Student Leadership and Social Responsibility Conference

Students raising hands in an auditorium.

The Landmark College Office of Student Affairs held a Leadership and Social Responsibility Conference on Saturday, April 2, 2022. The half-day event featured presentations by Landmark College students, faculty, and staff members and a keynote address from Steffen Gillom, president of the Windham County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

About 40 students heard Gillom discuss the nuances of leadership and how to push back on the traditional norms of what makes a “strong leader” by reframing the concept. Gillom, who is a psychotherapist and professor, offered guidance on how to inspire by leaning into one’s ability and win the day by “leading with grace.”

Attendees then selected from a series of breakout sessions that focused on different aspects of leadership, from managing conflict to developing leadership skills to exploring hidden privilege.

Click here for a PDF of the Conference Schedule. Photos of the proceedings by Mark DiPietro, vice president for marketing & communications.

Image from audience point of view looking at two presenters, one female and one male. Both are wearing protective masks.

Students Hannah Goldman (left) and Dylan Sullivan (right) presented “Finding Research Opportunities On and Off Campus” to help LC students build confidence in their ability to contribute to the scientific community, and to reinforce the importance of a neurodiverse perspective in the sciences.

Audience view of Steffen Gillom at podium. He has a shaved head and beard and is wearing a gray blazer over a white t-shirt.

Steffen Gillom, president of the Windham County NAACP, gave the conference’s keynote, “Lead with Grace, Win the Day.”

Audience point of view image of Steffen Gillom at podium and Marc Thurman at center stage as they field audience questions.

Keynote speaker Steffen Gillom (left) and Marc Thurman (right), director of LC’s Centers for Diversity & Inclusion, field questions from the students after Gillom’s address.

Audience view of student in bright patterned shirt making a presentation. He is raising his hands and other audience members also have their hands raised.

LC student Daniel Molster (center) engages his audience during his session, “The Triumphs and Pitfalls of Building Community & Culture.”

A woman with white hair and protective face mask turns around in her chair to talk with two female students sitting behind her.

Professor Lee Crocker (right) in a small group with LC students during Daniel Molster’s interactive presentation, “The Triumphs and Pitfalls of Building Community & Culture.” Professor Crocker also conducted the ensuing breakout session, "Leadership, What Are Your Strengths? What Skills Do You Need to Develop?"