Marian University hosted its annual Transformational Leadership Conference on Jan. 19, 2026, at the Evans Center in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, bringing students together for a day of service, reflection
and leadership development.
Organized by Angelica Smith, director of the Unity Center, and Marisa Zambrano, executive director of the Marian Leadership Initiative, the conference focused on the theme, “Rooted in Healthy Leadership.”
The day began with community service, as students volunteered at three Indianapolis organizations: Mission 27, Aspire House and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. From 8 a.m. to noon, students engaged in hands-on service before returning to campus for the conference’s second half.
Afternoon programming featured a series of speakers and breakout sessions centered on leadership growth. Speakers included university President Daniel Elsner, keynote speaker Nora Zarvos, and breakout session leaders Amanda Bonilla, David Gibson and Laura Henderson.
According to Zambrano, the goal of the conference is to help students better understand what healthy leadership looks like in their own lives.
“Our goal is for students to feel inspired and excited about how to be a healthy leader and what that looks like for them as individuals,” Zambrano said.
Kalyn Rudow emphasized the conference’s role in student development.
“This conference is our way to pour back into you all — it’s our one big event of the year that is directly for your professional development,” Rudow said.
Elsner shared his personal leadership journey and highlighted the university’s mission to form transformative leaders.
“Good leadership contributes to human flourishing,” Elsner said. “When I see students rallying around a vision and becoming part of it, it’s encouraging and exciting to see where they will go.”
Many attendees said the conference was especially valuable given their involvement in leadership roles across campus, including student organizations, executive boards and Divine Nine fraternities and sororities. Others have participated in programs such as L.E.V.E.L UP, which introduces students to leadership development.
Demetree Jones, a senior and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., said his experience in the L.E.V.E.L UP program helped shape his leadership approach.
“You can’t lead others without knowing yourself,” Jones said. “It helped me grow and better guide others the same way I guide myself.”
Zion Dawson-El also reflected on the impact of the sessions.
“It really means a lot,” Dawson-El said. “I feel like I’m establishing myself in a leadership position and gaining more experience. The session with President Elsner and Nora had great insight, especially the ‘THIS’ acronym. Nora is a powerful woman — she had a vision and created a new reality for her community, and that resonated with me.”
Speakers emphasized the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in leadership. Gibson, who led a breakout session, encouraged students to reflect on their internal narratives.
“The story you tell yourself will always carry the greatest influence in your life,” Gibson said.
With strong student turnout and engagement, organizers expect the Transformational Leadership Conference to return next year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
