On November 18, 2017, I joined the Leadership Empowerment Panel: Leadership Wisdom for Future Community and Social Responsible Leaders at the 8th Annual Circle of Change Leadership Conference held at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

The discussion brought together leaders across communications, corporate social responsibility, community relations, and nonprofit sectors, including Michelynn Woodard, Co-Founder of Artemis Agency; R. Christine Hershey, Founder of Hershey Cause Communications; Luis Gonzalez, Community Relations Senior Consultant at Wells Fargo; and Gwendolyn Young, President and CEO of Young Communications Group.

The panel focused on sharing lessons around leadership, career growth, community impact, and the role social responsibility can play across industries.

Circle of Change is an award-winning, three-day leadership experience designed to support emerging leaders through professional development, leadership training, reflection, and connection with professionals from across sectors. The conference attracted 200-300 diverse student leaders representing more than 40 colleges nationwide, with sessions featuring executives from 50+ Fortune 500 companies.

One statistic stood out: 94% of participants reported the conference helped them better understand the value of diversity and treating people with respect regardless of differences.

The experience reinforced something I continue to believe: Leadership is not only measured by titles or accomplishments. It is reflected in how people create opportunities, invest in others, and encourage future leaders to see possibilities within themselves.