Empowering the Next Generation of Global Leaders at Iona University
Student Leadership & Diversity Conference equips students with the skills and perspectives to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
New Rochelle, N.Y. – With a focus on developing practical strategies for effective leadership in a global society, Iona University’s 2024 Student Leadership & Diversity Conference recently engaged over 150 student leaders for an interactive day of learning, networking and reflection.
Exploring topics such as ethical leadership, core values, conflict management, communication and social justice, the conference aimed to equip students with the skills and perspectives to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
The event also featured distinguished speakers, who shared insights on various facets of leadership, including:
- Christie-Belle Garcia, Ph.D., Executive Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, who presented "Leading with Courage."
- Luis D'Amire, Learning & Development Partner at Americas, who delivered a compelling talk titled "Self-Awareness is Your Superpower."
- Charles Curtis, Director of Community Engagement at the City of New Rochelle, who delivered closing remarks.
Reflecting on the experience, Iona’s Debora Diaz, a Math 4+1 Adolescent Education major and president of the Education Club, emphasized the importance of questioning assumptions in leadership roles. She also highlighted how these lessons would shape her life on campus and beyond.
“Going into every leadership role and room with curiosity was one of the most important lessons I took with me from the Diversity Conference,” said Diaz. “Asking questions before assuming about every situation is crucial to being a great leader. Moving forward, I will apply these lessons to my daily life by walking into every space with an open mind and filled with curiosity.”
Her advice to fellow Gaels? “Always be your authentic self!” Diaz urges.
In keeping with the mission, vision and values of Iona, the event helped to deepen students’ competencies around the following:
- Understanding, appreciation and respect for diversity
- Commitment to citizenship
- Personal ethics and values
- Sense of self awareness
- Sense of spiritual identity
- Critical thinking and pursuit of lifelong learning
- Effective communication skills and roles as team members
- Professional competencies and leadership skills
The 2024 Student Leadership and Diversity Conference was coordinated by the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Diversity Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB), and the Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development. It was held in Romita Auditorium in Ryan Library.
“The 2024 Student Leadership & Diversity Conference underscores Iona's dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders who embrace diversity, practice ethical leadership, and make meaningful contributions to society,” said Alison Munsch, Ph.D., Iona’s chief DEIB officer and associate professor in the LaPenta School of Business.
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona is widely recognized in prestigious rankings, including The Princeton Review’s 2025 national list of “The Best 390 Colleges” and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s “2024 Best Colleges in America,” which ranked Iona at #66 in the nation overall and #8 in the nation among Catholic schools. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just six percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2023.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian. Connecting to its Irish heritage, the University also recently announced it is expanding abroad with a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.