Activate the leader within
Brought to you by the Undergraduate Office at UBC Sauder and the Commerce Undergraduate Society in collaboration with the UBC Montalbano Centre for Responsible Leadership Development.
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ACTIVATE 2025: 26th January at 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?
- Want to gain or add tools to your leadership inventory?
- Interested in connecting with a future leadership role?
What is ACTIVATE?
ACTIVATE is a Student Leadership Conference hosted by the UGO and the CUS in collaboration with the UBC Montalbano Centre for Responsible Leadership Development. Join us on Sunday, January 26th, from 10:00am to 3:30pm, to explore leadership that goes beyond titles and resumes—it’s about the actions you take and the communities you inspire.
Designed for emerging leaders, ACTIVATE equips you with foundational and transformative leadership skills, focusing on inclusivity, teamwork, and real-world applications to help you thrive in your studies, community, and future opportunities. Through engaging workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, you’ll learn how to build resilience, lead teams effectively, and approach leadership with confidence and impact.
Whether you’re driven to create positive change, excel in team environments, or prepare for internships and co-ops, ACTIVATE will help you lead with purpose, adaptability, and the skills to grow as a leader.
Spaces are limited - register for free and take your first step toward becoming a transformative leader! The first 10 students who register for Activate will receive Sauder swag at the conference.
What is the theme this year?
This year, ACTIVATE explores the theme of "What is Inclusive Leadership". Each segment of the conference is designed to offer unique perspectives and actionable insights, giving participants a variety of ways to incorporate inclusivity into their leadership journey. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways tailored to their growth and understanding of inclusive leadership.
Conference Structure
| Time of Day | Schedule | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00am – 10:20am | Check-in Opens | Ponderosa Ballroom |
| 10:20am – 11:00am | Opening Ceremonies + Keynote | Ponderosa Ballroom |
| 11:10am – 12:05pm | AM Workshop | Ponderosa Classrooms |
| 12:05pm – 1:05pm | Panel + Lunch | Ponderosa Ballroom |
| 1:15pm – 2:10pm | PM Workshop | Ponderosa Classrooms |
| 2:20pm – 2:30pm | Closing Remarks | Ponderosa Ballroom |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Appy Hour | Ponderosa Ballroom |
| 3:30pm | Conference End | - |
Keynote Speaker
You will kickstart the conference with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Rebecca Paluch, designed to motivate and ignite your passion. Dive into an interactive experience where you can connect with Dr. Paluch directly, asking live questions to fuel your inspiration.
Dr. Rebecca Paluch
BSc. (Lehigh), MSc. (Cornell, Loyola), PhD (Cornell)
Assistant Professor, Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Division. Montalbano Centre For Responsible Leadership Development - Centre Associate
Keynote Speaker
Workshops
AM: Visha Thamboo
AM: Jon Evans
PM: CUS
Representing the CUS:
Abeer Amir (CUS President)
Luke Parolin (VP Academic Affairs)
Taya Lee (Second-Year Rep)
James Raham (First Year Representative)
PM: Savanah Knockwood
Savanah Knockwood is the Career Strategist for Indigenous Students & Student Athletes at the University of British Columbia’s Central Career Centre.
Panel
Shrishti Sreeram
(she/her)
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Devesh Puar
(he/they)
Nishtha Manaksia
(she/her)
Abeer Amir
(she/her)
Cheri Wan
(she/her)
Role: Conference Host
Appy Hour
We have invited some student groups to share more about their services, the various leadership positions, and when they will be hiring! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to find your next role or involvement. Appetizers will be served, and we will make sure you get a chance to learn about each hiring group.
The word “APPY” is a play on “Happy Hour,” but instead of toasting drinks, we’ll be toasting appetizers (Appies)!
