Conference Schedule

Leadership Blitz

9:00AM – 9:45AM
Platform: Zoom
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes; Leadership Blitz videos will uploaded after the conference.
Description: Watch 2-minute presentations from Carleton Student Leaders as they describe what leadership means to them. Delegates will then be asked to vote on their favourite presentation to determine the 2021 SOAR Leadership Blitz Winner.
Requirements: Internet access to connect to Zoom
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Keynote Presentation and Moderated Discussion

9:45AM – 10:30AM
Platform: Zoom
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes; recording will be available for 48 hours following the event.
Description:
Martin Luther King III – Keynote Presenter
As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III serves as an ambassador of his parent’s legacy of nonviolent social change. Motivating audiences with his message of hope and responsibility for decades, his dedication to ridding the world of social, political, and economic injustice has propelled him to the forefront as one of the world’s most ardent advocates for the poor, the oppressed, and the disillusioned.

Nadia Theodore – Moderator
Senior Vice President at Global Government and Industry Relations, Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Nadia is a Carleton Alumni Mentor and FPA alumna with a BA in Political Science (Int’l Affairs) and MA in Political Science

Requirements: Internet access to connect to Zoom
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Thinking Towards Technology – Where a Social Science Degree Can Take You

10:40AM – 11:10AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Expert Speaker Session
Bio of presenter: Ben O’Bright: Ben is currently a Policy Advisor at Google’s European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, where he works with their Trust and Safety Team. Prior to joining Google, Ben worked with the Development Innovation Unit at Global Affairs Canada, and as an international development consultant, the latter primarily with international organizations. He holds a Combined Honours from Carleton University in Political Science and Legal Studies and a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. In his spare time, he’s an obsessive home cook, a mediocre drone pilot, and a dedicated Xbox player.
Description: When you think technology jobs, you probably think computer science, engineering, and mathematics – hard sciences and technical skills. But the modern technology company needs so much more than programmers and sales teams. This session will showcase another side to working in technology, one that is built, run, managed and led by incredible people coming from social science and arts backgrounds. From supporting transparent elections around the world to training artificial intelligence to avoid bias, this session will encourage participants to consider how they can use their social science and arts degrees in the technology sector and help make the world a better place.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Operation Communications

10:40AM – 11:10AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Experiential Learning
Theme: Serve Through Skill
Bio of presenter:  Ashli Au, Miranda Chan, & Ariel Wollman: Ashli, Miranda, and Ariel are third- and fourth-year undergraduate students with unique learning styles that are personified through their respective faculties, Public Affairs, Arts and Social Sciences, and Engineering. In acknowledging these differences, the brainchild, “Operation Communication” was born. All three presenters recognize the importance of inclusivity in workplace and academic environments. They believe that everyone deserves to feel included and comfortable sharing their ideas and thoughts in an academic and professional setting. Since teaching is arguably the best way to demonstrate our knowledge on the topic, they hope that by presenting at SOAR, they can improve their own communication and presentation skills.
Description: Take part in an interactive experience where you will explore written, verbal, and visual input in order to be an effective and accommodating communicator. You will learn about and use online tools to facilitate different methods of communication. To cater to the quickly evolving times, these methods are transferable to educational and workplace settings in both online and offline environments. You will leave with practical knowledge on how to accommodate different modes of communication all while interacting with tomorrow’s leaders (each other)!
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Confident Leadership

10:40AM – 11:10AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Experiential Learning
Theme: Authentic Leadership
Bio of presenter: Fareen and Mya are currently both students at Carleton and have been working together as executives with Carleton University Women in Science and Engineering for three years. Fareen is in her third year of studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering. Outside of class, she is involved with CSES as a Mental Health Advocacy Director and Carleton eWB as a Logistics Director. She enjoys volunteering at the Feline Café in Ottawa and tries to live an eco-conscious lifestyle. Mya is in fourth-year Neuroscience and is also involved in Parks Canada Outdoors Club of Carleton and the Carleton Neuroscience Society. She enjoys being outside and hanging out with her pet rats, Elton and Freddie. Fareen and Mya are also both plant enthusiasts and strive to encourage others to step confidently outside their comfort zones!
Description: We all want to be confident leaders, but sometimes, doubt gets in the way and we find ourselves questioning our potential and our capabilities. If you have ever experienced imposter syndrome – or the feeling that you are not worthy of your accomplishments or goals – then this is the workshop for you! Together, we will work through some barriers to self-confidence and encourage one another to stretch out of our comfort zones.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Diving Deeper into Diversity

10:40AM – 11:10AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Experiential Learning
Theme: Opportunity Exploration
Bio of presenter: Mariana Queiroz: Mariana is originally from Brazil and has been living in Canada for the past 4 years completing her BA in Psychology at Carleton. Graduating last year, she now works at the International Student Services Office, supporting students by developing and implementing various experiential-learning and inclusive programs for those transitioning into the Carleton community.
Description: Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. As leaders on campus, this is a choice you can start making to create an inclusive community. Your diversity and inclusion journey will begin by exploring the visible and invisible dimensions of diversity and how this can pose a challenge when cultivating an inclusive society. We will first explore these dimensions within our own identities. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in group reflection about how certain aspects of people’s identities impact how they are treated and what can be done to promote an inclusive environment. We will also explore how we can each implement inclusion practices in our leadership styles and team activities. By understanding how our identities impact our expectations, perspectives and behaviours we can take a step closer to becoming a more inclusive community!
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Leadership in Times of Trial: Learning from the Pandemic and Preparing for the Future

10:40AM – 11:10AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Collaborative Conversation
Theme: Reflect & Re-energize
Bio of presenter: Mandi Crespo & Jessica Boateng: Mandi works in the Office of Quality Initiatives at Carleton, where she coordinates and facilitates leadership and development workshops for faculty and staff across campus. She has extensive experience leading student groups through her previous roles in the Science Student Success Centre, FASS Dean’s Office, and as an Admissions and Recruitment Officer. Jessica is a student at Carleton, working with the Office of Quality Initiatives. She is hoping to use SOAR as an opportunity to share gain more leadership experience and meet like-minded individuals starting their leadership journeys.
Description: There was no way to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic. It pushed everyone, from our teachers and managers to our government officials, to work and think in new ways. This pandemic has provided us with incredible opportunities to observe how leadership is practiced in times of trial. In this interactive discussion-based workshop, participants will share their reflections on leadership during the pandemic – both positive and negative. We will then look to the future, discussing the kinds of leadership qualities needed in a post-pandemic world and will consider how we can position ourselves as leaders today and tomorrow. Come prepared to share your thoughts, hear the reflections of your peers, and learn from one another’s ideas on leadership.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Know it Before They Say It – Knowing Disability Etiquette and How it Impacts You

10:40AM – 11:10AM

Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Collaborative Conversation
Theme: Authentic Leadership
Bio of presenter: Kait Havens: Kait is currently enrolled at Carleton in History and Communications and Media Studies. She is an active leader across campus, particularly through her experience as a residence fellow. Kait identifies as a disabled person(s) and is incredibly passionate about fostering understanding and action around what it means to create an accessible and inclusive community.
Description: During this educational session, students will get to learn about disability etiquette and how it affects their role as leaders in the community. We will discuss the do’s and do not’s about disability etiquette and how to approach a situation with a disabled student in the best possible way. In the conversation, students will learn the skills to approach a situation and learn the importance of this interaction.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

A Compassionate Approach to Our Mental Health & Wellbeing

11:15AM-11:45AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Expert Speaker Session
Bio of presenter: Meghan helps creative people find simple and effective ways to weave heart-centered wellness practices into their daily rhythms, so that they can shine brighter. She hosts a weekly podcast exploring mindful living (With Heart and Wonder), shares her deep passion for the transformative power of rest in her online program Radical Rest Rhythms, and works with a variety of companies and health organizations to provide dynamic programming on mental health and wellness. Her work is fuelled by over 10 years teaching Yoga & Meditation with a specialization in restorative yoga, the nervous system, and yoga for mental health. Meghan is deeply passionate about creating spaces that support you in connecting to your heart, and all the wisdom that lives within.
Description: How can we centre compassion at the heart of our efforts to care for ourselves? How can we meet ourselves in all the seasons of life with more kindness? In this session we’ll explore a mindful, heart-centered approach to our mental health and wellbeing. We’ll look at the benefits of a compassionate approach, especially as they relate to our nervous system, research on the heart, and cycles of creativity. You’ll also have the chance to explore tools like breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, and guided journaling that can help you connect with, and lead from, the wisdom of your heart
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Lead Without Permission

11:15AM-11:45AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Expert Speaker Sessions
Bio of presenter: Lily Akagbosu: Lily is a former President of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA), and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a degree in Women and Gender Studies. She currently works as a Programs Coordinator at ventureLAB, a non-profit technology hub that supports tech entrepreneurs and small businesses. For more information, see Lily’s website: https://www.lilyakagbosu.com
Description: Positions & titles are temporary, however, the character of a leader will outlive the individual. As multi-faceted beings, it’s important that we lead with our full selves. Often times we feel limited by our circumstances and external factors that impact us. For instance, we may think that we do not hold significant power or influence because we are not in positions of authority or operating in certain official capacities. In this session, we’ll discuss why you don’t need a special platform or permission from anyone to lead, and what it means to lead with your head, heart, hands, and feet.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Mentorship 101: Finding a Mentor at Carleton University

11:15AM-11:45AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Collaborative Conversation
Theme:  Opportunity Exploration
Bio of presenter: Hannah Whale: Hannah (she/her) is a fifth-year student who studies the histories of people. While at Carleton, Hannah has had the opportunity to be both a mentor and a mentee. Hannah is currently involved as a mentee with the Alumni Mentorship program, a First-Year Connections Mentor, a Residence Mental Wellness Mentor, the CUSA Wellness Centre Administrative Coordinator, and the Director of Arts and Wellness with the Campus Activity Board.
Description: A mentor can have many different roles: an industry-insider, a champion of your dreams and ambitions, and a trusted advisor. If you are interested in finding a mentor- this is the workshop for you! This educational session will define the role of a mentor, help you identify potential mentors in your current networks and communities, and provide a framework for establishing a mentoring relationship. Enhance your leadership journey with a mentor!
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Battling Burnout: How to Recognize it, Avoid it, and Conquer it

11:15AM-11:45AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Collaborative Conversation
Theme: Reflect & Re-energize
Bio of presenter: Jenny Daines & Chiara Webb: Chiara and Jenny are both Carleton Alumni and Carleton Staff. Both have over three years of professional experience in student support programming. They have supervised many student staff and have come to learn from and see trends amongst their student leaders. Jenny and Chiara have both worked within the Student Experience Office as student leaders and staff. Chiara currently works in Co-op and Career Services as the Co-op Program Administration Support and Jenny works in Residence Life as the Coordinator; Assessment, Hiring & Training.
Description: As a student leader you may often feel the pressure to succeed in all that you do. Whether it be in academics, extra-curriculars, at home or within friend groups! Burnout can creep up on you and often it is hard to recognize before it’s too late. This session aims to explore what burnout is, how to recognize it and discuss various strategies to help alleviate the effects of burn out before or when it occurs. Student Leaders will leave the session with a list of strategies that they and their peers can use to battle burnout.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Resilience in Leadership

11:15AM-11:45AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Experimental Learning
Theme: Serve Through Skill
Bio of presenter: Emerald Leece: Emerald is an undergraduate student studying remotely from Toronto, ON. She is in her fourth year at Carleton and strives to be an active member of the university community. At Carleton and beyond, Emerald is committed to empowering those around her through mental health and wellness awareness, support and advocacy. Emerald is passionate about discovering and promoting healthy coping mechanisms and resources where students and young people can turn for support. Emerald enjoys reading and video games, particularly with a cozy blanket and a furry friend as company.
Description: The true test of character is not whether you’ve been knocked down but whether you got back up again. Being a leader takes initiative and resolve but what happens when you experience a setback? Whether that be a personal crisis, a change in circumstance or a professional rejection, it can be hard to see where to go when it feels like the door’s been slammed in your face. Learning to bounce back and contend with everything life throws at you is invaluable not just all types of leaders. Everyone faces setbacks in life, how will you overcome yours?
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Leadership in Activism

11:15AM-11:45AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Collaborative Conversation
Theme: Opportunity Exploration
Bio of presenter: Sophie Price: Sophie is a university student and climate activist based in Ottawa, Canada. She is a second-year student at Carleton University pursuing a degree in journalism with minors in environmental and Indigenous studies. She became one of the country’s first climate strikers in 2018/2019 as the founder of Fridays For Future Brighton. Sophie is a coordinator of Climate Strike Canada, the national network of youth climate activists, as well as social media lead. In 2020, she founded the Divest Canada Coalition, aiming to get universities and colleges to divest from fossil fuels. In November of 2020, Sophie participated in MockCOP as a Canadian delegate, representing the Canadian youth climate movement on an international level.
Description: This presentation will discuss leadership in activism. As a group, we will go over what activism is and what it means to individual people. Leveraging our own experiences, we will discuss how activism is an effective and passionate tool that helps leaders become more confident in their academic and professional pursuits. This presentation is meant to show you what activism can do for your leadership skills and career opportunities. Bring your enthusiasm, ideas and questions!
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

The Art of Asking Questions

11:55AM – 12:25PM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Expert Speaker Session
Bio of presenter: Jeremy Whalen: After over a decade working on campus and countless years coaching high-performance sport, Jeremy has developed a leadership strategy that he uses to support and mentor current students. Responsible for creating engaging and accessible digital communications and brand strategies at Canada’s Capital University, Jeremy believes that leadership is about helping others reach their goals while making the most of the journey.
Description: Leadership is about so much more than maximizing the bottom line or getting things done. Organizations thrive when they create an environment that empowers development, promotes personal growth and encourages individuality. In this session, we’ll explore the questions that help great leaders connect with their teams, the importance of not having every answer, and why leaders say no, delegate and empower others.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

…And The Rest is Leadership! Cultivating Rest as a Leadership Practice

11:55AM – 12:25PM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Collaborative Conversation
Theme: Authentic Leadership
Bio of presenter: Niamh O’Shea: Niamh O’Shea (she/her) serves as the Intercultural Programs Coordinator in the International Student Services Office. She is a proud Carleton alumni and community volunteer who is on a journey to reject the ‘cult of busyness’. In her spare time, Niamh can be found supporting LGBTQIA+ refugee sponsorship and resettlement in Ottawa, listening to podcasts, and discovering new ways to build rest and creativity into her life.
Description: Are you feeling drained, uninspired, or stretched too thin? Maybe it’s time for a nap! Rest is often the first thing that we set aside when life becomes overwhelming. But when we abandon rest, we also lose opportunities to recharge, reflect, and imagine greater possibilities. In this session, we will explore rest as a practice leaders can useto bring more intention, creativity, and balance to their lives. Together, we will reflect on what rest looks like for each of us in our current roles and context, and how we can practically integrate rest into our busy lives. Participants are encouraged to bring their agendas or schedules so we can begin to strategize how to build more time for rest into our lives.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Adapting to Change

11:55AM – 12:25PM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Experiential Learning
Theme: Serve Through Skill
Bio of presenter:Taylor Poscente, Callie Ogden, & Lauren Nigh: Taylor, Callie and Lauren have vast experience as leaders on the Carleton campus, more recently, serving as Fall Orientation Coordinators with the Student Experience Office. Their responsibilities included: developing brand new digital programming for incoming students starting September 2020, engaging volunteers, fostering sponsorship relationships and organizing engaging events for students that integrated and welcomed them into the Carleton community. These presenters are excited to share their firsthand experience developing programs that support Carleton Students in transitional activities.
Description: Adapting to change is a skill that is vital in our current environment. We had the chance to see this firsthand while beginning to plan Fall Orientation in January 2020 and going through a series of changes over the course of nine months. During the session, students will learn to adapt their leadership style in times of uncertainty, and various skills to help navigate the realities of an ever-changing world.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Being a Student-Leader in the Age of COVID

11:55AM – 12:25PM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Collaborative Conversation
Theme: Reflect & Re-energize
Bio of presenter:  Osman Elmi: Osman was born in Montreal, the youngest of two children. He is no stranger to adaptability as he spent most of his young life traveling across Canada and eventually to Kuwait in the Middle East. Getting out of his comfort zone has been a second habit for Osman. Ever since he was young, he has been involved in extracurricular activities from Varsity Soccer to being the host in the Talent Show. He continued that trend once he arrived at Carleton by joining many leadership groups on campus which ultimately led to him working as a Project Lead for CUSA, becoming the CUSA Councillor for the Faculty of Public Affairs (FPA), and eventually the Vice President Student Life for the Carleton University Student Association. With a passion for student involvement on campus, Osman strives to build an engaging student community. As VP Student Life, he has implemented a range of events which cater to our diverse student body.
Morgan McKeen: Morgan McKeen, born and raised in Ottawa, is in her fourth year of Communications and Media Studies with a minor in Business. Throughout her university career, Morgan has held executive positions with many campus clubs, including her work as the Event Coordinator for the Carleton University Exchange Association, President of Enactus Carleton, and now the first Vice President Community Engagement. She also volunteers with Cam’s Kids, the Faculty of Public Affairs as a high school outreach volunteer, Frosh as a facilitator and as a Shinerama volunteer. These experiences have given her a multitude of experiences, introducing her to many students and teaching her lots of lessons along the way. These experiences have shaped her into the leader she is today. She is there to ensure that fellow Carleton students also have the opportunity to make the most of their time at Carleton, pursue their passions and grow as individuals.
Description: This workshop will be an opportunity for current and aspiring student leaders to share their best practices and experiences during COVID-19. Through a guided discussion, student leaders will be able to reflect on their leadership thus far and reflect on their practices during these times. This workshop will also serve as a support network for fellow student group leaders in understanding how to effectively engage with their constituents and manage the ever-changing challenges that come with COVID-19. We will be discussing the trials and tribulations that not only we have experienced as student leaders but also other struggles that many other student leaders faced. What do you think makes a great leader during COVID? Find out in this session.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Getting Comfortable with Conflict

11:55AM – 12:25PM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Type: Experiential Learning
Theme: Serve Through Skill
Bio of presenter: Melanie Chapman: Melanie joined the Carleton community in May 2020, following 20 years as a federal Public Servant, working exclusively in the fields of conflict resolution, administrative investigation, and oversight. Joining the Public Service as a summer student in 2000, Melanie has since worked at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Department of National Defense. The last 11 years were spent as the Director of Investigations for the DND Ombudsman Office, leading a group of 12 investigators and working to resolve intractable complaints and issues. Melanie brings all this amazing experience in her new roles as the University Ombudsman where she communicates directly with students and works with them to address and resolve challenges they’re facing, both on and off-campus.
Description: One of the only constants of working with people is the inevitability of conflict. Do you have a healthy relationship with conflict, or do you shy away from it? What is your personal conflict style and how can you learn effective new skills while also unlearning bad habits that can escalate rather than resolve issues? Strong leaders aren’t easily taken off balance by conflict and have at their disposal an arsenal of tools to manage it effectively. This session will invite you to explore your relationship with conflict, identify traps and triggers that can sabotage your efforts to manage it effectively, and help you to explore new ways of engaging with conflict around you
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.

Closing Ceremonies

12:30PM – 1:00PM
Platform: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Recorded and available for streaming after? Yes
Description: Join us to wrap up SOAR 2021! We will be announcing our Leadership Blitz winner, as well as reflecting and celebrating the day’s events.
Requirements: Recommended to have MS Teams App.
Access: Delegates will get access on the password-protected event page sent to their cmail.