Aspiring Leaders Initiative

Empowering the Next Generation, One Student at a Time

Aaron and his mother, Patty, have long-standing ties to student leadership development in California. Patty has been involved with the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) since 1986 and served as President of the organization in 2009. Aaron himself participated in CADA’s leadership conferences and attended a summer camp during high school—experiences that helped shape his path as a leader on and off the field.

Building on this legacy, our “Aspiring Leaders” student leadership development initiative launched in 2019. Since its inception, we have sponsored over 1,800 students to attend leadership conferences organized and hosted by CADA Area A, with support from the California Association of Student Leaders (CASL).

Read what several of the 2023 attendees had to say about the experience.

“I have gone for two other years, but this year felt very effective. The two guest speakers had good messages, such as ‘How to be safe online’ and ‘I am enough.’ Their speeches held meaningful and powerful words that made everyone feel and think. They explained the perfect leader is imperfect. You don’t need to be special to help others. You just need passion. Which can ultimately create better leaders and a safer campus and hometown.”

“I learned many new skills and qualities while attending the Leadership Conference. While in attendance, I participated in multiple workshops. These include “Psychology in Leadership” and “Putting the FUN in FUNdraising,” as well as having the opportunity to listen to various speakers. I learned the importance of leaving a legacy, building a team environment, and putting others before yourself. I specifically learned just how important it is to take action. As guest speaker Kim Karr stated, “If you know how to do it, then do it. If not, then ask.” I feel that this quote stuck out to me because it taught me that it is okay to ask for help from others around you when it is necessary. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to attend this conference and can’t wait to implement the skills that this conference taught me to both my school and community.”

“While attending the Leadership Conference, I was able to talk with other student leaders and heard how they are making a difference at their school sites. We were able to work together and think about new and different ways to make your campuses better for all students. We talked about how a successful leader makes everyone feel heard and understood when expressing their opinion, and how to use our influence to help connect our schools and communities. Being able to connect with other student leaders showed me different perspectives on different leadership methods that will help bring our students closer as a community. Overall, this experience taught me useful leadership skills and that anyone can make a difference, no matter how big or small.”

Here is what one 2019 ALL RISE Aspiring Leader had to say about the experience:

“What an experience this trip to Area A North State Student Leadership Conference has been. This conference was hosted by CADA (California Association of Directors of Activities) and CASL (California Association of Student Leaders) presented several workshops. I got to meet new people and influencers from many other schools. It was enjoyable because it became a fun, interactive, and learning adventure that could bring the great ideas of so many other people from around the area right back to my school. It also taught me information about people I would never think about. It never occurred to me how many people can have personal conflicts that they deal with day to day, yet they keep it to themselves. On the day of the conference, we went to our first motivational speaker before visiting workshop presentations for improving our school. Then, we ate lunch while a DJ played for us. Last, we listened to our second motivational speaker and the leadership conference came to an end.

The influencers gave tips and tricks to make me a better leader for my school and to also make it a more inclusive experience for everyone else attending Linden High School. The speakers gave some ideas on how to get students excited about school events by using posters and promoting through social media.

Another aspect of the conference I really enjoyed was listening to Scott Backovich and Kevin Bracy. They are really good at their jobs as motivational speakers. They spoke about how you can change someone’s life by just showing a little attention. All people really need is someone to talk and to listen to them. School is a place where people need positivity. This is how we can help. We can help to change other’s lives. We just need to show that little attention. The whole trip had become something I really enjoyed and I hope to do it again.”

Cole Nixon, Aspiring Leader