South 154.
Students are bombarded with myriad challenges that produce thoughts and feelings that can undermine their leadership personal well-being, future aspirations, and leadership potential. This interactive presentation will help students clarify their values, draw upon their strengths, and chart a path forward in their leadership journey. Participants will learn and engage in fundamental practices of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) an evidence-based therapeutic modality for human potential and by engaging in Improv leadership activities.

About the Facilitator
Jack has been a faculty counselor with Lone Star College since 2001. In addition to academic advising, he also facilitates Houston North’s career advising programming by helping students prepare for and find “better jobs” that support their academic and workforce goals. Jack holds a B.A. in Psychology from Texas A&M University, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University.

South 160.
An engaging and interactive session designed to inspire college students to cultivate self-confidence in their leadership journey. Drawing from the beloved character Ted Lasso, this session explores practical strategies for stepping out of comfort zones, embracing positivity, learning from failure, and setting achievable goals. Through a mix of discussions, activities, and real-life examples, students will learn how to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief, enabling them to become effective leaders who can make a meaningful impact in their communities and campuses. Join us for an uplifting experience that encourages you to lead with confidence, resilience, and a bit of humor, just like Ted Lasso.

Session Materials

About the Facilitators
Tim Mousel, an award-winning educator, has been honored with three notable awards: the 2022 Lone Star College-Online Faculty Excellence Award, the 2023 NISOD Excellence Award, and the 2023 Master Presenter - International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence from the University of Texas. In the past year, he delivered nine keynote speeches at significant events, such as the 2023 Fall convocations at various colleges and the Brazosport College Spring 2024 Convocation. Beyond his keynote roles, Mousel presented at twenty conferences and symposiums, including the Binational Educational Symposium (attended by Texas A&M and eight universities in Mexico) and the Future of Educational Technology Conference. In the May 2024 edition of Forbes magazine, Tim was featured in an article titled "New ChatGPT Updates From OpenAI Will Benefit Educators," and again in the July 2024 edition in an article titled "ChatGPT Forces Universities to Adapt or Retreat."

Ronnie Nespeca is the Kinesiology Department Chair and a founding faculty member at LSC-CyFair, where he has been teaching since 2003. A former player for the U-17 USA National Soccer Team, Ronnie earned a four-year soccer scholarship to Saint Mary’s College of California, graduating with honors with a B.S. in Health Science. He then obtained his M.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas. Ronnie has been recognized with the Faculty Excellence Award and is the co-author of the textbook Strength Training for Total Health and Wellness. Before joining LSC-CyFair, he worked as an Exercise Physiologist for the United States Air Force at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas.

South 158.
If you're anything like me, I am a wanna-be perfectionist knowing it is something I can never achieve, yet I am still highly critical of anything and everything I do. In this session, we will complete a few exercises to get us thinking about ways we can be a little kinder to ourselves. The hope is that empathy for others can begin once we can show a little of it to ourselves.

Session Materials

About the Facilitator
Janie Filoteo, Ph.D. is a professor of Sociology at LSC-Tomball where she has been full-time since 2007. She loves TV, talking about TV, and animals. During any possible free time, she’s trying to figure out how to incorporate all this pop culture into her sociology courses. As the first in her family to attend college, her goal is to always pay forward all the wonderful help she received along her path beginning with making her classes as awesome as she is able to at the time.

South 163.
This session explores the leadership lessons from Ted Lasso, focusing on the power of vulnerability in creating strong, authentic connections within a professional environment. Attendees will learn how embracing vulnerability can foster trust, enhance team dynamics, and build resilience. Through examples from the show and interactive discussions, the session will highlight practical ways to lead with empathy and courage, transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths.

Session Materials

About the Facilitator
Patrick Barton is a professor of Communication Studies at Lone Star College-CyFair and also serves as Faculty Fellow for the Learning, Engagement, and Development Center. After faltering early in his academic career and spending nearly a decade in the workforce, he returned to earn his Bachelor's Degree from George Mason University and his Master's Degree from Kansas State University. Patrick has a passion for helping students find ways to grow through learning while also practicing self-care to the max. In his spare time, Patrick is a long-distance runner, an amateur actor, and a recreational poker player.

South 155.
We are going to engage with students to self-reflect on their own leadership qualities and empower them to explore other leadership styles and attributes. We will address key objectives and important traits of effective leadership, and encourage them to become more holistic leaders.

About the Facilitators
Kenneth Garcia has been in higher education for over 20 years. He spent the majority of his career as an academic advisor and leading students to succeed in their academic journey. He is now the Culture Impact Manager for Tomball and helps lead the campus in different capacities.

Dr. Irene Gutierrez Briggs has been in Higher Education for almost 40 years in various Student Services and Financial Aid capacities. She is now the HSI STEM Coordinator III creating and hosting various STEM events for LSC-Tomball to promote and support STEM degrees, careers, and pathways.

South 164.
This session will lead students to think about, meditate on, evaluate, and consider their behaviors, thoughts, attitudes, motivations, and desires. All of these are major of factors that determine students' mental health state and are key contributors to who they are in terms of leadership styles, life goals and strength.

About the Facilitator
Fola Adeleye (Adjunct Professor of Education) fondly called "Queen" by friends and family is an experienced educator, IT professional, and a Texas Certified Mediator. She is keen on helping students discover their true identity in terms of their vision, strength, values, and leadership styles. She has a passion for teaching and helping others

South 262.
How to bring the best of you to in your leadership journey. You have a special set of skills. Join us for this fast paced and fun workshop.

Session Materials

Session Materials

About the Facilitators
Deirdre Hayes-Cootz has served in various positions in higher education for much of the previous three decades. Deirdre began her career in higher education at Lone Star College-North Harris as a college work-study student serving in the financial aid office. While her professional career has taken several turns of progressively increasing responsibility and leadership, her heart remains where it began, in service to the students at Lone Star College.

Professor Laura Dupree is a certified leadership instructor who is passionate about helping students reach their fullest potential. She has presented at hundreds of conferences and conventions in the U.S. and abroad. As a first-generation graduate, Laura credits her accomplishments to having completed her associate’s degrees and certificates at North Harris College (now LSC-North Harris) and to the unwavering support of her family and professors. She lives by the mottos, “Do the right thing even when it is hard" and “Instead of saying ‘I can’t’ say “I can’t yet!’" She says, “Know your life can be anything you dream if you consistently apply yourself and never, ever, even give up regardless of the challenges life throws at you!”

South 263.
Team building Session is designed to help individuals and teams develop skills, knowledge, and strategies to work together more effectively. By working together in a structured setting, attendees develop as a team.

About the Facilitator
TC Villalobos has led leadership workshops in student leadership, management training and team building. He is a first generation college graduate from Lone Star College-CyFair. He empowers students to seize their potential. TC currently serves as an Evening & Weekend Coordinator at Lone Star College-CyFair.

South 264.
We will elucidate and celebrate our successful seasons of Best New Campus Organization (2 years ago) and Best Event this last year, which was a political ideology panel with 5 different speakers across the political spectrum. This was an officer-lead event with a huge success of 100+ attendees and lots of warm feeling across the aisle!

About the Facilitators
We are a diverse team of advisors from Psychology, Government and Criminal Justice seeking to create an environment and culture of communication on challenging political issues of our time such as: Reproductive rights, gun rights, Israel/Palestine, Feminism, Men's rights, political ideology, woke culture and DEI initiatives.

South 268.
Attendees will learn about different styes of leadership and determine why Ted Lasso personifies Servant Leadership. Group discussions will focus on understanding the attributes of Servant Leadership, how they apply to Ted Lasso, and what skills a person needs to be a Ted Lasso level Servant Leader.

Session Materials

About the Facilitators
Dr. Warner Bair has been with LSC for 14 years in a variety of different leadership rolls. He is currently an Instructional Dean at LSC-CyFair, helping to lead the Public Services, Health Occupations, and Behavioral sciences division. He is the graduate of several LSC leadership programs and an active professional development facilitator.

Devin Walton has been with LSC for 7 years in several management and leadership positions. She is currently the Division Operations Manager for the Public Services, Health Occupations, and Behavioral sciences division. She is currently studying leadership at LSC as an active member of The Academy.

South 258.
In this session, we're going to explore the concept of boundaries versus opportunities, and how this mindset can be applied to our personal and professional lives as we continue to grow as individuals. Drawing inspiration from Ted Lasso, I will share a bit of my own journey, where several pivotal moments in my life led me to various forks in the road. At each of these critical points, I was faced with a choice: to either fall into the well of doubt and despair, or to rise above the roadblocks in my path. Just as Ted Lasso teaches us through his unwavering optimism and belief in the power of choice, my goal is to resonate with the audience by emphasizing how adopting a positive mindset can help us overcome challenges and turn boundaries into opportunities.

About the Facilitator
Casey Timme is a dedicated wife, mother of three, and an ultramarathoner with a deep passion for Student Life at Lone Star College. With over a decade of experience in Advising, Casey has recently taken on the role of Manager of Student Life at LSC-Online. Her mission is to ensure that every student experiences the same sense of inclusiveness she valued during her own school years. With a rich background in higher education, Casey brings a wealth of personal stories and experiences—both challenging and rewarding. Known for her resilience and positive outlook, she often channels her inner child to lighten the mood and tackle tough situations with a smile.

South 260.
My journey as a new immigrant from India to North America has been nothing short of amazing. From being a student, navigating the job market, and ultimately finding my place at Lonestar College, every step has been transformative. I want to share my story to inspire the younger generation to never give up. Volunteering has taught me invaluable soft skills, and having children helped me integrate more deeply into society. Working at Lonestar College has been a uniquely enriching experience, where I’ve found a space to express myself freely, without feeling ashamed of my culture, accent, food or any other differences. My role as a successful manger of a large technology team has given me lot of pride and purpose to my role that I want to share my journey with all the young girls who are looking into pursuing STEM.

About the Facilitator
Anna moved to North America from India when she was 21 years old. She was a student at University of Toronto for 3 years doing odd jobs before graduating and moving to Houston. With career breaks from corporate world and part time jobs in sales and banking she currently is the Manager for Instructional Technology at Lonestar and manages a large team of 20. She is also an adjunct for computer science, mathematics and yoga. She is Vice-President at Sathya Sai Center, North Houston. She has been a volunteer Sunday school teacher for teenagers for the past 17 years. She is married and lives with her husband, mother in law and 2 boys in Spring, TX

South 154.
In this engaging and interactive session, participants will explore the transformative power of belief and positivity, drawing inspiration from Ted Lasso's leadership style. Through group activities and self-reflection exercises, students will learn how to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace challenges, and support their peers. By the end of the session, attendees will have practical tools to boost their self-confidence, motivate others, and create a positive impact in their academic and personal lives.

About the Facilitator
Destiny McGhee-Burgess is the Program Coordinator at Lone Star College Tomball, who is passionate about student development, student success, and the ultimate student experience. With 7 years of experience in higher education, Destiny has a track record of empowering students to reach their full potential. She believes in the power of positive and transformational leadership and is excited to share insights inspired by Ted Lasso's approach to helping students become confident, motivated leaders in their communities and future careers

South 155.
Are you media literate? Are you a good digital citizen? To become a leader in the mold of the legendary Ted Lasso, you must do your best to master both! This session will help you understand these critical 21st-century concepts and help others you encounter as a student leader to improve in these areas as well.

About the Facilitator
Dr. James Paul Stancil II is an academic strategist in the lifePATH program at Lone Star College-Tomball. lifePATH is a post-secondary educational program for neurodiverse students focused on assisting students as they develop needed social and academic skills and engage in opportunities for career exploration. He also founded a 501(c)(3) organization, Intellect U Well, Inc., which promotes reading, media literacy, digital citizenship, and academic achievement in the Houston community.

South 163.
In this session, students will play a game that challenges them to think about the role of perspective in leadership. OUTCOMES: This exercise helps a group to begin the processes of… (1) Learning how to work together (2) Learning how to communicate (3) Understanding the leadership dynamics of the group (4) Understanding perspective and how it relates to the work the group does (5) Building group problem solving skills (6) Exercising patience with the group

About the Facilitator
Michele Richey is a professor of Sociology and the Campus Coordinator for Civic Engagement on the LSC-M campus. Before becoming a professor, Michele worked in residence life and housing at several 4-year colleges where she spent a lot of time advising student leaders and organizations.

Session was canceled

South 160.
Using games requiring teamwork, strategy, and communication helps to strengthen bonds and build productive teams. Former Justice Society officers, Jacqueline Santos-Romano and Emily Alfaro, will discuss how they built their leadership team through having fun and playing games. Session attendees will be grouped into teams to compete against each other in a game that will not only test their problem-solving skills but also their ability to work together under pressure.

Session Materials

About the Facilitator
Sarah Billingsley Chapman is a Criminal Justice professor and advisor of the Justice Society student organization at LSC - Montgomery. In her experience with the Justice Society, she has supported leadership teams to organize several exciting events, including a trip to Angola Prison in Louisiana and a visit from Lois Gibson, a world-renowned forensic artist. Emily Alfaro and Jacqueline Santos-Romano are the former President and Vice-President of the Justice Society and current students of Sam Houston State University.

South 158.
What if there was a way to communicate that would guarantee a good result and a solid interaction with anyone you encounter? This session will breakdown a powerful scene from the TV hit series, Ted Lasso, that reveals masterful communication. Participants of this session may expect to walk away with knowing better how to have hard conversations respectfully, communicate through difficulty, lead with empathy, and work with people with differing views.

Session Materials

About the Facilitator
Leo Simpson II, a Strategy and Execution Expert and a former Student Leader known as the Wellness Professor, is an influential executive leader who is impacting future business excellence as an Adjunct Business Professor at Lone Star College - Montgomery and a Project Manager for HealthCARE Elevation Partners. He has authored 9 books and has been a featured guest on a number of platforms to include a globally recognized podcast with an audience of more than 130 million. Leo is renowned for his innovative management skills, empowering people at the level of their potential, and revitalizing the synergy between the two most pivotal areas of life. As a Speaker and Business Coach, his transformative insights prove to advise leaders to initiate and navigate change, marry vision with execution, and drive significant results which meshes well with being the Team Leader for The 2024 Woodlands Area Business hosted by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

South 262.
Being the change you want to see in the world is easier said than done. In this session, the facilitator will break down this concept into three key parts: understanding why and how each individual matters, focusing on one thing at a time, and thinking big. You'll have the opportunity to hear a few successful examples, explore your inner calling and drive, and discover practical ways to create meaningful change—one step at a time, one day at a time.

About the Facilitator
Ying Yi is a full-time Professor of Physics at LSC-UP for the 10th year and the founder of www.myknitever.com, an innovative fashion company that blends technology with sustainability. With Clifton Strengths in Connectedness, Learner, Intellection, Ideation, and Woo, Ying is passionate about exploring the intersections of science, creativity, and community to drive meaningful change in both education and the fashion industry.

South 263.
"Unlock Your Potential: Discover, Grow, and Shine!" In this workshop, we will explore practical strategies to help you identify your strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop a growth mindset. Through interactive activities and self-reflection, you will gain insights into your unique abilities, learn how to overcome challenges, and build confidence in your personal and academic pursuits. Join us to unleash your potential and start achieving your best self.

About the Facilitator
Dr. Benard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Lamar University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a Master’s degree in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University, and a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Leadership for Higher Education. She holds an Advanced Certified Scrum Master certification, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certification, and is a Certified SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager. Professionally, Dr. Benard has worked in the oil and gas field for over 25 years in engineering and project management. She currently works as a Program Manager. In higher education, Dr. Benard has experience teaching Risk Management, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, Operations Management & Supply Chain Management, and Introduction to Project Management. Dr. Benard loves to mentor, coach, and teach bringing her real-world experiences into the classroom to help better prepare them for life after college and the corporate world. In her free time, she loves to watch sports and work out.

South 264.
The "Wisdom of Age: Conflict Resolution" session is inspired by Ted Lasso season 1 episode 4, "For the Children." The episode emphasizes the crucial role of strong leadership in guiding team members through conflict resolution. Participants will understand the impact of unresolved conflict on team dynamics and morale and acquire the ability to identify personal triggers in conflict situations while learning constructive approaches to conflict resolution. The session will explore the Forces Toward Harmony, encompassing Fatigue, Desire for Peace, Catharsis, and Inhibitory Reflex, empowering participants with practical conflict resolution skills for personal and professional growth. “Youth is wasted on the young; well I say don’t let the wisdom of age be wasted on you.” – Ted

Session Materials

About the Facilitator
Crystal Martin is the Lead Human Resources Director at Lone Star College-CyFair. She earned her MBA from UHD through the LSC University Center and her BA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Mrs. Martin is a certified mediator and possesses several HR certifications. She enjoys playing board games with her husband and three children.

South 268.
By reflecting on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by today’s young adult leaders, this presentation will emphasize the importance of trust in achieving effective collaboration. Through interactive activities, student leaders will gain the knowledge necessary to build and support high performing teams with a solid foundation of trust.

About the Facilitators
Dr. Yolanda Lopez is higher education professional and adjunct at Lone Star College. With a dedicated focus on establishing meaningful connections, she is passionate about fostering opportunities and developing strategies supporting our communities. Her experience working in the non-for-profit sector, and her commitment to empowering students and facilitating pathways to success reflects her deep-rooted passion for education and community development. Lopez earned her bachelor's degree in Ecuador and has two master's degrees: A Master of Science from Texas A&M and a Master of Arts from Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Yolanda completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership in 2022 from SHSU.

Julie Reitzi serves as the Culture Impact Manager at Lone Star College-North Harris. She holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification and prior to working in Higher Education, she worked in Human Resources and in Equal Employment Opportunity consulting. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Psychology from the University of Texas-Austin.

Cynthia (Cyndi) Deleon Guerrero is an indigenous Chamorro and Refaluwasch woman of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Cyndi holds undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education, Liberal Arts, and Elementary Education from the Northern Marianas College (NMC) and her master’s degree in education - International Teaching from Framingham State University. Her work experience includes over 30-years in education institutions, serving students, families, and community partners from primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions as well as community training institutions. Cyndi Joined LSC in the spring of 2021 as a data coordinator for the Title III (SIP) grant and in December of 2021, transitioned to an Internal and Community Relations Manager.

South 260.
Student leaders frequently ask me, “Can I put this on my resume?” Well sure you can, but you need to do more than that. Participants in this session will work collaboratively to articulate and verbalize the skills they’ve learned serving as student leaders and participating in leadership development activities like this conference we’re doing today!

Session Materials

About the Facilitator
Dan Mitsven has worked in student development for over 30 years, with work experience in student activities, residence life, Greek life, athletics, recreational sports, recruiting, and advising. He has taught adjunct for EDUC 1300 and has taught classes with Upward Bound. He started working at LSC-North Harris in 2006, then transferred to LSC-CyFair in 2018, where he currently serves as the Director of Student Life. He enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with his dogs, Dolly & Pistol.