Conference Schedule

2025 Conference Schedule

* Schedule is Subject to Change*

Day 1 – Friday

Registration
5:30pm-6:00pm

Welcome Session
6:00pm-7:15pm

Presenters: NSLDC Conference Team

Room: Tactic Ballroom 

Day 2 – Saturday

Breakfast on Your Own 
8:00am-9:00am

Session Block I 
9:15am-10:30am

Session A – Room:  Tactic A
Workshop Title: Mindfulness and Cardiovascular Wellness
Presenter: LaMarr Magnus M.S. NSCA, ACE, MBSR
Description:  An outlook on Mindfulness Practices (meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness eating) and learning more about heart health and how the two coincide. I want to share data about mindfulness academic outcomes and cardiovascular wellness outcome models. I will also have a survey for volunteers to fill out to learn more about their own levels of mindfulness.

Session B – Room: Tactic B
Workshop Title: Cracking the Corporate Code: Unwritten Rules for Your First Grown-Up Job
Presenter: Ayannah Johnson M.Ed
Description: Stepping into the corporate world can be daunting, especially when the most important rules for success are rarely written down. In this engaging and interactive workshop, students will learn how to navigate the complexities of corporate culture, manage their professional image, and build relationships that open doors to new opportunities. Through real-world scenarios, role-playing, and actionable strategies, participants will gain the confidence and skills needed to not only survive but excel in their first corporate roles. This workshop combines reflection, skill-building, and interactive activities that prepare students for navigating the often-unspoken dynamics of corporate life. It also empowers them with confidence and practical tools for handling real-world challenges.

Session C – Room: Tactic C
Workshop Title: No More Drama: Using Restorative Practices in Social Justice Work
Presenter: Jose L. Posos, M.Ed., LPC
Description: Conflict is an inevitable consequence when diverse and charismatic leaders are brought together for a common goal. However, how these leaders deal with those conflicts can determine how effectively the group will operate. This workshop is geared towards empowering participants with effective restorative practice skills that they can use to help facilitate difficult conversations, meetings, or events. Furthermore, attendees of this workshop will leave the session having explored their own comfort level with various dimensions of diversity that might be landmines for conflict.

Break
10:30am-10:45am

Session Block II 
10:45am – 12:00pm

Session A – Room: Tactic A
Workshop Title: From Stigma to Advocacy: Promoting Mental Health on your Campuses
Presenter: Jose L. Posos, M.Ed., LPC
Description: Have you ever struggled mentally or emotionally but felt too ashamed to reach out for help? You are not alone – 1 out of 5 adults will have a diagnosable mental illness in their lifetime. Although mental health is so important, we rarely talk about it with friends, family members, or in our communities. Let’s change that! Come participate in this presentation to discuss the importance of mental health and highlight how together you can change your campus community to be more supportive of your and others mental health!

Session B – Room: Tactic B 
Workshop Title: Speak Up & Stand Out: Mastering Public Speaking and Communication Skills
Presenter: Ayannah Johnson M.Ed
Description: Throughout our lives we face various obstacles that can be difficult to navigate whether it’s in school, work, or our community. Many of us grapple with the challenge of speaking up and advocating effectively, and the fear of being in spaces that may not always be receptive further creates silence. During Speak Up: Developing the Strength and Strategies to Advocate for Yourself and Others participants will learn about the different types of advocacy, as well as, strategies and tools that they need to fearlessly champion their rights and those of their community. Attendees will learn about self-advocacy, how to navigate tough conversations, and the power of collective action.

Session C – Room: Tactic C
Workshop Title: ” Is Diversity in Religion a Blessing?”
Presenter: Annitra Taylor
Description: “It would seem to some that one of the greatest contributions of America to the world has been the concept that actually there is a better chance to find truth if it is sought in as many ways as possible. The diversity of local religious practices may present challenges in school and workplace settings.  

Diversity is, without doubt, much more common today throughout the world. Unfamiliar religions have taken root, either adopted by some in the native population itself or introduced by immigrants and refugees. Should all observances be imposed upon every student​—regardless of his or her religion?”

Lunch 
12:00pm-1:00pm

Session Block III 
1:15pm-2:30pm

Session A – Room: Tactic A
Workshop Title:  Identity Compass
Presenter: Jose L. Posos, M.Ed., LPC
Description: Stories are powerful. Sharing stories is foundational to the building of community. In this workshop, participants will experience an illuminating approach to communicating with each other about the multiple aspects of identity, while being listened to with compassion and respect. Not only will the participants learn about each other’s diverse backgrounds and experiences, but they will also have the opportunity to build relationships based on universal feelings and their common humanity. This activity will be the foundation for the conference experience, which focuses on the many identities that we all may or may not have in common.

Session B – Room: Tactic B 
Workshop Title:I‘m Not Sorry! – Ending our Unhealthy Relationship With I’m Sorry”
Presenter: Ayannah Johnson M.Ed.
Description: We often say some variation of “sorry” for trivial and unnecessary reasons. This can undermine our efficacy as leaders, advocates, and activists. The overuse and misuse of “sorry” can also result in minimizing others’ confidence in our ideas and abilities. Often, those in positions of privilege are less likely to apologize, even when it is appropriate. In this session, we will explore the appropriate use of the words and how to evaluate when to truly apologize. It is not about changing who you are, rather it is about being intentional in how we show up.

Session C – Room: Tactic C
Workshop Title: Dialogue Group: Conversations on White Fragility and Privilege 
Presenter: Dr. Christopher C Irving
Description: Join us for a thought-provoking workshop, “Dialogue Group: Conversations on White Fragility,” where we delve into the complexities surrounding this critical topic. Facilitated by experienced educators and diversity advocates, this dialogue group provides a safe and respectful space for participants to explore the concept of white fragility, its manifestations, and its impact on conversations about race. Through guided discussions, reflective exercises, and collaborative learning, attendees will deepen their understanding of how white fragility operates within ourselves and our communities and gain practical strategies for fostering constructive dialogue and meaningful allyship in pursuit of racial justice and equity. Whether you’re new to the conversation or seeking to deepen your engagement, this workshop offers an opportunity for personal growth and collective learning.

Closing Workshop
Room: Tactic Ballroom 
2:45pm-4:00pm

Workshop Title: Creating an Inclusive Community for Your Community
Presenter: Dr. Christopher C Irving, Ayannah Johnson M.Ed., and Jose L. Posos, M.Ed., LPC
Description: Building Inclusive Communities is an initiative to promote inclusion, respect, and accountability to be different together. As higher education students and professionals we have to assess what inclusion efforts currently exist to support a sense of belonging for our students and staff. After assessing what is being done well and what has opportunities for improvement we have to create action plans to cultivate cultural changes. Lastly, we must discuss ways to execute the initiatives while ensuring buy-in from students, faculty, and staff members. This workshop is geared towards reviewing various higher education assessments that are available to evaluate DEI efforts and discuss various initiatives and programs that can be implemented to move the needle forward towards inclusivity on college campuses.

Day 3 – Sunday

Breakfast 
Tactic Ballroom
9:00am-10:00am

Session Block I 
10:00am-11:00am

Session A – Room: Tactic A
Workshop Title: Leading with Integrity: Accountability in Student Leadership
Presenter: Jose L. Posos, M.Ed., LPC
Description: In this interactive workshop, student leaders from SGAs, sororities, fraternities, and campus clubs will explore the essential role of accountability in effective leadership. As representatives of your peers and organizations, understanding how to hold yourself and others accountable is key to fostering trust, promoting growth, and achieving meaningful goals. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and group exercises, you’ll learn practical strategies to build a culture of transparency and responsibility within your teams. We’ll cover topics like setting clear expectations, giving and receiving feedback, and managing challenges when things go off track. Walk away with the tools and confidence to lead with integrity and inspire accountability in your organization.

Session B – Room: Tactic B
Workshop Title: Personal Branding and Digital Footprint: Crafting Your Online Identity
Presenter: Ayannah Johnson M.Ed.
Description:  In today’s digital world, your online presence matters more than ever. This workshop is designed to help college students understand the importance of personal branding and how to create a professional, authentic digital footprint that aligns with their career goals. Through interactive activities and expert tips, participants will learn how to craft a compelling online identity and make their digital presence work for them. By the end of this workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of how to manage their online presence, develop a personal brand, and present themselves authentically and professionally in the digital world.

Session C – Room: Tactic C
Workshop Title: Bad Boys: Toxic Masculinity and its Effects on Everyone
Presenter: Dr. Christopher Irving
Description: In this highly engaging session, the presenters will examine the history,
pathology, and practical impact of the levels of toxicity in male identity development.
Participants will explore the early messages those who identify as men receive and the
potential impact on how males treat women and other men. After this workshop, all
participants will walk away with strategies that both men and women can implement on their
campus to hold men more accountable for their actions and support environments the
counteract the stereotypical messages that exist in our communities around what it is to “be
a man.”In this highly engaging session, the presenters will examine the history,
pathology, and practical impact of the levels of toxicity in male identity development.
Participants will explore the early messages those who identify as men receive and the
potential impact on how males treat women and other men. After this workshop, all
participants will walk away with strategies that both men and women can implement on their
campus to hold men more accountable for their actions and support environments the
counteract the stereotypical messages that exist in our communities around what it is to “be
a man.”

Break
11:00am-11:15am

Conference Closing
Room: Tactic Ballroom 
11:15am-12:00pm

Workshop Title: Campus Action Plan
Presenters: NSLDC Conference Team
Description: In the culminating activity of NSLDC 2024, students and advisors will meet in breakout rooms with their respective campus groups, select the first campus issue they plan to address and brainstorm action steps to begin to implement their plan. Campus groups will present their action plans to each other to permit sharing of ideas across campuses.