Students hone leadership skills at statewide conference

Eight students recently joined more than 100 peers across the state for a dynamic leadership and networking experience at the Florida International Leadership Conference (FILC), held at Camp Geneva in Fruitland Park, FL.

The unique, three-day student success initiative is designed to help students, particularly international students and those who have studied abroad, to hone career competencies such as leadership and cross-cultural communication. Workshops delved into a variety of topics, including the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership; what it means to be a transformational leader; and how to translate global learning experiences into strong language on resumes. Students engaged in a personality assessment which was facilitated by FIU administrators Kelly Poppen and Ariel Ortiz. Students also took part in interactive career readiness sessions and reflective storytelling exercises to explore their strengths and future aspirations.

These workshops proved eye-opening for engineering major Michael Valera Bernal. 

“I came to understand that effective leadership begins with knowing and embracing my strengths and weaknesses," says Valera Bernal, who is an interational student from Peru.

Along with the workshops, the program featured team-building activities and networking opportunities in which students from all participating universities came together and made new connections. Students also enjoyed classic outdoor activities such as canoeing, ziplining and making S’mores at a bonfire. 

"Connecting with students from so many backgrounds made every moment more dynamic and creative," Valera Bernal adds. "[It] not only sparked new ideas but also challenged and inspired me to lead with authenticity, adaptability and empathy. I’m truly grateful to FIU for giving me the opportunity to attend FILC and have such a meaningful experience.”

The program, which allows ample opportunities for teamwork and peer engagement, helped students crack out of their shells. 

“This conference and weekend were truly special,” says Josefina Pancello Querro, a junior international relations major who came to FIU from Argentina. “I’m a bit introverted and I was intimidated by the unknown of all of it. I’m so glad for pushing my boundaries beyond comfort.” 

The conference also fostered a deep sense of community. Students agree that they left the conference feeling inspired, empowered and connected — not only to others in the group, but to themselves.

"I was able to be 100% myself, connect deeply with others and reflect on who I am and where I want to go," says Claudia Gil Robles, an international relations major from Spain. “I have connected with people from so many backgrounds with so many different stories that touched my heart, and I feel very grateful for that.” 

The FIU trip was made possible by a collaborative effort from International Student & Scholar Services and Global First Year.  

FILC has brought student leaders together annually since 2007 with the support and leadership of the Florida Association of International Educators. This year, over 120 students from 16 colleges and universities across Florida attended the conference. FIU students have been attending the conference since its founding.   

Kelly Poppen, FIU's director of International Student & Scholar Services, said the conference often acts as an important catalyst for personal development for students. It was powerful, she adds, to watch the students grow as leaders in less than 72 hours.

“By taking students out of the campus routine and immersing them together with peers in an entirely unique environment, they were able to develop leadership skills and build community with ease, while also learning the importance of self-reflection,” she said.