SPARK Leadership Conference
by
Sat, Apr 11, 2026
11 AM – 2 PM EDT (GMT-4)
Private Location (sign in to display)
Registration
Details
Every year, members of the Student Programming Council (SPC) attend a national conference to learn best practices for running student organizations and planning on-campus events. We are excited to share what we have learned and give you all the opportunity to ask us questions about event programming at Cornell.
Breakfast/Check-In: 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Session 1 : 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Session 2: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Session 3 : 11:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch/Social: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM *This is only for presenters and attendees who attended all sessions
Agenda
Past Events
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Presenters: Stephen Cisz and Andrew Dachnowicz
Organization: Student Activities Funding Commission
Description: This session explores how icebreakers can build trust, increase engagement, and create inclusive spaces for club meetings. Participants will learn practical strategies for choosing and facilitating icebreakers that foster authentic connection rather than surface-level participation.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Presenters: Harrison Beckwith, Deana Tomlinson, Elliott So, and Vanessa Long
Organization: Cornell Concert Commission and Multi-Cultural Fueled Activities Board
Description: CCC and MCFAB representatives will discuss how to ensure an event is known across the student body and how to persuade on-the-fence participants, no matter the event. It is important to understand how to keep the event engaging to maintain attendance.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Presenters: Hiba Loukssi and Riya Patil
Organization: Student Programming Council
Description: This presentation will share strategies for understanding student motivations, building more inclusive programming, and using social media and storytelling to connect with diverse student groups. We will show how to meet students where they are, create spaces for meaningful conversations, and make events accessible and engaging for everyone.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Presenters: Jaymar Examen and Anna Marchetti
Organization: Cornell University Program Board
Description: An exercise to allow growth and movement by writing down things that have been upsetting us lately, or just things on our minds, on a piece of paper, then ripping it up. Additionally, there will be some writing advice options, such as "What's something you wish someone had told you?" and other prompts in that vein.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
MOVED TO SESSION BLOCK 2
Presenter: Emmanuella (Ella) Umoh
Organization: Multicultural Community-Fueled Activities Board (MCFAB)
Description: This presentation explores how students can harness personal branding and self-advocacy to lead with confidence and clarity. Attendees will learn to transition from "background cast" to proactive leaders by defining their unique values and narrative.
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Presenters: Elyse Fuller and Kendyl Neal
Organization: Student Union Board
Description: This presentation is about fostering safe spaces within clubs and organizations, along with ways to improve, innovate, and grow.
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Presenters: Hiba Loukssi and Riya Patil
Organization: Student Programming Council
Description: This presentation will share strategies for understanding student motivations, building more inclusive programming, and using social media and storytelling to connect with diverse student groups. We will show how to meet students where they are, create spaces for meaningful conversations, and make events accessible and engaging for everyone.
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
MOVED TO SESSION 1
Presenters: Harrison Beckwith, Elliott So, Deana Tomlinson, and Vanessa Long
Organization: Cornell Concert Commission and Multi-Cultural Fueled Activities Board
Description: CCC and MCFAB representatives will discuss how to ensure an event is known across the student body and how to persuade on-the-fence participants, no matter the event. It is important to understand how to keep the event engaging to maintain attendance.
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Presenters: Rayen Zhou and Blake Ricketts
Organization: Class Councils
Description: How to translate leadership experiences in student organizations into meaningful contributions to your resume and workforce
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Presenter: Emmanuella (Ella) Umoh
Organization: Multicultural Community-Fueled Activities Board (MCFAB)
Description: This presentation explores how students can harness personal branding and self-advocacy to lead with confidence and clarity. Attendees will learn to transition from "background cast" to proactive leaders by defining their unique values and narrative.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
MOVED TO SESSION BLOCK 1:
Presenters: Jaymar Examen and Anna Marchetti
Organization: Cornell University Program Board
Description: An exercise to allow growth and movement by writing down things that have been upsetting us lately, or just things on our minds, on a piece of paper, then ripping it up. Additionally, there will be some writing advice options, such as "What's something you wish someone had told you?" and other prompts in that vein.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
MOVED TO SESSION BLOCK 2
Presenters: Elyse Fuller and Kendyl Neal
Organization: Student Union Board
Description: This presentation is about fostering safe spaces within clubs and organizations, along with ways to improve, innovate, and grow.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
MOVED TO SESSIONS 1 & 2
Presenters: Hiba Loukssi and Riya Patil
Organization: Student Programming Council
Description: We aim to explore how organizations can focus on student leadership and passions, and how club members can apply their seemingly unrelated experiences to their careers.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
MOVED TO SESSION 1
Presenters: Stephen Cisz and Andrew Dachnowicz
Organization: Student Activities Funding Commission
Description: This session explores how icebreakers can build trust, increase engagement, and create inclusive spaces for club meetings. Participants will learn practical strategies for choosing and facilitating icebreakers that foster authentic connection rather than surface-level participation.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
MOVED TO SESSION BLOCK 2
Presenters: Rayen Zhou and Blake Ricketts
Organization: Class Councils
Description: How to translate leadership experiences in student organizations into meaningful contributions to your resume and workforce
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
For all attendees
Description: Join us for your final Leadership Workshop Series (LWS) presentation at an engaging leadership roundtable discussion! Explore key topics such as membership retention, effective use of social media, and strategies for maximizing your organization’s budget. Connect with fellow student leaders in small group discussions, share experiences, and gain practical insights you can bring back to your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and strengthen your leadership skills!
Hosted By
Co-hosted with: Campus Activities, Student Activities Funding Commission