On Friday, April 10, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon, San Jacinto College will host the LeadHERship Summit at the Central Campus Student Center, Room C14.264, to help any inquiring students, faculty, and staff develop and strengthen leadership skills.
The summit is hosted and organized with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges. The San Jacinto College Chapter has the goal of inspiring and emerge leaders through education, mentorship, and networking.
Jenniger Cerda, the coordinator of Career and Transfer Services at the San Jacinto College South Campus, is helping organize the event with American Association for Women in Community Colleges.
“For the LeadHERship Summit, I’ve worked closely with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, San Jacinto College Chapter, to help plan and coordinate an engaging and impactful leadership experience for our campus community.” Cerda said.
Cerda highlighted that the ultimate goal of this event is to empower and encourage everyone at San Jacinto College to explore their potential in leadership and to also strengthen valuable skills.
“The LeadHERship Summit is a leadership conference focused on empowering emerging leaders through education, inspiration and connection,” Cerda said. “The summit is designed to help participants build confidence, develop leadership skills and gain insights from women who are making an impact in their fields.”
The LeadHERship summit invites and is open to the entire campus and it’s community. The summit is is meant to benefit students, faculty, and staff who are interested in personal and professional development.
“This event is open to the entire campus community, with a special focus on students exploring leadership opportunities, staff and faculty aspiring to grow in their professional roles, and individuals seeking mentorship, inspiration and practical leadership tools…” Cerda said.
During the first portion of the summit, attendees will participate in activities that are designed and intended to strengthen leadership and encourage collaboration.
“Attendees will participate in inspiring guest speaker sessions, a leadership panel discussion, and opportunities for networking and community building,” Cerda said. “The event is designed to encourage reflection, learning and interaction while strengthening leadership skills and confidence.”
The LeadHERship Summit will be featuring a panel of women leaders from the San Jacinto College campuses who will be sharing their personal experiences, and offer guidance on leadership development.
The panelists include Andrea Nguyen, director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the San Jacinto College Foundation; Tabitha Godinez, coordinator for Education and Workforce Business and Technology Instructional Support Program Efficacy; Amy Arrowood, director of the Maritime Credit Program; and Sandra Ramirez, vice chancellor of Human Resources, Organizational and Talent Effectiveness.
These panelists all idividually bring leadership perspectives from education, administration, and professional development.
“The summit features influential women leaders who will share their leadership journeys, strategies for growth and lessons learned through their experiences,” Cerda said.
Students who attend this event will have the opportunity to learn and gain insight into their own career paths.
“Participants will learn how successful leaders navigate challenges, build confidence and continue growing throughout their careers,” Cerda said. “Speakers will also provide practical advice on leadership, resilience and professional development.”
According to Cerda, students can benefit from the summit by understanding how leadership skills apply both inside and outside the classroom.
“Students can benefit by gaining clarity about leadership pathways, developing confidence and learning how to apply leadership skills in academics, careers and everyday life,” Cerda said. “They’ll also be exposed to role models who demonstrate what is possible through perseverance and purpose.”
Students, faculty, and staff will also have the ability to network and connect with speakers and other leaders from across campus.
“Yes, networking is a key component of the LeadHERship Summit,” Cerda said. “Attendees will have opportunities to connect with speakers, panelists, students, faculty and staff who are committed to leadership development and community building.”
Organizers highlight that the summit provides motivation and connection for students and professionals to work towards their goals.
“The summit is especially important right now as individuals seek guidance, motivation and connection while navigating career goals and personal growth,” Cerda said.“Our goal is to build on this experience and expand professional development programming based on campus interest and feedback,”
Cerda encourages anyone and everyone who is interested in leadership and personal growth to come and attend the LeadHERship summit.
“If you’re looking to grow, feel inspired and connect with others who value leadership and empowerment, this summit is for you,” Cerda said. “The LeadHERship Summit is an opportunity to learn from influential women and discover your own leadership potential.”
For more information about the LeadHERship Summit, students can email Jennifer Cerda, the coordinator of Career and Transfer Services at the San Jacinto College South Campus, at [email protected].
