As a higher ed professional for close to 15 years, Edson O’Neale was asked by one of his students, “Have you ever thought about going into speaking and speaking at other colleges and universities?” That student believed that the information that Edson was providing for students on campus was very valuable, and other students at different campuses across the country needed to hear it. So with his extensive experience supporting areas such as Admissions, Advising, Student Success, Student Government, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Activities, and now Career Services; he is here to support you and your endeavors of creating a strong and inclusive community.

Edson has spoken at numerous conferences and universities, motivating and bringing the best out of students and advisors through his interactive talks and passion for being a servant leader. Edson has several diverse workshops which range from supporting Divine Nine and Multicultural groups, developing strong cross council collaborations, and cultural competencies. He also shares his story of resiliency and gets raw about his issues with depression and how being vulnerable allowed him to be free to become the champion that he is meant to be.

Edson gains his strength and his passion to serve people from his family deriving from his Caribbean heritage and background. As well the mission and values his dear fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. bestowed to him. As a huge Spider Man fan, one of his favorite quotes is “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Edson’s great power is to serve, give back, support, and to motivate others to be great. Edson feels that it is his responsibility to share his experiences and resources to others. So, let’s stop getting in our own way and let’s get to business. Hire Ed!

Have you ever felt that showing your true self might weaken your leadership? Have you ever felt that you are not being heard? Have you ever felt like the smallest person in the room? In a world that often rewards toughness, we are told that you should not express any form of Vulnerability as it is perceived as showing weakness, lack of self worth, and not allowing you to grow as an individual. On the other hand, according to well renown speaker, author and professor Brene Brown, “Vulnerability is uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure but vulnerability is not weakness; it is the most accurate measure of courage.”

"Champions in the Making - Unleashing your True Super Power through Vulnerability" will challenge you to rethink what it means to lead authentically as we will explore vulnerability as an undervalued yet powerful leadership trait. The presenter will courageously share his personal journey through depression and suicidal ideation, offering a raw and honest reflection on overcoming adversity. By examining his own leadership traits through the lens of superhero qualities, he’ll reveal how vulnerability can amplify qualities like courage, resilience, and empathy, empowering each of us to be our own champion. Let’s discover how embracing vulnerability can transform you into a stronger leader, and to help you unlock your true potential to become the champion that you are meant to be.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation; participants will be able to:

1. Understand the value and importance of vulnerability in leadership.
2. Identify personal strengths through reflection.
3. Relate leadership traits to superhero archetypes.
4. Recognize vulnerability as tool for empowering others.
5. Navigate finding your voice within your chapter/organization.
6. Create a culture for growth, dialogue, and support.
7. Overcoming challenges to become your own champion.

When was the last time you held a discussion about the history of stepping and strolling and what it means to you? These are conversation we are not having anymore, and we are losing the essence of the history of our Divine Nine and Multicultural organizations. When other organizations do not understand the history, we get mad. Where are the conversations? Where is the education? Where are the collaborations? We will answer these questions and revisit the rich history that encompasses the Divine Nine and Multicultural organizations.

Learning objectives: After this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the history of stepping and strolling.
2. Provide education for other students on campus.
3. Illustrate the importance cross-council collaboration.

It's time to ask ourselves some pointed questions and reassess our progress in our own fraternity/sorority life journey. Do you remember why you joined your organization in the first place? Are you living up to those expectations you set for yourself at that time? What have you lost since joining? What goals/expectations have not been met since you joined? What will you do differently from this point forward to help your organization? What will you do differently to help enhance the entire Greek community?

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Examine the reasons why they joined Greek Life initially.
2. Compare their expectations of themselves within the chapter with their actions thus far.
3. Describe what things are still left to accomplish both personally and for the chapter or Greek community.
4. Summarize what things must stop within our own actions and the actions of our organization.
5. Produce an action plan for our remaining time as an undergraduate as well as our obligation to our organization over a lifetime.

Intended audience: All fraternity and sorority members, all new members

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel everything is going well and you are as happy as you can be? You are so happy you feel you are on top of the world, and then suddenly something happens unexpectedly and everything changes, or you get seriously hurt or injured. Nothing can really prepare you for these types of situations and it can be very daunting to handle, but those situations do not dictate who you are. Instead of thinking of how things are not going your way, get up, dust yourself off, and embrace the scars.

Learning Objectives: After this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Navigate methods to overcome adversity.
2. Be resilient in those tough situations.
3. Embrace challenges.
4. Accepting the losses, learn, and celebrate the wins.