Conference Speakers & Highlights
LeaderShape is known for creating immersive learning experiences that help students build the confidence and capacity to lead. With the collaboration of the NODA planning teams they have designed a keynote specifically for our new spring learning series that will continue that tradition by engaging students in meaningful reflection, hands-on practice, and real-world application. The keynote invites participants to explore their personal leadership strengths and styles to uncover how these qualities shape the way they show up on a team and in their orientation leader roles. Through interactive tools and guided reflection, students gain deeper self-awareness and a stronger understanding of their leadership potential.
The follow-up breakout session shifts the focus to communication, helping students learn how to share their ideas with clarity and confidence. Participants will practice giving and receiving feedback, explore how verbal and nonverbal messages impact team dynamics, and develop strategies for navigating high-stakes or peer leadership scenarios. Facilitated by trained LeaderShape educators, both sessions prioritize reflection, skill-building, and practice—ensuring students leave with practical tools they can immediately use. Together, these experiences empower students to lead with intention, communicate effectively, and contribute to a stronger, more connected orientation team.
Active Minds is the premiere nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms through education, advocacy, and a peer-to-peer approach, aiming to create a culture where mental health is valued and prioritized. They equip young people with tools, resources, and platforms to lead conversations, share experiences, and advocate for mental health in high schools, colleges and communities.
Active Minds will take a deep look at the mental health landscape facing today’s college students and the critical role orientation, transition, and retention work plays in shaping supportive campus environments. Together, we’ll discuss common mental health challenges affecting students across the country and examine the multi-level factors that influence student mental well-being. We’ll explore how campus culture, climate, and structural characteristics shape which mental health concerns emerge, the services available, and how stigma operates on different campuses and across different student groups. Participants will reflect on their own experiences, practice active listening, and explore how peer and emotional support function within student communities. We’ll break down the three steps of providing emotional support and consider how these skills can be modeled by student leaders and incorporated into orientation programs, transition initiatives, and staff training.
ActiveMinds
Like the original in-person Playfair, Playfair Online is a high-energy experience that helps students connect with each other, laugh together, and feel more a part of the community. Everyone interacts as both a full group and in smaller, fast moving breakout rooms while participating in lively and engaging activities. Along the way, we’ll experience a variety of play-filled games, like spontaneous rhymes, group challenges, and while we’re at it, maybe even a dance party. The result is an upbeat, all-welcoming event that helps everyone feel more connected. Oh, and it’s fun.
