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 Valuable Career Readiness, Career Awareness, Professional Development, and Leadership Training for First-Generation Students
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities with Successful First-Generation Professionals from Top-Tier Organizations and Companies.
Free Career Workbook, Pen, T-Shirt or Book, and Lunch on Friday and Saturday.
Customized Career, Professional, and Leadership Development Empowerment Workshop Sessions Designed for First Generation Students.
Access to Resume Reviewers, Opportunities to Attain Professional Headshots, and Career Coaching from Top Career Experts.
Access to the Virtual Recordings of every Keynote and Panel Sessions featured at the conference 60 Days After the First-Generation Student Career Leadership Experience is Complete.
Opportunities to Win Financial Scholarships and Become Part Of The First Generation Student Career & Leadership Society!
Cultural Excursion Opportunities for First-Generation Students Within South Florida.
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.
10:00am – 4:00pm
The final day of the conference will take place at the beach in South Florida. This causal experience will provide conference participants with the opportunity to network with other students at the conference, engage in the exciting activities that are available at the beach, and have a fun experience on the last day of the conference.
During this time, we will rent a small area right on the beach where our conference DJ will be playing various songs throughout the day. Participants will be able to enjoy the beach, visit different stores/restaurants, ride bicycles, or engage in other fun activities that are offered at the beach.
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 past events.
The speakers and panelist that will be chosen for the 2026 First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience will be released in March of 2026!
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.
2026 FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT VIRTUAL CAREER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE IN-PERSON SCHEDULE
12:00pm – 1:30pm
The morning keynote session will deliver an inspiring, engaging, and highly interactive experience designed to empower first-generation students to strategically position themselves for long-term career and leadership success after graduation.
During this dynamic and transformational keynote presentation, students will gain powerful insights into the key skills, strategies, and mindsets needed to thrive in today’s competitive professional landscape. Through practical guidance, real-world examples, and meaningful reflection, participants will learn how to overcome common career development barriers, strengthen their leadership capacity, and maximize the opportunities available throughout their collegiate journey.
By the end of this powerful session, students will walk away with actionable tools and practical strategies that will help them build confidence and take intentional steps toward achieving career success after college.
1:30pm – 3:00pm
The Career Development Empowerment Session will feature four dynamic speakers who will each share one powerful career strategy that first-generation students can use to position themselves for career success in college and beyond.
This engaging TED-style session is intentionally designed to address the unique career development needs of first-generation students by providing practical insights, real-world experiences, and actionable strategies. Each speaker will deliver a focused, high-impact message that equips students with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen their professional development, expand their opportunities, and confidently prepare for life after graduation.
By the end of this session, students will walk away with valuable career insights, increased clarity about their professional journey, and practical strategies they can begin implementing right away.
4:00pm – 5:30pm
The Fireside Career Development Chats will feature a series of intimate and engaging conversations with highly accomplished first-generation professionals who will share powerful insights and career strategies designed to help first-generation students position themselves for long-term career success after graduation.
During these candid interviews, students will have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals who have successfully navigated the journey from first-generation college student to thriving professional. Each conversation will focus on practical advice, real-world experiences, and key strategies that can help students successfully transition from college into their careers.
Topics explored during these conversations may include:
The purpose of these meaningful conversations is not only to provide valuable career guidance and encouragement, but also to help first-generation students understand the unwritten rules of professional success and gain insights that will empower them to confidently navigate their professional journey.
5:30pm – 6:00pm
The Career Reflection Session is designed to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to connect with one another, reflect on the key lessons and insights gained throughout the day, and engage in thoughtful conversations about how they can apply what they have learned to their academic and career journeys.
This interactive session will create a supportive environment where students can share ideas, build new relationships, and begin developing intentional action steps that will help them implement the strategies, skills, and knowledge gained during the conference.
12:00pm – 1:30pm
The morning keynote session will provide first-generation students with an inspiring, interactive, and engaging presentation focused on strategic ways to strengthen their resilience and successfully navigate the unique challenges they may encounter as young professionals within their chosen fields.
This dynamic and transformational keynote will not only inspire and empower students, but it will also equip them with practical strategies, mindsets, and tools needed to overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and confidently prepare for the professional challenges they may face after graduating from college.
2:30pm – 3:45pm
The Career Leadership Development Panel will feature three to four accomplished professionals from diverse industries who will share valuable insights and practical advice with first-generation students about navigating and succeeding within their respective career fields.
During this engaging panel session, these professionals will discuss their career journeys, the skills and experiences that helped them succeed, and the strategies students can use to effectively position themselves for opportunities within their desired industries. Panelists will also share insights into the challenges, expectations, and unwritten rules of professional success within their fields.
Professional areas that may be represented during this panel include entertainment, sports and sports management, technology and STEM, civic engagement, human resources, business, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and other impactful career fields.
4:00pm – 5:00pm
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.
5:30pm – 6:30pm
The Career Leadership Development Panel will feature three to four accomplished professionals from diverse industries who will share valuable insights and practical advice with first-generation students about navigating and succeeding within their respective career fields.
During this engaging panel session, these professionals will discuss their career journeys, the skills and experiences that helped them succeed, and the strategies students can use to effectively position themselves for opportunities within their desired industries. Panelists will also share insights into the challenges, expectations, and unwritten rules of professional success within their fields.
Professional areas that may be represented during this panel include entertainment, sports and sports management, technology and STEM, civic engagement, human resources, business, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and other impactful career fields.
6:30pm – 7:00pm
The Career Reflection Session is designed to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to connect with one another, reflect on the key lessons and insights gained throughout the day, and engage in thoughtful conversations about how they can apply what they have learned to their academic and career journeys.
This interactive session will create a supportive environment where students can share ideas, build new relationships, and begin developing intentional action steps that will help them implement the strategies, skills, and knowledge gained during the conference.
7:00pm – 8:00pm
The final session of the day will feature a high-energy, engaging, and interactive Induction Virtual Ceremony. This special ceremony will mark a historic moment as we officially induct the first cohort of members into the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society, celebrating their commitment to leadership, professional growth, and making a positive impact within their communities and future careers.
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 registration cost for each student who desires to attend the 2026 First Generation Student Career and Leadership In-Person Conference will be $350.00 per student.
There is an early bird rate of $325.00 for those who register for the conference by February 27, 2026.
Colleges and Universities that register more than 10 students will receive a complimentary registration for their advisor.
Registration includes access to all the events, a workbook, a pen, free T-Shirt or Book, lunch on Friday and Saturday, and access to the beach festivities that will take place on Sunday.
To register for the event, just click on the link that has been provided.
The registration cost for each student who desires to attend the 2026 First Generation Virtual Career Leadership Experience will be $225.00 per student.
There is an early bird rate of $150.00 for those who register for the conference by March 25, 2026.
Colleges and Universities that register more than 10 students will receive a complimentary registration for their advisor.
Registration includes access to all the virtual events, a digital workbook, recordings of the session 60 days afterwards, and a special digital certificate that will be awarded after the program is complete.
To register for the event, just click on the link that has been provided.
The April 2025 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 2026 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
The Courtyard Marriott is the first hotel that we have reserved for participants who are planning to attend the 2026 First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience.
This hotel is about five to fifteen minutes from the conference location. Within walking distance of this hotel is a huge shopping mall, tons of restaurants, and a twenty-five-minute drive to the beach in Sunny Isles.
The standard rate for two queen beds or one king bedroom is $239.00 per night for those who are planning to attend the 2026 First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience.
To reserve your rooms at this discounted rate, you can click on the special link that has been provide below.
Hampton Inn Hallandale Beach-Aventura
1000 S Federal Hwy. Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Phone Number: 954-874-1111
The Hampton Inn is the second hotel that we have reserved for participants who are planning to attend the 2026 First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience.
This hotel is about five to fifteen minutes from the conference location. Within walking distance of this hotel are tons of restaurants, a nice shopping plaza with things to do at night, and a twenty-minute drive to the beach in Sunny Isles.
The standard rate for two queen beds or one king bedroom is $199.00 per night for those who are planning to attend the 2026 First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience.
To reserve your rooms at this discounted rate, you can click on the special link that has been provide 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.
