Rhode Island Conference on Values-Based Leadership

2026 Conference: Saturday, February 21st at 10am, Ruane Center for the Humanities

Each year, the RI Conference on Values-Based Leadership offers student leaders a valuable opportunity to come together and explore the choices and challenges inherent to effective values-based leadership.

Through interactive workshops and presentations, participants will examine their own values, attitudes and beliefs, while benefiting from varying perspectives, peer support, and the guidance of leaders and ethical thinkers from the local business community. Conference participants will contemplate what type of person and leader they wish to be, helping them to develop the conviction to live out those values in their leadership with purpose and integrity.

2026 Keynote Speaker:

Kilah Walters-Clinton, Director of Equity and Community Engagement, Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Rotating Conference Sessions:

Purposeful and Authentic Leadership- Patricia McLaughlin
Communication: Translating Your Vision into Action- Steve Nazzaro
Discernment in Motion: Applying Wisdom to Real-World Leadership- Donald Simpreus & Penelope Tejada
Leading with Vulnerability: The Power of Emotional Awareness in Leadership- Quinn Danus, Zak Henry, Hailey Hickey & Grace Pierson
Situational Leadership- Jessie Drew & Meg Rudi
Resiliency Redefined: Strength through Struggle- Dr. Matthew Eriksen & Connor Gorski
“The Wolfpack Technique”: How to be a Servant Leader- Gavin Buttafuoco, Etzer Lindor, Carl Picerno, Marifer Sanchez & Chase Quigley
Finding Comfort in Discomfort- Jack Brodin, Kaitlyn Fuoco, Sam Loranger & Ayia Tatari

Closing:

Dr. Matthew Eriksen

Past Keynote Speakers:

Judge Melissa DuBose, Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Andy Posner, Founder, Capital Good Fund
Ben Anderson, Former Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, CEO and Executive Director at B Lab US & Canada
Angela Bannerman Ankoma, Vice President, Executive Director of Equity Leadership at the Rhode Island Foundation

Past Conference Sessions:

The Tree of Leadership: Growing Negatives into Positives- Julia Carson, Lexi Delano, Kylie Fordyce & Rodney Lopez
Leading Side by Side: Navigating Leadership Among Peers- Emily Archibald, Kaitlyn Bresnahan & Kevin Bongiorno
Redefining the Idea of Leadership: Leading Beyond Position- Jeremy Cumplido, Victoria Adediran & Loise Obeng
Harnessing Your Self-Talk to Realize Your Leadership Potential- Dr. Matthew Eriksen, Grace Kresser & Emma Torello
Word and Light: How Christ Can Be the Measure for Your Values- Father Simon Teller, OP
Breaking the Mold: Leading with Intentionality and Action- Josh Rykiel, Kayla Fordyce, Belle Clarkin & Stephen Perencevich
The Importance of Self-Worth- Chief Chad Carnegie
Mapping Out Your Leadership Values- Matt Hicks
Inclusive Community Building- Maggie Valton
Finding Your Why in Business- Kelly Ramirez
Developing Your Leadership Alter Ego- Dr. Matthew Eriksen
Leadership and Forgiveness- Father Simon Teller, OP
Don’t Be Afraid, Take the Plunge- Chief Chad Carnegie
Empathy vs. Sympathy: Empathy as a Leadership Strategy- George L. Ortiz
Advocacy 101- Marcela Betancur
Defining your Strengths and Values to Determine Your Leadership Persona- Sean Holley

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership

Slavin Center 106
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
401.865.2211
activities@providence.edu