Register to attend the Madison Leads Leadership Conference!

Madison Leads is a one-day leadership conference for JMU students to explore their leadership, network with peers, and reflect on their experiences! The Madison Leads conference is set to take place April 11, 2026 in The Union, 9:30am- 2:00pm.

Students will have the distinct opportunity to network with other campus leaders, attend leadership breakout sessions, hone their leadership skills, build their resume, and more!

This event is also Wellness Passport for Health 100!

Register today through BeInvolved 

Please email leader@jmu.edu with any questions.

Register Now!

Madison Leads Schedule

• 9:30am-10:00  am: Check in and Light breakfast  in Taylor 405
• 10:00am-10:15am: Welcome, expectations, and overview of education sessions
• 10:20am-11:15am: Breakout Session 1 Locations Vary
• 11:20am- 12:15pm: Breakout Session 2 Locations Vary
• 12:15pm-12:45pm: Lunch Taylor 405
• 12:45pm-1:15pm: Keynote presentation Taylor 405
• 1:15pm-1:35pm: Closing

Madison Leads Education Sessions

Session 1: 10:20am-11:15am

Adaptive Leadership – Being the Change You Want to See on Your Team

Presented by Isabel Yabes

Taylor 400

There are times when the precedents that have been set in your team don't work anymore – and that is okay! In this workshop, we're going to discuss how to navigate the dual role of being both team leader and team member, including best practices for building and maintaining rapport with a diverse team with diverse needs and not losing yourself in serving everyone else's needs, too.

Understanding Conflict Styles & Approaches

Presented by Katie Corbit and Amber Bennett

Taylor 402

Conflict happens - whether it’s with roommates, in your organizations, or in everyday interactions. This session gives you practical tools to learn how to navigate conflict. Through interactive activities and reflection, you’ll learn about different conflict styles, how to navigate disagreements effectively, and the difference between intention and impact.

Session 2: 11:20am-12:15 pm

Involvement with Intention: Choosing Depth Over Breadth 

Presented by Hannah Dow

Taylor 400

This session invites students to pause and reflect on why they get involved, not just where. Through guided reflection and conversation, participants will explore the values and strengths that shape their most meaningful commitments. Together, we’ll look at how to move from doing “a bit of everything” to choosing involvement with intention - finding depth, balance, and a stronger sense of purpose in the JMU community.

Transitions Basics and How to Succeed Without Really Trying 

Presented by Craig Lutz

Taylor 402

If you're currently a leader, about to be a leader, or want to be a leader, transitions are the key from an organization being good to being great. This presentation will cover basic strategies on how to effectively transition leadership and knowledge in an organization as well as basic requirements of organizations at JMU. There may also be puppies.

Keynote Presenation: 12:45pm-1:15 pm

Dr. Michael Broderick is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies.

This keynote will examine how classroom design and communication practices at James Madison University shape a sense of community among students. It highlights how intentional integration of space, interaction, and teaching strategies can foster collaboration, inclusion, and deeper engagement in learning

Hosted By

Student Leadership and Involvement

Contact leader@jmu.edu with any questions!