About INC (INROADS National Conference)

The INROADS National Conference is a signature leadership and professional development experience exclusive to INROADS interns. During the INROADS National Conference, students experience interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, and hear from corporate leaders and INROADS Alumni. Students learn best practices for their career journey and practical tips on how to step up as leaders on campus and eventually in their careers.

Why You Should Register For This Event


  • Learn from established leaders
  • Network with your peers
  • Complete your INROADS training requirements
  • Engage with corporate sponsors
  • Earn INROADS swag
  • Stand out on your campus and at your job as a leader

Agenda

Agenda

time iconJuly 19, 2024 11:00 am

Alumni Panel - Leveraging the Opportunity in Front of You

In today's competitive landscape, the key to success often lies in recognizing and maximizing the opportunities right in front of us. This session is designed to empower you, with the tools and insights needed to identify and seize opportunities that will pave the way for your future careers.


speaker headshot Rosanna Scarpati

speaker headshot Chaundra Frank

speaker headshot Ariel Solomon

speaker headshot Darien Wright

speaker headshot Xavier Scott

speaker headshot Joseph Ellis

speaker headshot Darius Hockaday

speaker headshot Michael Jordan
Hightower Group
time iconJuly 19, 2024 12:30 pm

Cheat Codes

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: "Cheat Codes" for understanding and applying DISC insights effectively. The DISC model, based on the work of psychologist William Moulton Marston, offers a powerful framework for understanding behavioral styles. By unlocking these 'cheat codes,' we can navigate interpersonal dynamics, enhance team performance, and boost personal effectiveness in various professional contexts.


Click the link for the free assessment


speaker headshot Michael Williams
EXIT REALTY WEST MIDTOWN
time iconJuly 19, 2024 12:30 pm

After the Internship: Finding the Next Job

You crushed your internship! Remember how you excelled in your internship? Now, let's harness those invaluable experiences and propel you towards the thrilling world of your chosen career. An internship is more than just a phase - it's a bridge that connects your academic knowledge with the realities of professional life. But how do you translate that experience into your next role? Let's guide you in transforming your internship experience into a powerful framework that will pave the way for your dream job.

Session Objectives:

· Create a personalized job plan

· Master the art of resumes, cover letters and networking

· Ace your interviews

speaker headshot Craig Preston
Team Mindshift
speaker headshot Robert Joseph
Team Mindshift
time iconJuly 19, 2024 12:30 pm

Designing Your Leadership Journey

During this workshop, Max will share three key questions to reflect on as you design your leadership journey ahead. These questions are: Where do I want to go? How do I get there? Am I on the right path? By unpacking these questions, you will be able to design your leadership journey and begin building toward the impact that you want to have in the world.

speaker headshot Max Polec
CEO Strategy
time iconJuly 19, 2024 12:30 pm

Navigating a Career Change

This session is an interactive workshop to guide students through the process of navigating career changes into different departments, industries, or into executive or leadership roles. In this session Mr. Rowe will establish a guideline and introduce a case study allowing participants to build out a mock resume for someone looking to make a career swap and think through ways to leverage their experience to answer real world interview questions!

speaker headshot Lenford Rowe

time iconJuly 19, 2024 01:30 pm

Grit, Resiliency and How to Rewrite Your Story

In this transformative workshop, you'll get the chance to learn about grit and

resiliency—qualities that can help you push through tough times and come out stronger. Lan Phan, an expert in leadership and personal development and the author of "Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life." She will share both theories and engaging, hands-on activities to help you discover your inner strength and reshape your personal story to showcase your true potential. But she won’t stop there—she’ll also teach you how to live each day with purpose and make a meaningful impact with your daily actions. This workshop is more than just theory; it’s about changing how you think by mastering the art of intentional living.

This workshop isn’t just about finding success at work, it's about finding true happiness and fulfillment in your life. If you're ready to create a life filled with purpose and joy, this workshop is a crucial step. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to change how you approach life and go from surviving to thriving.

speaker headshot Lan Phan

time iconJuly 19, 2024 01:30 pm

Transformational Leadership Among Young Professional: A Vehicle for Social Change

How might young professionals exhibit transformational leadership behaviors at the workplace and in societies? This session provides an in-depth review of the concept of transformational leadership and how it can serve as vehicle for birthing social change. Citing examples from existing transformational organizational practices and theories, and young transformational leaders across the world, this presentation will provide practical ways for developing transformational behaviors among young professionals.

Session Objectives: 

1. Understand the various theories and concepts of transformational leadership.

2. Examine the various transformational leadership behaviors deployable in achieving social change.

3. Uncover strategies for developing transformational leadership skills.

speaker headshot Israel Oyedare

time iconJuly 19, 2024 01:30 pm

P.O.W.E.R. Up Your Potential

P.O.W.E.R. up your Potential will help students thoroughly understand the need for intentional reflectiveness and preparation when it comes to the first impressions they must make on potential employers, business contacts and in social settings in order to be remembered in the most positive way.

speaker headshot Glenn Rudin

time iconJuly 19, 2024 01:30 pm

Navigating a Career Change

This session is an interactive workshop to guide students through the process of navigating career changes into different departments, industries, or into executive or leadership roles. In this session Mr. Rowe will establish a guideline and introduce a case study allowing participants to build out a mock resume for someone looking to make a career swap and think through ways to leverage their experience to answer real world interview questions!


speaker headshot Lenford Rowe

time iconJuly 19, 2024 01:30 pm

Designing Your Leadership Journey

During this workshop, Max will share three key questions to reflect on as you design your leadership journey ahead. These questions are: Where do I want to go? How do I get there? Am I on the right path? By unpacking these questions, you will be able to design your leadership journey and begin building toward the impact that you want to have in the world.

speaker headshot Max Polec
CEO Strategy
time iconJuly 19, 2024 02:30 pm

Transformational Leadership Among Young Professional: A Vehicle for Social Change

How might young professionals exhibit transformational leadership behaviors at the workplace and in societies? This session provides an in-depth review of the concept of transformational leadership and how it can serve as vehicle for birthing social change. Citing examples from existing transformational organizational practices and theories, and young transformational leaders across the world, this presentation will provide practical ways for developing transformational behaviors among young professionals.

Session Objectives: 

1. Understand the various theories and concepts of transformational leadership.

2. Examine the various transformational leadership behaviors deployable in achieving social change.

3. Uncover strategies for developing transformational leadership skills.

speaker headshot Israel Oyedare

time iconJuly 19, 2024 02:30 pm

Career Next Steps: Thriving in the Job

Congratulations! You landed your first job. Take a breath, pat yourself on the back, and note that this is where the real fun begins. It’s exhilarating when you get your first job, yet it can be scary when you encounter challenging situations. Excelling requires knowledge of your role but also recognizing

other skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence.

Session Objectives:

· Recognize unspoken rules

· Learn how to create win-win situations – for you and your manager

· Face challenges and uncertain situations through critical thinking

speaker headshot Craig Preston
Team Mindshift
speaker headshot Robert Joseph
Team Mindshift
time iconJuly 19, 2024 02:30 pm

P.O.W.E.R. Up Your Potential

P.O.W.E.R. up your Potential will help students thoroughly understand the need for intentional reflectiveness and preparation when it comes to the first impressions they must make on potential employers, business contacts and in social settings in order to be remembered in the most positive way.


speaker headshot Glenn Rudin

time iconJuly 19, 2024 02:30 pm

Power Up Your Soft Skills to Get a Job and Keep a Job

In today's competitive job market, technical skills are no longer enough. Employers increasingly value soft skills, the interpersonal and communication abilities that ensure success in the workplace. This interactive workshop equips participants with the essential soft skills needed to thrive throughout their career journey, from acing the interview to excelling in their role as an employee.

speaker headshot Cassandra Whitlow

time iconJuly 19, 2024 03:30 pm

Conference Wrap Up (closing remarks and directing to Happy Hours)

time iconJuly 18, 2024 11:00 am

Welcome and Keynote Address featuring Joy Fitzgerald

Welcome INROADS Interns, Staff, Speakers, Sponsors, Alumni, and Friends! Get ready for an exciting two days ahead at the INROADS National Conference 2024. 

This year, we are thrilled to present a diverse and experienced panel of speakers whose sessions promise invaluable insights.

Our theme for this year's conference is 'Leading with Purpose: Igniting Passion & Possibility.' To kick off the event, we are honored to have Joy Fitzgerald as our keynote speaker. Mrs. Fitzgerald currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at UnitedHealth Group. She is a globally recognized business executive and a leading voice on diversity as a strategic business advantage. Her insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Black Enterprise, and more. Joy has also authored three influential books, including 'The Journey to Joy: 5 Generations Share Stories Every Woman Needs to Hear' and 'Finding Authentic Rhythm.'

speaker headshot Forest Harper
INROADS
speaker headshot Bev Porter
INROADS
speaker headshot Yvonne McKinnon
INROADS
speaker headshot Joy Fitzgerald
United Health Group
time iconJuly 18, 2024 12:15 pm

Leadership of the Future, Constellations Digital Strategy

At Constellation, we are pioneering the digital frontier. We are equipping our teams with the latest technologies enabled by our robust 4-Pillar Digital Strategy. 

Our Digital Strategy is a testament to the fact that we are not just adapting to the latest digital trends - we are setting the pace. 

speaker headshot Naysha Conway-Hart
Constellation
speaker headshot Stephen Adams
Constellation
time iconJuly 18, 2024 12:15 pm

Difficult Conversations

Embark on a swift and enlightening journey through the landscape of conversation and collaboration with our dynamic session. Ideal for anyone aiming to enhance their career trajectory, foster effective teamwork, and navigate challenging conversations with greater ease. This workshop will equip you with insights and strategies to transform difficult conversations into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Session Objectives:

● Enhance Dialogues: Learn key mindshifts to transform discussions into impactful dialogues.

● Understand and navigate conversation components

● Improve collaboration and conflict resolution.

speaker headshot Craig Preston
Team Mindshift
speaker headshot Robert Joseph
Team Mindshift
time iconJuly 18, 2024 12:15 pm

Making it as an Entrepreneur

This interactive roundtable session offers a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship from three diverse founders. Hear their inspiring journeys, lessons learned, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Engage in an open dialogue, ask questions, and gain invaluable insights into navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities of starting and running a successful business.

Get real-world wisdom on topics like lean startup methodologies, customer discovery, raising capital, achieving product-market fit, and overcoming obstacles as a founder of color. Whether you're just starting to explore entrepreneurship or already have a venture in mind, this session will equip you with the knowledge and mindset to boss up and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Understand the realities, challenges, and potential pitfalls of entrepreneurship from seasoned founders.
  • Gain insights into the lean startup process, customer discovery, and achieving product-market fit.
  • Learn strategies for raising capital and overcoming obstacles faced by entrepreneurs of color.
  • Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and acquire practical tips for launching and growing a successful business.
speaker headshot Marcus Shute

speaker headshot Keyona Meeks

speaker headshot Bryan Hobbs

time iconJuly 18, 2024 12:15 pm

Diversity Conversations

What started as a book titled “Diversity Conversations” turned into a weekly podcast. Now hear Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis have the conversation. Diversity Conversations challenges you to manage your personal beliefs and biases, recognize the legitimacy of opposing perspectives, and find common ground. This session will encourage personal growth through examining the conversations we have on diversity with ourselves, those who are like us, and those who are different. This session will infuse a balance of real-life experiences, useful research, and practical tips to becoming more thoughtful when facing diversity conflicts.

speaker headshot Eric Ellis

speaker headshot Tommie Lewis

time iconJuly 18, 2024 02:00 pm

Navigating Finance: Exploring Pathways to Success

Join us for 'Navigating Finance: Exploring Pathways to Success,' where Ammar Iftikhar will guide students through the intricacies of finance, offering insights into the diverse opportunities available in buy-side, sell-side, and support services. Learn how to think strategically about finance and discover pathways to a successful career in this dynamic field.

speaker headshot Ammar Iftikhar

time iconJuly 18, 2024 02:00 pm

Impacting the Communities Where We Live

Self-care extends to the communities where we live, too! Leadership in our communities is important for our personal development and it helps us to develop empathy along the way.  This workshop is designed to help you: 

1) Take a personal inventory of how you think about impacting communities 

2) Understand the need for our communities to reflect our differences

3) Personalize where diversity and inclusion intersect with civic responsibility

speaker headshot Nikki Lang
Bimbo
time iconJuly 18, 2024 02:00 pm

A Conversation with Suzy Welch

We all want to lead a life of our own choosing. But in today’s accelerated world of competing priorities, confounding options, and information overload, we can find ourselves steered by impulse, stress, or expedience. Are our decisions the right ones? Or are we being governed, time and again, and against our best intentions, by the demands of the moment? Join Suzy as she answers questions about her journey, decisions, challenges, and what she would tell her younger self.

speaker headshot Rosanna Scarpati

speaker headshot Suzy Welch

time iconJuly 18, 2024 03:00 pm

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader - INROADS Style

Were you “Present” or just present? Play this game and earn points. Answer questions about INROADS and the National Conference for a little fun and a lot of competition.   


speaker headshot Kahoot Game

speaker headshot Yvonne McKinnon
National Director, Learning & Development
time iconJuly 18, 2024 03:00 pm

Pitch for Prizes

Have you mastered your "Elevator Pitch?" This session is a fun way to enhance your "pitch" while winning a prize. 

speaker headshot Glenn Rudin
The Message Master

Frequently Asked Questions


Yes, all interns – new and returning interns – are required to participate as part of your overall training experience. Register now.
Yes, there will be an Intern Happy Hour where you can engage with your peers in a casual setting.
Yes. If you are comfortable being in the spotlight, we want to hear from you. We need interns to introduce our speakers for the workshops and interns to particpate in the Intern Happy Hour. If you are interested, send an email toLearning@INROADS.org
The Intern Happy Hour is a space and place to casually hang out and connect with INROADS interns from across the country. Discuss your experience as an intern and your next steps and future opportunities.
The Exhibit Hall is where you can find our sponsoring companies. A few times during the conference will be designated for you to visit the Exhibit Hall to find out more about these companies, including career opportunities.
INROADS notified your internship site about the conference before your internship began. Please remind your supervisor that you are required to participate in conference activities. If you encounter any challenges, reach out to your Program Manager or Regional Director.
Yes, you are welcome to eat lunch while attending the sessions. The conference is packed with amazing speakers, valuable information, and engaging sessions, so feel free to enjoy your meal while learning something new.