The First-Generation Student Career Leadership Experience is national conference specifically designed to provide First Generation Students with the career and leadership development skills that will enable them to position themselves for career and leadership success in college and beyond.
Over three-days, hundreds of First-Generation Students from across the country not only network with other First-Generation Students, hear from dynamic speakers, learn from highly successful First-Generation Professionals from top tier organizations, but they engage in transformational educational programming that enhances their career awareness and readiness, and leadership development in an engaging, fresh, inspiration, and fun way.
To help you learn more about this life changing experience that has impacted the lives of 2,500 first generation students from one hundred colleges and universities over the past five years, you can download the informational packet, check out the video, and review the conference information that has been provided below.
Three Days of Transformational Career & Leadership Development: Experience three powerful days of career awareness, career readiness, professional development, and leadership training designed to equip first-generation students with the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to thrive in college and achieve career success after graduation.
Exclusive Networking & Mentorship Opportunities: Connect, network, and build meaningful relationships with successful first-generation professionals, industry leaders, and executives from top-tier companies and organizations who can provide valuable career insights, guidance, and mentorship.
Complimentary Career Development Resources & Conference Materials: Receive valuable career development resources, including a career readiness workbook, pen, complimentary book, and lunch on Friday and Saturday to enhance your overall conference experience.
Customized Career, Professional & Leadership Development Workshops: Participate in dynamic, interactive, and engaging workshop sessions specifically designed to address the unique career development needs, challenges, and opportunities of first-generation college students.
Professional Career Coaching & Headshot Opportunities: Gain access to experienced career coaches and opportunities to receive professional headshots that will help strengthen your personal brand, enhance your career readiness, and position you for future career opportunities.
Exclusive Access to Conference Session Recordings: Continue your professional and leadership development journey after the conference with 60 days of virtual access to recordings of keynote presentations and panel discussions, allowing you to revisit valuable career insights, lessons, and strategies.
Financial Scholarship & National Leadership Society Opportunities: Gain opportunities to earn financial scholarships, receive special recognition, and become part of the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society, a national community committed to empowering first-generation students to achieve lifelong career and leadership success.
Exciting Excursions, Career Site Visits, & South Florida Experiences: Explore the exciting organizations and attractions of South Florida through career development site visits and unique excursion opportunities designed to create unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a well-rounded national conference experience.
2027 First Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience
9:00am – 10:30am
The morning keynote speaker will deliver an inspiring, engaging, and interactive presentation designed to empower first-generation students with the mindset, strategies, and practical tools needed to position themselves for career and leadership success in college and beyond.
Through a dynamic and transformational presentation, students will gain valuable insights, actionable strategies, and practical solutions to overcome common career and leadership development challenges, maximize their potential, and confidently navigate their journey towards attaining career success after graduation.
10:45am – 11:30am
This dynamic and interactive career networking experience will be led by an engaging facilitator who will empower first-generation students to strengthen their relationship-building and networking skills, establish meaningful connections with fellow students from across the country, and begin building a supportive community of emerging leaders and future professionals.
Through engaging activities and intentional networking opportunities, participants will develop valuable connections, expand their professional networks, and discover the power of networking and building relationships that can contribute to their long-term career and leadership success.
11:45am – 1:00pm
The Career Development Empowerment Session will feature three dynamic and inspiring speakers who will equip first-generation students with powerful career development strategies, practical insights, and actionable tools to position themselves for career success in college and beyond.
Each speaker will share valuable career development lessons and proven strategies specifically designed to address the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities facing first-generation college students.
Through this engaging and empowering experience, participants will walk away with practical strategies they can immediately implement to strengthen their career readiness, maximize their professional potential, and take intentional steps toward achieving their long-term career and leadership goals.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
During this engaging and interactive networking experience, first-generation students will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with fellow attendees, reflect on the valuable insights and lessons gained during the opening sessions of the conference, and strengthen their professional networks.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to receive a professional headshot that can be used to enhance their personal and professional brand, strengthen their LinkedIn profile, and position themselves for future internships, networking opportunities, and career success.
2:00pm – 3:15pm
The Fireside Career Development Chats will feature engaging, intimate, and insightful conversations with three highly successful first-generation professionals who have achieved career success across a variety of industries and professional fields.
Through these interactive conversations, first-generation students will gain valuable career advice, firsthand insights, and practical strategies associated with pursuing career success within their area of expertise.
More importantly, these discussions will provide students with an inside look at the unwritten rules of professional success, helping them better understand the expectations, relationships, behaviors, and strategies that can make a significant difference in their ability to thrive, advance, and succeed within their chosen career fields.
3:30pm – 4:15pm
This dynamic, engaging, and interactive leadership development experience will feature an exciting team-building activity designed to strengthen the leadership, communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills of first-generation students.
Through this hands-on experience, participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow first-generation students from colleges and universities across the country, build meaningful relationships, and develop essential leadership competencies that will empower them to work effectively with others, navigate team dynamics, and achieve greater success in college, their future careers, and beyond.
9:00am – 10:30am
The morning keynote presentation will deliver an inspiring, engaging, and interactive experience designed to empower first-generation students with the mindset, resilience, confidence, and practical strategies needed to overcome challenges, navigate adversity, and thrive as emerging professionals within their chosen career fields.
Through this dynamic and transformational presentation, students will gain valuable insights, actionable tools, and proven strategies for developing a resilient mindset, overcoming professional obstacles, adapting to change, and maintaining confidence when faced with setbacks and uncertainty.
More importantly, this powerful keynote experience will equip first-generation students with the mental and emotional tools needed to successfully navigate the transition from college to their professional careers, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and develop the resilience necessary to achieve long-term career and leadership success.
10:45am – 12:00pm
The Career Leadership Development Panel will feature three to four highly accomplished professionals and industry leaders who will share valuable career insights, firsthand experiences, and practical strategies to help first-generation students successfully navigate their professional journeys and position themselves for long-term career and leadership success.
Through these engaging and interactive panel discussions, students will gain an inside look at various industries, learn about career opportunities and professional expectations, and discover the essential skills, competencies, relationships, and strategies needed to thrive within their chosen career fields.
Featured professional areas of expertise will include entertainment, sports and entertainment, technology and STEM, civic engagement, human resources, business, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and other exciting career fields.
12:00pm – 1:00pm
During this engaging and interactive networking experience, first-generation students will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with fellow attendees, reflect on the valuable insights and lessons gained during the opening sessions of the conference, and strengthen their professional networks.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to receive a professional headshot that can be used to enhance their personal and professional brand, strengthen their LinkedIn profile, and position themselves for future internships, networking opportunities, and career success.
1:15pm – 2:30pm
The Career Leadership Development Panel will feature three to four highly accomplished professionals and industry leaders who will share valuable career insights, firsthand experiences, and practical strategies to help first-generation students successfully navigate their professional journeys and position themselves for long-term career and leadership success.
Through these engaging and interactive panel discussions, students will gain an inside look at various industries, learn about career opportunities and professional expectations, and discover the essential skills, competencies, relationships, and strategies needed to thrive within their chosen career fields.
Featured professional areas of expertise will include entertainment, sports and entertainment, technology and STEM, civic engagement, human resources, business, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and other exciting career fields.
2:45pm – 4:00pm
Do you wish you could find your own style and not waste your money trying to keep up with social media fashion trends? Do you believe that your appearance doesn’t affect your success? Well, think again! This hands-on “styleshop” will help you discover the undeniable impact of dressing professionally and presenting yourself effectively in the professional world, while still being your unique, wonderful self!
You’ll learn the importance of dressing for the occasion and get styling tips from “styleshop”experts who are there to answer your questions. Participants will not only see the transformation but also understand the role of attire in confidence, presentation, and professional success.
4:00pm – 4:45pm
The First-Generation Student Leadership Presentations will provide a unique and empowering opportunity for selected first-generation college students to serve as featured workshop presenters and share valuable lessons, personal experiences, and practical strategies that have enabled them to thrive and succeed within their campus communities.
Through these dynamic, engaging, and student-led career and leadership development workshops, participants will gain firsthand insights into the challenges, opportunities, and experiences of fellow first-generation students who have successfully navigated their collegiate journeys as student leaders.
5:00pm – 6:00pm
The final session of the day will feature an exciting, high-energy, and inspirational Induction & Scholarship Awards Ceremony designed to celebrate the achievements, leadership potential, and future success of first-generation college students.
During this dynamic and interactive celebration, the Circle of Change Leadership Team will recognize outstanding students, present special awards, and award financial scholarships to selected attendees.
One of the most memorable highlights of this powerful closing experience will be the official induction of the second cohort of members into the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society, marking an exciting milestone in their journey toward professional growth, leadership development, and lifelong career success.
South Florida Beach Experience: Connecting, Celebrating & Creating Lasting Memories!
The final day of the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience will feature an exciting, relaxing, and unforgettable beach experience along the beautiful coastline of South Florida!
This fun-filled and casual closing experience will provide first-generation students with a unique opportunity to strengthen the meaningful relationships established throughout the conference, network with fellow students from colleges and universities across the country, and celebrate an incredible weekend of career development, leadership growth, and personal empowerment.
To make this experience even more memorable, the Circle of Change Leadership Team will reserve a designated gathering area directly on the beach, where our conference DJ will create an exciting atmosphere with music and entertainment throughout the day.
Participants will have the freedom to enjoy the beautiful beach, explore nearby shops and restaurants, ride bicycles, participate in recreational activities, or simply relax and connect with their new friends.
This special closing experience will provide students with an opportunity to celebrate their shared journeys as first-generation college students, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories that extend far beyond the conference.
Reyna Harvey is a first-generation student alumnus who attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience in 2017 and serves as a traffic and news anchor in the Bay Area.
When Reyna attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience, she not only won an award as a catalyst for change, but she developed skills and made connections with professionals that empowered her to thrive and succeed within her career.
Tristan Henriquez is a first-generation student alumnus who attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience in 2019 and serves as a product strategy associate at Netflix.
When Tristan attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience, he not only gained incredible wisdom from the speakers and panelists, but he leveraged the information and connections that he was able to foster at the conference to position himself for opportunities at Google, Viacom, YouTube, and Netflix.
Sparsh Saxena is a student alumnus who attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience in 2018 and serves as a product manager at Microsoft.
When Sparsh attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience, he not only took full advantage of all the educational opportunities and resources that were available to him at the conference, but he used the motivation, empowerment, and inspiration gleaned from the conference to attain an incredible career at Microsoft.
Lakysha Bloem is a student alumnus who attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience in 2018 and serves as a digital creative lead at Liongate.
When Lakysha attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience, she not only became a campus ambassador and intern within our organization, but she implemented some of the skills that she learned from the conference to position herself for career success within the entertainment industry.
Saeed Ahmad is a student alumnus who attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience in 2018 and now serves as a student admissions fellow at Harvard University Law School.
When Saeed attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience, he was not only a student leader within at his community college, but he used some of the lessons learned at the conference to attain a degree from the University of California Los Angeles and earn his acceptance into the Harvard University Law School program.
Jazmin Eusebio is a first-generation student alumnus who attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience in 2018 and now serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Program and PR Manager at Highwire.
When Jazmin attended the Circle of Change Leadership Experience, she not only served as a student intern for the conference, but she used some of the skills and connections to win awards, create a successful career within her area of expertise, and make a positive impact in the lives of future professionals.
Over three-days of transformational programming that revolves around career readiness, professional development, career awareness, and leadership success, First Generation Students from across the country will have the opportunity to learn from incredible keynote speakers and accomplished First Generation professionals from top tier companies and organizations.
Provided below are the names of a few keynote speakers and accomplished First Generation professionals from top tier companies and organizations that impacted the lives of first-generation students during the past five years at the First Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience.
The speakers and panelist that will be chosen for the 2027 First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience will be released in March of 2027!
The COC Leadership Conference made an incredible impact on our students! Conference speakers and session facilitators were thought – provoking, skilled and provided practical strategies and resources for all attendees. Since our initial partnership with Dr. Fredenburg and his team, our students have enthusiastically shared their COC experiences with others and continue to excel on campus.
Circle of Change has impacted thousands of first-generation students around the world, and within my years in higher education at CSUSB, CSULA, SJSU, CSUF, and USC, the students come back transformed and with a new mindset focused on making an impact in their communities.
Circle of Change gave an opportunity for our first gen students to see and hear from leaders who looked like them and had shared experiences as them. COCLC inspired our students that anything is possible and that they have the power within themselves, now, to achieve great things for themselves and for their community to advance positive change.
Working at a California Community College, I see first-hand the powerful and life-changing difference Circle of Change makes in the lives of my students…especially first-generation college students. These students return empowered, self-confident, and with a plan of action to achieve their career goals. COC is a difference-maker!
The 2027 First Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience will be held at the Florida International University Biscayne Bay Campus in Miami, Florida.
The registration cost for each student who desires to attend the 2027 First Generation Student Career and Leadership Experience will be $350.00 per student.
Registration includes access to all the events, a workbook, a pen, free Book, lunch on Friday and Saturday, and access to the beach festivities that will take place on Sunday.
There is an early bird rate of $325.00 for those who register for the conference by February 27, 2027. Colleges and Universities that register more than 10 students will receive a complimentary registration for their advisor.
To register for the event, just click on the link that has been provided below.
The 2027 First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience will be taking place at the Florida International Biscayne Bay Campus. Our leadership team has reserved two hotels for conference participants to consider while they are attending the 2027 First-Generation Student Career Leadership Experience in Miami, Florida.
The Courtyard by Marriott Miami Aventura Mall
2825 NE 191st Street, Aventura, FL 33180
Phone Number: 305-937-0805
We are excited to announce that the Courtyard by Marriott is one of our official conference hotels for the 2027 First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience!
Conveniently located approximately 5–15 minutes from the conference venue, this hotel provides participants with comfortable accommodations and easy access to some of South Florida's most popular attractions.
Guests will enjoy a convenient location within walking distance of a major shopping mall, numerous restaurants, and a variety of shopping and entertainment options. Additionally, the beautiful beaches of Sunny Isles Beach are just a 25-minute drive away, providing conference attendees with an opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of South Florida during their visit.
The special discounted conference rate is $239 per night for participants attending the 2027 First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience.
This exclusive rate is available for the following room accommodations:
Two Queen Beds: $239 per night
One King Bed: $239 per night
To take advantage of this exclusive conference hotel rate, we encourage participants to reserve their accommodations using the special hotel reservation link provided below.
Hampton Inn Hallandale Beach-Aventura
1000 S Federal Hwy. Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Phone Number: 954-874-1111
We are excited to announce that the Hampton Inn Hallandale Beach-Aventura is one of our official conference hotels for the 2027 First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience!
Conveniently located approximately 5–15 minutes from the conference venue, this hotel provides participants with comfortable accommodations and easy access to some of South Florida's most popular attractions.
Guests will enjoy a convenient location within walking distance of a major shopping mall, numerous restaurants, and a variety of shopping and entertainment options. Additionally, the beautiful beaches of Sunny Isles Beach are just a 25-minute drive away, providing conference attendees with an opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of South Florida during their visit.
The special discounted conference rate is $199 per night for participants attending the 2027 First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience.
This exclusive rate is available for the following room accommodations:
Two Queen Beds: $199 per night
One King Bed: $199 per night
To take advantage of this exclusive conference hotel rate, we encourage participants to reserve their accommodations using the special hotel reservation link provided below.
If you have any additional questions related to travel and hotel accommodations, please feel free to email our leadership team anytime at circleofchangeleadconference@gmail.com.
