CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
2026 CIRCLE OF CHANGE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
November 20-22, 2026 | Kean University | Newark, NJ
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Opening Session | One College Nation
6:00pm – 8:00pm
We kick off the conference with energy and connection! Join us for an electrifying welcome with our conference DJ, Emcee, and the One College Nation experience.
This highly interactive session goes beyond icebreakers—students will connect across campuses, build lasting relationships, and engage in transformational dialogue.
Participants will walk away with a deeper sense of cultural awareness, empathy, and the interpersonal skills needed to foster inclusion and belonging in any environment.
Friday, November 20, 2026
Opening Keynote Speaker | Dr. Joshua Fredenburg
9:00am – 10:30am
The Circle of Change Leadership Experience kicks off with a dynamic, inspiring, and high-energy keynote presentation by Dr. Joshua Fredenburg.
During this powerful opening session, student leaders will gain foundational leadership knowledge, practical skills, and effective strategies designed to strengthen their ability to lead and serve others within their campus communities.
In addition, participants will be inspired and empowered to maximize their leadership potential, make a meaningful impact on those around them, and become positive agents of change within their communities, our nation, and the world as emerging leaders.
Facilitated Leadership Networking Experience
10:45am – 11:30am
The Facilitated Leadership Networking Experience is an engaging and interactive relationship-building session led by a trained facilitator who is committed to helping participants form meaningful connections with one another. Through guided conversations and intentional networking activities, students will strengthen their sense of community, expand their professional network, and build lasting relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds and institutions.
Throughout the experience, participants will not only gain confidence in sharing their stories and engaging in professional conversations, but they will also develop valuable communication, networking, collaboration, and relationship-building skills that will benefit them throughout college and in their future careers as emerging leaders.
Leadership Empowerment Session
11:45am – 1:00pm
The Leadership Empowerment Session will feature three dynamic speakers who will each share one powerful leadership strategy that emerging student leaders can use to position themselves for career leadership success in college and beyond.
This engaging TED-style session is intentionally designed to help emerging student leaders build their leadership capacity by attaining practical leadership insights, real-world experiences, and actionable leadership strategies that can be used immediately.
Each speaker will deliver a focused, high-impact message that equips student leaders with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen their leadership development, expand their leadership capacity, and confidently prepare for leadership impact in college and beyond.
By the end of this session, students will walk away with valuable leadership insights, increased clarity about the keys to effective leadership, and practical leadership strategies they can begin implementing right away.
Lunch
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Lunch at Circle of Change Leadership Experience is more than just a meal—it’s a networking opportunity! Students and professionals will connect with others who share similar career aspirations, take professional headshots, and have the chance to win fun prizes.
Fireside Leadership Chat Interviews
2:00pm – 3:15pm
The Leadership Fireside Chats will feature a series of intimate and engaging conversations with highly accomplished professionals who will share powerful leadership insights and career strategies designed to help emerging leaders position themselves for long-term career leadership success after graduation.
During these candid interviews, student leaders will have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals who have successfully navigated the journey from college graduate to a thriving leader and professional within their area of expertise.
Each conversation will focus on practical advice, real-world experiences, and key leadership strategies that can help students successfully transition from college into their careers as future leaders and professionals.
The purpose of these meaningful conversations is not only to provide valuable leadership guidance and encouragement, but also to help emerging leaders understand the unwritten rules of professional and leadership success after graduating from college.
Facilitated Leadership Networking Experience
3:30pm – 4:15pm
The Facilitated Leadership Networking Experience is an engaging and interactive relationship-building session led by a trained facilitator who is committed to helping participants form meaningful connections with one another. Through guided conversations and intentional networking activities, students will strengthen their sense of community, expand their professional network, and build lasting relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds and institutions.
Throughout the experience, participants will not only gain confidence in sharing their stories and engaging in professional conversations, but they will also develop valuable communication, networking, collaboration, and relationship-building skills that will benefit them throughout college and in their future careers as emerging leaders.
Board Breaking Leadership Experience with Troy Stende
4:30pm – 6:00pm
The Board-Breaking Experience with Troy Stende is one of the most anticipated and transformational moments of the conference. This powerful interactive activity challenges emerging leaders to confront and overcome the fears, barriers, limiting beliefs, and obstacles that may be preventing them from reaching their fullest potential as leaders and individuals.
As a long-standing conference tradition, this unforgettable experience inspires participants to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace a mindset of possibility, and discover the strength, courage, and resilience needed to achieve their goals as student leaders. Year after year, students describe this session as life-changing, empowering, and one of the most impactful experiences of the entire conference.
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Opening Keynote Speaker | Kevin Bracy
9:00am – 10:30am
Day Two of the Circle of Change Leadership Experience begins with a dynamic, engaging, and empowering keynote presentation on resilient leadership delivered by renowned speaker Kevin Bracy.
Designed to inspire, motivate, and transform, this impactful session will challenge student leaders to rise above obstacles, embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth, and develop the mindset necessary to thrive in the face of challenges. Participants will leave equipped with practical tools, proven strategies, and valuable insights that will strengthen their resilience, enhance their leadership effectiveness, and empower them to navigate both personal and professional challenges with greater confidence and perseverance as an emerging leader.
Career Development Leadership Empowerment Session #1
10:45am – 12:15pm
The Career Leadership Development Panel will feature three to four accomplished professionals from diverse industries who will share valuable insights and practical advice with student leaders about navigating and succeeding within their respective career fields as future leaders.
During this engaging panel session, these professionals will discuss their career journeys, the skills and experiences that helped them succeed, and the leadership strategies students can use to effectively position themselves for future leadership opportunities within their desired industries. Panelists will also share insights into the challenges, expectations, and unwritten rules of professional and leadership success within their fields.
Professional areas that may be represented during this panel include entertainment, sports management, technology and STEM, civic engagement, human resources, business, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and other impactful career fields.
Lunch
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Students and professionals will continue connecting over lunch, with time for additional networking, headshots, and building relationships with peers and mentors.
Career Development Leadership Empowerment Session #2
1:30pm – 3:00pm
The Career Leadership Development Panel will feature three to four accomplished professionals from diverse industries who will share valuable insights and practical advice with student leaders about navigating and succeeding within their respective career fields as future leaders.
During this engaging panel session, these professionals will discuss their career journeys, the skills and experiences that helped them succeed, and the leadership strategies students can use to effectively position themselves for future leadership opportunities within their desired industries. Panelists will also share insights into the challenges, expectations, and unwritten rules of professional and leadership success within their fields.
Professional areas that may be represented during this panel include entertainment, sports management, technology and STEM, civic engagement, human resources, business, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and other impactful career fields.
Student Leadership Presentation
3:15pm – 4:00pm
One of the most unique and empowering aspects of the Circle of Change Leadership Experience is the opportunity for student leaders from colleges and universities across the nation to facilitate leadership workshops for their peers.
During these engaging sessions, student presenters will share the leadership principles, strategies, and best practices that have helped them excel, serve effectively, and create a positive impact within their campus communities. Participants will gain valuable insights from fellow student leaders representing a variety of leadership roles and experiences, offering practical ideas that can be immediately applied to their own leadership journey.
Designed to be interactive, inspiring, and peer-driven, these workshops provide a powerful platform for collaboration, learning, and leadership growth. Attendees can expect to leave each session with fresh perspectives, actionable leadership strategies, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead with purpose and impact.
Scholarship and Awards Ceremony
4:15pm – 5:30pm
The Circle of Change Leadership Experience will conclude with a powerful and inspirational closing keynote designed to leave participants motivated, empowered, and ready to elevate their leadership journey to the next level.
Following the keynote presentation, attendees will gather for the highly anticipated Awards and Scholarship Ceremony, a special celebration recognizing outstanding student leaders, dedicated advisors, and campus partners for their commitment to leadership, service, and making a positive impact within their communities.
During this memorable event, scholarships and special awards will be presented to deserving individuals, while those who played a significant role in the success of the conference will be honored for their contributions. This uplifting finale serves as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate achievement, recognize excellence, and inspire participants to continue leading with purpose long after the conference concludes.
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Explore New York City Day
9:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday is a designated day for students and professionals to explore the best of New York, including: Broadway Show, Times Square, Central Park, Empire State, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, or attending a professional sports game featuring the New York Giants, New York Knicks, or Brooklyn Nets.
Although tickets must be purchased by each college or university, this is a valuable opportunity for students to experience the magic, excitement, and culture of New York City alongside their leadership peers.