Don’t let the smiles and laughter mislead you. More than 250 students from community colleges across Virginia learned important interpersonal skills at the 2025 VCCS Student Leadership Conference (SLC). Built around the theme “Accelerate
Maxi Alvarez/ SVCC Student
Leadership,” the event offered a weekend of transformative workshops, energizing speakers, and meaningful connections.
“I’m here to work on my communication skills,” said Southside Virginia student Maxi Alvarez, who was attending his second Student Leadership Conference. “The program here is more fun than a traditional classroom setting and I find it helpful. It’s a serious learning experience.”
Alvarez has his eyes on an Ivy League degree and a career helping rural businesses access capital.
Sessions covered a wide range of topics—including communication and interview skills, team building, focus and mindset shifts, goal setting, and stepping beyond comfort zones through icebreakers and improvisation.
Barbara Jefferson-Harris/Camp Student
SLC participants are chosen at the college level, often from the ranks of club leaders and student government representatives. They
Connor McAllister/ DCC Student
attend the conference free of charge, thanks to support from the state, their colleges, and the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. And conference attendees are as diverse as the students who attend our colleges.
“I’m looking for leadership skills. You can never have too much experience and I love learning.” At 73, Barbara Jefferson-Harris was the most senior student attending the SLC. Undeterred by a stroke and a heart attack, she’s attending Paul D. Camp Community College after a long nursing career, determined to become a Christian counselor.
“I want to continue to grow with these young students,” said Jefferson-Harris. “I have experience to offer and they have a new look on life. It’s like being with my grandkids!”
“I get a little stressed out speaking in public,” said Connor McAllister, a Danville Community College student with a goal of owning
Eion Paulos, NVCC
his own graphic arts business. “I’m excited to be here to brush up my skills and comfort level presenting myself.”
“I’m so glad I chose a community college to pursue my education,” said Eion Paulos, a NOVA student studying computer science and
Evie Chapman, VHCC
math. “The savings have been incredible, and I’m excited to be able to attend this event to increase my leadership abilities, especially in public speaking and networking skills.”
“I want to build a career helping kids through foster care and adoption,” said Evie Chapman, studying social work at Virginia Highlands Community College. “In social work, I’m going to need to communicate effectively with people, so I’m here to work on my skills to talk in different settings.”
VCCS Chancellor David Doré told the gathering that our colleges statewide are committed to building a Culture of Care to support students as they overcome barriers to their success. But he also advised students not to obsess over the fear of failure as they grow and learn. “Never carry failure forward,” said Dr. Doré. “Leave failure where it belongs – as a learning
experience…a steppingstone instead of a stumbling block…a temporary inconvenience.”
“The goal of this event is to help discover and promote the next generation of leaders at our colleges,” said VCCS Coordinator of Student Support Matthew Fitzgerald, one of the conference organizers “These 
conferences have been going on for almost two decades. Students really connect through hands-on workshops themed around leadership and self-knowledge.”
You can view and download photos from the Student Leadership Conference. 
More than 250 VCCS students from across Virginia attended the 2025 Student Leadership Conference November 14-15 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
