UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State students University-wide are invited to attend a virtual conference on Oct. 26 and 27 that is designed to empower them as leaders and help them develop skills they can apply in their careers.
Registration is open for the 2026 Thrive: Student Leadership and Success Summit, which will be held online. The free event is led by Penn State World Campus Student Affairs and is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any Penn State campus.
The summit will offer students the opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge through interactive breakout sessions, engaging keynote presentations, and valuable networking opportunities.
Featured speakers include Ray Lutzky, a technology executive and digital media faculty member at New York University and the University of Southern California. Drawing on his experience in business and higher education, Lutzky will share strategies to help students build community, strengthen connections and lead effectively in a digital world.
The summit will also feature TaLisa Ramos, a first-generation Latina and Taíno student whose higher education journey shaped her passion for activism, equity and inclusion. Through storytelling and collective healing, she aims to empower student leaders across the country to move from surviving to thriving.
Students may choose to attend sessions from three tailored tracks:
- Career Development and Readiness: Equip students with vital skills to elevate their career readiness, craft engaging professional narratives from their experiences, establish influential networks, and create inclusive and welcoming work environments.
- Leadership and Inclusive Practices: Students will explore leadership theories and models; enhance skills in communication, conflict resolution, and delegation; promote community and belonging; and reflect on their own leadership styles to foster growth across various settings and roles.
- Student Success and Well-Being: Students will develop strategies and/or leverage University resources for balancing academic responsibilities with personal commitments, utilize time management techniques, and apply wellness and mindfulness practices to improve their overall well-being and academic performance.
Students can register for the conference on the Whova website.