Stevens Institute of Technology welcomed students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests to campus for the 2025 Leadership Conference: Rise & Redefine, a biennial event hosted by the Lore-El Center
Created to reimagine traditional leadership models and celebrate the power of shared purpose, the 2025 Leadership Conference: Rise & Redefine on Nov. 7 brought together a vibrant mix of voices for a full day of learning, connection and community.
Leadership Conference Planning Committee Chair and Director of Student Culture and Belonging Liliana Delman opened the day with a grounding reminder: “Leadership isn’t about perfection or position — it’s about purpose. It’s about community. It’s about having the courage to rise, redefine and keep moving forward together.”
After check-in and coffee, an entrepreneurship panel invited attendees to think boldly about their futures. Throughout the day, workshops offered fresh perspectives on leadership and personal growth, creating space to reflect, exchange ideas and engage with fellow members of the Stevens community. Luncheon and networking breaks further strengthened relationships and sparked new ones.
“The day reminded me of how powerful our community can be when students, staff and alumni come together with genuine curiosity and care,” shared third-year industrial and systems engineering major Jeylan Jubran. “The Leadership Conference was a space where people felt seen and encouraged to grow.”
The program concluded with a keynote from Dr. Connie Mariano, whose historic career —including becoming the first Filipino American Navy Rear Admiral and the first woman to serve as White House physician to the President — inspired attendees to broaden their sense of what leadership can look like. Her reflections on navigating challenges, leading with clarity and staying grounded in purpose resonated with attendees and carried the community into the closing reception with renewed momentum.
To learn more about Mariano and this year’s conference, visit the Leadership Conference website.
