Student Global Leadership Conference

In a hybrid format: Live in London and online from around the world

Presented by FIE: Foundation for International Education

SGLC 2025
APRIL 4 - 5, 2025 | LONDON, UK & ONLINE

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP: ESTABLISHING CULTURAL CONNECTIONS AND CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES

In a rapidly changing socio-political climate, it is more relevant than ever to look at leadership from an inclusive perspective, while enhancing and championing equity and diversity. In today's interconnected world diversity is not just a word, it's a fundamental aspect of organizational success and societal progress. Building stronger, united, inclusive communities is imperative for leaders of our time. By addressing such issues as cultural sensitivity, unconscious bias, intersectionality, inappropriate behaviours and challenging stereotypes, this conference seeks to encourage leaders to embrace diversity and inclusivity and utilize it as a source of strength and innovation.

Research in this field has consistently shown that diverse and truly inclusive teams perform better both in terms of creativity and financial perspective. Furthermore, studies have shown that diverse and inclusive teams are better equipped to anticipate and adapt to the needs of diverse customer segments, giving organizations a competitive edge in today's global marketplace. However, to realize the full potential requires inclusive leadership that goes beyond mere representation to actively foster an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute.

SGLC 2025 aims to explore how inclusive leadership can drive positive change by establishing cultural connections and challenging stereotypes. Our presenters will explore strategies and practices that promote diversity, equality and inclusion within leadership frameworks across various sectors. We invite you to join us in exploring this essential topic and together contribute towards a more equitable and inclusive world.

Conference will take place over two days, Friday 4th & Saturday 5th of April 2025. On Friday the event will start with registration at 6pm followed by keynote speaker and reception. During Saturday we will host multiple presentation sessions from both professional speakers and students throughout morning and afternoon.

The Student Global Leadership Conference has been hosted by FIE: Foundation for International Education since 2013. It was developed to bring people together who feel as passionate as we do about sustainability, diversity &inclusivity, social justice, and human rights. We believe that by inspiring and empowering YOU - the change makers of the future – can all enjoy a better tomorrow. Join us to make it happen!

FOR FACULTY & UNIVERSITY STAFF: Utilize sessions from the Student Global Leadership Conference in your own academic course, leadership seminar, team building exercise, or student organization! Meeting rooms for your small group during the conference are available. Get in touch with us at conference@fie.org.uk

Who should attend?

Students in undergraduate or graduate programs, wherever you are in the world, who wish to learn about leadership

Anyone seeking inspiration and motivation from diverse leaders

Higher Education and study abroad professionals

Benefits of the SGLC

Engaging keynotes and presentations, featuring interactive topics and unique stories

Practical examples and take-away tools for real-world implementation

Hybrid format allowing you to choose to attend online or live in London to connect with other students

Networking Opportunities

Interact with other students and leadership professionals during a live Q&A following all in-person presentations

Contribute your thoughts and hear from others during panels and keynote speakers

Connect with other delegates after the conference by sharing your contact information - grow your global network from home

REGISTRATION

Registration for SGLC 2025 is now closed. Please contact conference@fie.org.uk if you would like to attend but have not registered yet.

2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Ngozi Cadmus

Ngozi is a TEDx speaker, social worker, psychotherapist, and CEO of the leading UK anti-racist, culturally sensitive workplace mental health solution. Her expertise is in creating anti-racist organizations through a racially informed mental health lens and holding leadership accountable for their commitment to anti-racist practice. Lastly, she is nearing the end of her doctoral research, which focuses on the strategies black women use to reach the top.

Ann Francke

Ann is Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, the professional body for managers and leaders. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI. She is a regular columnist for The Times on management and leadership. In 2020 she was awarded an OBE for services to Workplace Equality. She authored ‘Create a Gender-balanced Workplace,’ and the ‘Financial Times Guide to Management’.

2025 Presenters Highlights

Dr Rene Hernandez, Breaking Barriers - Inclusive Leadership For Leaders With Unseen Disabilities

Dr. Rene’ Hernandez, Professor of Health Science, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table as an accomplished leader in the fields of health management. With a Doctorate in Health Management and dual Master’s Degrees in Physiology and Physician Assistant Medicine, Dr. Hernandez possesses a robust academic foundation that underpins her commitment to advancing healthcare practices. In addition to her educational achievements, Dr. Hernandez is actively engaged in shaping the healthcare future of healthcare through her role on the Diversity and Minority Affairs Committee for the Michigan Academy of PAs. Importantly, Dr. Hernandez has lived with Charcot Marie Tooth syndrome, a progressive muscular dystrophy since birth. This personal experience informs her perspective on patient care, health policy, and the importance of inclusivity in health professions.

Teena Hiebner, Breaking Barriers - Inclusive Leadership For Leaders With Unseen Disabilities

Teena Hiebner, Business Analyst at New York Insurance Company, offers unique insights into fostering diversity in leadership. With a proven track record in managing complex initiatives, driving organizational change, and cultivating talent, she is an example of how diverse abilities enrich leadership frameworks. Teena Hiebner offers her personal journey and professional achievements to inspire others to embrace equity and inclusion, showcasing the transformative power of accessible, inclusive leadership practices.

Kellie Mowll, Educating the Whole Child: Cultivating Fully Inclusive Educational Practices

Ms. Mowll is a dedicated educational leader in the US and UK, specializing in school start-ups for over 20 years. Her career began at Aspire Public Schools in California, and later, she supported the growth of schools in the UK, including United Learning and Ark schools. She became the Director of Teaching and Learning for TCES before being selected as the founding principal of WISH Academy High School. Kellie continues to focus on excellence in education and coaches new teachers at Loyola Marymount University School of Education.

Dr Fatos Selita, I, LEADER: Understanding the Development of Self as a Path to Successful Leadership

Dr Fatos Selita is a Barrister of England and Wales, an Attorney of the State of New Yor with a PhD in Psychology, a postgraduate degree in Professional Legal Studies, a bachelor’s degree in Law, the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a bachelor’s degree in Military Studies. For well over a decade, in several leading UK and US universities, Dr Selita has taught multi-disciplinary subjects such as Psychology of Decision Making, Law, Science of the Mind, Ethics, Communication. Dr Selita has also advised and delivered executive training at senior level, including UK government departments and the judiciary. He co-directs TechnoTruth, and publications can be accessed on Dr Selita’s Google Scholar.

SGLC Scholarships 2025

FIE in partnership with AIFS and the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation is proud to announce our range of scholarships to support attendance at SGLC 2025.

Our scholarships are designed to support a diverse range of students engaging with the event, both in person and virtually. For more information please visit our dedicated scholarship page. Scholarship applications will be accepted until 24th March, 2025. We will confirm successful applicants on a rolling basis, but no later than late March 2025.

More Details

SGLC 2025: Schedule at a glance
Royal Geographical Society

All session times listed in BST, local London time. Please check when sessions occur in your own local time zone. Sessions in the Ondaatje Theatre will be livestreamed and available for online delegates.

Friday 4 April 2025 (BST)

18:30: Doors Open

18:30-19:00: Registration

19:00-19:15: Welcome speech

19:15-20:15: Keynote 1

20:15-22:00: Canape Reception

Saturday 5 April 2025 (BST)

9:00-9:20: Tea/Coffee

9:20–9:30: Welcome speech

9:30–10:30: Keynote 2

10:30–10:45: Refreshment break

10:45–11:45: Session 1

11:55–12:55: Panel discussion

12:55–13:40: Lunch & poster session

13:40–14:40: Session 2

14:40–14:55: Refreshment break

14:55-15:55: Session 3

16:05-16:50: Story Circle

16:50-17:00: Closing remark

In-Person Conference Location - Royal Geographical Society, London, UK

PREVIOUS EVENTS GALLERY

SGLC 2023

SGLC 2022

SGLC 2021

SGLC 2019

SGLC 2018

SGLC 2017

Accessibility statement: FIE endeavours to ensure an accessible experience for all SGLC attendees. If you have any questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of SGLC, or any specific requests or requirements, please contact conference@fie.org.uk. You can also detail any requests in the conference registration form.

Where is the SGLC held?

The SGLC is held at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London, United Kingdom, SW7 2AR. Click here for a link to the location on Google Maps.

Is there vehicle parking available at the SGLC ?

There is no parking available at the at Royal Geographical Society, host venue for the SGLC. There is some local on-street parking, parking space in Hyde Park, and some commercial car parks exist nearby, including at Imperial College (evenings and weekends). Additional paid parking opportunities may be found on the Parkopedia website.

How do I get to the SGLC?

The Royal Geographical Society is well located and supported by a number of public transport options. The Transport for London Route Planner will help you plan your route to and from the event. Local connections include:

London Underground Stations

South Kensington Underground Station (Piccadilly, District and Circle Lines), an approximate 11 minutes walk, 0.7km
Knightsbridge Underground Station (Piccadilly Line), an approximate 15 minutes walk, 1.0km
Gloucester Road Underground Station (Piccadilly, District and Circle Lines), an approximate 17 minutes walk, 1.2km
Green Park Underground Station (nearest station with step free access from street to train) (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria Lines): 35 minutes walk or take bus 9 to get to the RGS, 2.4km

Mainline Stations

Paddington Railway Station (Hammersmith & City, District, Circle and Bakerloo Lines): an approximate 28 minutes walk, 1.8km
Victoria Railway Station (Victoria, District and Circle Lines): an approximate 37 minutes walk, 2.5km
Marylebone Railway Station (Bakerloo Line): an approximate 42 minutes walk, 2.8km

Bus Routes

9: Exhibition Road/Royal Albert Hall (from Aldwych/Hammersmith)
52: Exhibition Road/Royal Albert Hall (from Willesden/Victoria)
360: Prince Consort Road Stop RS (from Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway)
452: Royal Albert Hall (from Kensal Rise/Vauxhall)

Cycle or walk

There are a number of public bicycle racks in the area, including one (capacity: 14) on the north side of the RGS. Find cycleways and bicycle racks
Several Santander Cycles docking stations are within walking distance, the closest one on Kensington Gore outside the Royal College of Art. Visit the Santander Cycles website
There are many appealing and accessible streets and paths leading to the RGS, including through Hyde Park. Find footways

What is Accessibility like at the Royal Geographical Society for the in-person conference?

The RGS is a premiere conference venue with many accomodations available for a variety of needs, including:

Wheelchair spaces and an induction loop are available in the Ondaatje Theatre
Personal assistants or carers can usually be accommodated (please let us know in advance)
Registered assistance dogs are welcome
An accessible toilet is available
There is a cloakroom available to all delegates at the venue

What format will the online SGLC take? What parts will be live? What parts will be pre-recorded?

The SGLC is a hybrid event, with the live conference taking place Friday and Saturday in London. All sessions taking place in the Ondaatje Theatre will be livestreamed, with online access available by registering for the Online event. This includes: Welcome speeches, opening keynote (Friday), morning welcome, morning keynote, a selection of three breakout sessions, and closing remarks (Saturday).

Can Powerpoints/documents be made available ahead of time to run through accessibility software?

These can be shared in advance on request as required for accessibility purposes. Please email conference@fie.org.uk with your specific requests.

Can I have access to a sign language interpreter?

Please email conference@fie.org.uk regarding your request.

The Student Global Leadership Conference is hosted by FIE: Foundation for International Education. All conference enquires can be directed to conference@fie.org.uk