SELF LOVECommunity Love & Leadership
UW GEAR UP Achievers
Student Leadership Conference
Welcome and thank you for attending the UW GEAR UP Student Leadership Conference hosted by CoolSpeak
This will be an opportunity for GEAR UP Scholars from across Washington to meet, support, encourage and get to know one another during these trying times. Join us as we come together for an unforgettable, empowering, and enlightening experience that will prepare you to excel on campuses and in our communities.
Day 2Thursday, September 4, 2025
Opening Session
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Welcome & Keynote
Hosted By: Natasha Carrizosa
A welcome session designed to give you an understanding of the purpose and structure of the conference. Come get to know the speakers, facilitators, and other scholars you will be working with over the course of the next two days.
Keynote By: Juan Cangas
Every day you make choices, but are they the right ones? Do you push through or give up? Live for the future or just the moment? The truth is, one real decision can change your whole life. Through my story of facing gangs, drugs, and teen pregnancy, you’ll see the impact of negative choices, how to overcome obstacles, and why your mistakes don’t define you—you do.
Breakout 1
10:20 am - 11:20 am
“What Are You Aiming At: Focused Goals ”
Facilitator: Juan Cangas
Ever tried shooting an arrow without a target? That’s how many students live, dreaming big but with no aim. Together we will change that! You will learn how to set clear, focused goals, discover your “why,” and create action plans to push past obstacles. With energy, real talk, and motivation, you’ll leave not just dreaming, but aiming at a target with confidence and purpose, ready to turn goals into wins.
Breakout 2
11:25 am - 12:25 pm
“stories for success”
Facilitator: Tim Stafford
Whether it is a job interview, a classroom discussion, or in conversation, our ability to connect with our intended audience is crucial for future success. We all have unique and important stories to tell but if we don’t know how to deliver them, we will not find the success we deserve. In this workshop, we will work on creating our stories and learn tips and tricks that will help us deliver them in an impactful and meaningful way.
Lunch BreakGo Grab Food - Take A Break!12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Closing Session
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm
Closing Session
Hosted By: Natasha Carrizosa
Join us during the closing session as we celebrate the end of the conference and reflect on what we’ve learned.
This session will include:
- Recap of the Day
- Day 2 Survey.
- Closing Remarks.
Tell Us How We DidEvaluation
thursday, September 4, 2025
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