Whatever you build, we're building with you

Dr. Abbs graduated from Capella University with a Doctorate in Social Work in 2019 and earned her MSW degree in 1997 from Ohio State University. She has been a practicing Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years focusing on the mental and behavioral health issues of clients. Dr. Abbs has experience in private practice, mental health agencies, hospitals, behavioral health organizations, nursing homes, home health, and justice systems. Dr. Abbs's research focus has been on social-emotional learning and self-care, where she has presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Abbs's research interests lie in social-emotional skills, self-care, service-leaning, animal-assisted therapy, mental health, and forensics. Her broad scope of practice gives her the knowledge and the skill set to research and promote areas of mental and behavioral health.

He taught high school science in the same classroom for thirty years in Maine. Once he left the classroom, he became the Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator at Kennebec Valley Community College, where he has been for two years. Eric and his wife of thirty-seven years have two adult children, one brand new grandson and a goofy yellow lab named Jude.

A Dean's List Scholar and USC Annenberg Dean's List honoree, he is committed to leadership, communication, and community engagement. Malcolm serves as President of the Annenberg Cross Cultural Student Association, Vice President of the USC Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Senior Booking Producer for the Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab, Annenberg Ambassador, and Community Engagement Leader with the USC Office of Admission. He regularly represents USC through admissions presentations, moderates conversations with media professionals and community leaders, and contributed to the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations campaign supporting the school's recognition as the nation's top public relations academic program. Whether representing USC, leading student organizations, or facilitating conversations, Malcolm believes every leader has the opportunity to shape their community through authentic communication.

She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, two master's degrees in education, and a post-master's certificate in Curriculum and Instruction. She is the founder of Teacher's PETS Virtual Academy, an educational program serving children and families through early childhood learning, homeschool support, and personalized K-12 instruction. Dr. Tess has developed educational programs, written curriculum, and created learning experiences centered on academic achievement, student development, and family engagement. Her professional honors include Teacher of the Year in 2005 and the School Choice Leader Award from 2013 through 2025. As Vice President of Membership for the University of Phoenix NSLS chapter, she brings her background in education, leadership, mentoring, and student support to strengthen member participation, connection, and achievement.

With more than 15 years of experience in higher education, he is passionate about helping students discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and lead with purpose. Known for his energy, authenticity, and results-oriented approach, he brings both practical insight and strategic perspective to conversations about student success and leadership in today’s evolving higher education landscape.

She has spent her career helping organizations deliver technology that drives business value while building strong partnerships across teams and leadership levels. Passionate about developing leaders, Sydney also serves as the Chapter Advisor for Park University's chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), where she mentors students and supports emerging leaders as they grow in confidence, communication, and purpose. Whether leading strategic initiatives, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, or coaching the next generation of leaders, she believes communication is the foundation of influence, trust, and lasting impact. Outside of work, she's a wife, mom to twin girls, soccer coach, and creator who enjoys sharing lessons on leadership and living with intention.

Miranda Aguilar is a Senior Specialist in the Office of Student Life at Northwest Vista College and a Chapter Advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success, where she leads a program that cultivates leadership skills among students. She holds an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and is currently completing her bachelor's degree as a senior at UTSA's Alvarez College of Business. Miranda is a compassionate leader and empathetic team member, committed to making a positive impact in the business and hospitality industries.

He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's in Justice Studies and a Master's Degree in Information Technology from American Military University. He met his wife Erica in undergrad and they have twin boys that were born during the Covid Pandemic, Micah and Gabriel. Waun has been a Facilitator with NSLS since 2024.

He serves on Walden’s advisory board for The National Society of Leadership and Success and is the founding vice president of Walden University's Virtual Fulbright Chapter.

His academic roles include committee chair, second committee member, lead faculty for dissertation and research courses, and mentor for doctoral residencies and intensives. His research interests encompass positive leadership, emotional intelligence, diversity, veterans’ affairs, appreciative inquiry, and virtue ethics.

Dr. Tom is a reviewer for the Academy of Management, Online Learning Consortium, and the International Journal of Applied Management and Technology. He spent 26 years in automotive operations management and served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. He advances tangible social impact through the Multiple Sclerosis Society and leadership initiatives in Southern California.

During his presidency, the chapter earned Chapter of the Year recognition and expanded its impact through leadership development, community service, fundraising, and student engagement initiatives. Bernardo has also contributed more than 200 hours of community service, earning the President's Volunteer Service Award at the Silver level in 2025, and more than 250 hours, earning him the TAMIU President's Service Award in 2026. His leadership centers on creating environments where people feel supported, valued, and motivated to contribute. Through his work in student leadership and team management, he has developed a strong interest in organizational culture, mentorship, and the influence leaders have on the spaces they enter. Bernardo is honored to serve as a co-presenter at the 2026 NSLS Leadership Summit.

Her work focuses on bridging the gap between education and employment through internships, leadership development, career readiness, and employer partnerships. As a workforce development practitioner Kenne’ is passionate about creating scalable, high-impact learning experiences that equip students with the confidence and skills needed to navigate complex workplace challenges and succeed in professional environments.

Before beginning graduate school, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Parliament of Ghana, where she gained experience in public service, governance, and policy-related work. She strongly believes that nothing is impossible when a person commits their heart and mind to it. Her long-term career goal is to become a diplomat or a formidable criminal lawyer. Delali’s walk words are: “Dreams take time to become a reality, so keep pushing!” and “Do your part and leave the rest to God.

A first-generation college graduate who earned her bachelor's degree at age 45 after beginning with a GED, Candice is passionate about helping others recognize their potential and lead with purpose. In her role at Georgia Gwinnett College, she supports student success through leadership development, mentorship, and campus engagement. She is currently pursuing a Master of Accountancy at Georgia Southern University and aspires to a career in forensic accounting with the FBI. Through her presentation, Legacy Through Leadership: How Investing in Others Creates Impact Beyond Your Title, Candice encourages leaders to build influence not through position, but through service, encouragement, and the lasting impact they make on others.

His background is rooted in higher education, including student leadership, event programming, housing, and academic assistance.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hunter College and my Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management. As a lifelong learner, I also recently earned a master’s degree in health administration.

I have worked in higher education for more than 20 years. Throughout my career, I have held a variety of roles, including Academic Counselor, Faculty member, Faculty Quality Manager, Faculty Mentor, Program Manager, and Operations Manager. I currently serve as Senior Manager of College Operations and Faculty member at the University of Phoenix.

I have truly found my passion in education, and Commencement remains one of my favorite events of the year. It is a meaningful reminder of why this work matters and the impact education can have on students’ lives.

A U.S. Army veteran and lifelong public servant with more than 27 years of municipal government experience, Erin brings a practitioner’s perspective to leadership development and organizational effectiveness. Through Local Gov Leader, she provides consulting and leadership development services that help public-sector professionals strengthen their financial knowledge, self-leadership, and capacity to create healthier organizations and communities. Erin holds a BBA from Northwood University and an MS in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado Boulder and is completing her EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Texas Lutheran University. Her doctoral research examines how city managers socially construct and navigate their career pathways. Erin believes leadership begins with understanding yourself so that you can then choose how you will use your influence to serve others.

He joined the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2024 and currently serves as Director of the Center for Student Engagement. Dr. Jones holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership – Higher Education and a Master of Education in Higher Education – Student Affairs Leadership from Abilene Christian University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of North Texas. He is committed to fostering meaningful student experiences, leadership development, and a vibrant campus community.

She recently completed her doctorate in Professional Education Practice from UH Mānoa, conducting a qualitative study of returning student persistence at the community college. She is also interested in helping students ethically use artificial intelligence in their job search process. Angela is most proud of her work with underrepresented college students and raising her blended family with her inspirational husband. In her spare time she enjoys thrifting and eating fruit, shave ice, and beverages sprinkled with li hing powder.

His roles vary across residence life, academic support, student retention, and identity development. In his spare time, Dr. Diaz serves as a consultant and life/career coach.

He did, however, turn his academics around through a series of specific strategies and ended up graduating college with straight As, was named valedictorian, and was honored as an All-USA Academic First Team member which is given to only 20 students in the U.S. each year. While still in college, he launched his first business and grew it to over $1.5 million in annual revenue.

Since then, he's spoken to nearly one million people across the globe, trained teams at places like Coca-Cola, Apple, and Nike, won seven national speaking titles, and wrote two best-selling books on college success. He's given a TEDx talk at UCLA, appeared on a reality show on NBC, and has a YouTube video with 18 million views. As your host and MC, Tom will guide you through every main stage moment of the weekend.

She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at Capella University, where her research focuses on responsible AI adoption, workforce readiness, and healthcare transformation. Jessica serves as the Director of Communications for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at Capella University, where she is passionate about empowering fellow doctoral students through leadership, collaboration, and service. She is dedicated to bridging healthcare, public health, and technology while mentoring future leaders and creating innovative solutions that improve organizational performance and community health. Jessica believes that servant leadership, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections are the foundation of lasting impact.

After overcoming his challenges and excelling at Cornell University, Gary became a sought-after speaker on the college circuit. His experiences led him to establish the NSLS in 2001 to empower students and foster leadership skills across the nation; to create a bridge for some of the brightest youth to become successful leaders who make the world a better place.

Starting with just 131 members at 16 campuses, NSLS has since grown to over two million members at over 800 campuses, offering invaluable resources and support to aspiring leaders. Gary's vision was driven by a desire to create a scalable impact and leave a lasting legacy. His guiding principle, "How do I help the greatest number of people in the greatest way?" continues to shape NSLS's mission of building leaders who contribute positively to the world, ensuring that future generations have the tools and encouragement to realize their dreams and achieve greatness, regardless of their starting point.

With over two decades spanning alumni relations, marketing, and organizational leadership, Robert brings both strategic vision and a deep belief that when people are genuinely supported, they do extraordinary things. His work at WGU spans mentorship programs, career mobility initiatives, and community impact events that bring the university's mission to life at the local level. Robert is based in Utah and is passionate about one thing above all else: lifting people.