Student Leaders Gather Today For Conference

High school students in Lehigh and Northampton counties are gathering today at Northampton Community College for an inaugural leadership conference that will explore topics such as team building, relationships, money matters, entrepreneurship and diversity.

“Who Am I?” – a Multicultural Student Leadership Conference” aims to mentor students and develop their leadership skills through workshops, speakers, college and career counseling, peer interactions, role playing and networking. 

 “We are hoping to bring together student leaders from all walks of life to inspire each other, collaborate, and brainstorm ways they can become even better leaders in their schools and beyond,” said Harrison Bailey, assistant principal and advisor to the Multicultural Awareness Club at Parkland High School, in a prepared statement.

 Bailey coordinated the program with Ferdinand Surita of the Allentown School District and Natalie Ortiz of the Bethlehem Area School District.

“Very few people have taught these kids how to lead, but we expect them do it,” Bailey said. “By honing in on their natural abilities to lead diverse groups, we are hoping to bring out the best in each of them and help them through their journey to becoming adult leaders in the community and world.”

The Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union and Wachovia/Wells Fargo sponsored about 80 students who were chosen to attend. 

Speakers include local business professionals and college career counselors from 13 area colleges and universities. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.