - 11:30am | McLaren Complex | Opening Activities |
| 11:30am - 12:30pm | McLaren Complex | Keynote Address: Mariah Parker |
| 12:45pm - 1:25pm | Fromm Hall | Breakout Session 1 |
| 1:35pm - 2:15pm | Fromm Hall | Breakout Session 2 |
| 12:45pm - 2:15pm | Kalmanovitz Hall | Institute Sessions |
| 2:30pm - 2:45pm | McLaren Complex | Closing Activities |
| 2:45pm - 3:15pm | McLaren Complex | Advocacy Dessert Reception |
Fall 2019 Registration Information
The Student Leadership Conference is FREE for all USF students (undergraduate & graduate) as well as staff and faculty. To attend the conference, you must complete the online registration process. Review the timeline below to ensure you do not miss your chance to participate in this year's conference!
Online registration opens: Monday, October 21 at 8:00am
Online registration closes: Thursday, October 31 at 11:59pm
Late registration closes: Tuesday, November 5 at 11:59am
Keynote Speaker: Mariah Parker
Mariah Parker is part of a new wave of young women of color entering politics. She made headlines last summer after being sworn in as an Athens-Clarke County Commissioner, at age 26, with her hand on a copy of The Autobiography of Malcolm X held by her mother. Photos of her taking the oath went viral, highlighting the growing numbers of millennial Black women making their voices heard in local politics nationwide.
Mariah is also openly queer, a hip hop artist (her stage name is Linqua Franqa), a PhD candidate in linguistics at the University of Georgia, and community organizer dedicated to transformative politics and civic engagement. As County Commissioner, she is focusing on creating economic stability and racial justice as well as criminal justice reform and raising the minimum wage.
Between the release of a critically-acclaimed debut album and her tight election to the county commission, Parker has garnered the attention of CNN, The New York Times, Teen Vogue, National Public Radio, Al Jazeera, The Nation, Afropunk, The Root, The Bitter Southerner, Performer Magazine and others for her outspoken commitment to racial and economic justice and her electrifying live performances and presentations, which call audiences to self-reflection and critical action in their lives and their communities.
Source: https://www.speakoutnow.org/speaker/mariah-parker