By Kyle Kelly

A free leadership conference will be held Saturday by the Center for Academic Resources and Enrichment Service from 11:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in the Main Building.

The conference is titled “Take the Lead: With Power, Passion and Purpose” and will have activities, workshops, keynote speakers, give-a-ways and a free meal.

The event will begin with an opening speaker during lunch, and then move to the third floor of the Student Center where the six workshops will be held.

“I’m excited about something like this because it is close, cheap and easy.” Chris Thomas, an agricultural education junior, said.

CARES offers opportunities to teach students how to become involved on campus.

The CARES program allowed its students to arrange this conference, monitored by adviser Kahlil Baker.

“The CARES program has done a lot to help students,” Thomas said.

Keynote speakers for the event include Dr. Sharon Moore, a professor from the University of Louisville, a member of CATalyst, Veeko Lucas, Lenroy Jones from the career center, Lamonte Nowlin and Dr. Tina Bryant from the UK counseling center.

There will be two breakout sessions, where students will be able to choose from three different workshops.

Workshop topics consist of financial management, basic leadership skills, leadership as it relates to the history of social change, cultural competency and preparing for graduate school.

“Finances and You,” a workshop taught by Nowlin, was chosen by students to be available in both breakout sessions.

Breakout session one will have “How Purpose Drives Life Decisions,” “Time Management” and “Finances and You”.

The second session will host “Cultural Awareness,” “Relationships: Making Them Work For You” and “Finances and You.”

The conference will end in the Student Center Ball Room with evaluations and door prizes.

Baker, a CARES sophomore counselor, is overseeing the conference.

“The importance of the event is to gain the experience of attending a conference,” she said.

Baker also added how important it is for students to take leadership roles in their classes, professions and personal lives.

In order to register for the CARES leadership conference, contact Kahlil Baker at [email protected].