Dr. Marvalene Hughes Leadership Conference
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | University Student Center
A free, one-day experience for students who want to grow their voice, strengthen their leadership and build real connections — on campus and beyond.
Conference Theme
This isn't just a conference — it's a space to figure out who you are as a leader and how your leadership can make a real difference in your community and career!
Reflect
Use self-reflection to clarify your values, goals and what kind of leader you want to be.
Empower
Understand how your leadership lifts up the people and communities around you.
Belong
Build community, find your people and lead with purpose and intention.
Connect
Strengthen the relationships that support your academic path and career journey ahead.
A Day Built Around You
From inspiring speakers to hands-on sessions you choose yourself, every part of this conference is designed to give you something real to take back to your campus, career and community.
Inspring Keynote Speakers
Hear from featured guest speakers, including Alexis Aleman and Irvin Garcia Real, popularly known as the Foos in Medicine, alongside campus leaders as they share their experiences and insights.
Breakout Sessions You Choose
Pick the sessions that match your interests and goals — dynamic, interactive and tailored to where you are in your leadership journey.
Space to Learn and Connect
Meet other students who care about making a difference. Share ideas, learn from each other and leave with real connections.
Event Schedule
| Time | Program & Details |
|---|---|
| 8 – 8:50 a.m. | Check-In Location: Student Center Valley Multiuse Room |
| 9 – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome Remarks Land and Labor Acknowledgements, followed by remarks from Cindy Visot, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Carolina Alfaro, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Location: Student Center Valley Multiuse Room |
|
9:15 – 10 a.m. |
Keynote Speaker Keynote presentation by Adrian Harrell, Stan State alumnus and business owner (Class of 1998) Location: Student Center Valley Multiuse Room |
| 10 – 10:45 a.m. | Community Activity |
| 11 – 11:50 a.m. | Workshop Block I Sessions will take place across Student Center conference rooms and the Valley Multiuse Room:
|
| 12 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch and Featured Campus Speaker Featured conversation with Foos in Medicine: Alexis Aleman and Irvin Garcia Real Location: Student Center Valley Multiuse Room |
| 1:45 – 2:35 p.m. | Workshop Block II Sessions will take place across Student Center conference rooms and the Valley Multiuse Room:
|
| 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. | Closing Activity Location: Student Center Valley Multiuse Room |
| 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks & Wrap Up Location: Student Center Valley Multiuse Room |
Special Guest Speakers:
The Foos in Medicine
Two first-generation college students turned their shared story into a movement — and in the process, built one of medicine's most recognized communities. Alexis Aleman and Irvin Garcia Real are UCLA medical students and the founders of Foos in Medicine, a social media community dedicated to inspiring people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine, STEM, and healthcare. Their work has caught the attention of outlets ranging from the Jennifer Hudson Show to ABC7.
Growing up in low-income, immigrant households and navigating institutional barriers that underrepresented students often face, they turned their journey into a platform that now reaches hundreds of thousands — using humor, honesty and advocacy to expand representation in healthcare.
AS SEEN IN
Updated: March 25, 2026