This April, Lydia Lyons and Kristal Racco had the exciting opportunity to attend the Beta Gamma Sigma Leadership Conference Series, held at Northern Kentucky University. Over the course of two days, the conference explored the power of emotional intelligence in leadership, with a strong focus on leading with self-awareness, creating impact, navigating change, and overcoming challenges.

One of the highlights of the event was a collaborative activity where students partnered with fellow BGS members to develop leadership strategies for global business expansion. This experience challenged participants to explore market integration opportunities, leadership dynamics, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and the broader impacts of business decisions. It was a valuable opportunity to put classroom knowledge into practice in a real-world context.

The biggest takeaway from the conference was learning how to align personal values and strengths to create meaningful impact as leaders. Lydia shared her personal leadership impact statement:
 “Grounded in curiosity, gratitude, and self-discipline, I lead with purpose to empower others, serve with impact, and inspire growth through reflection and authentic action.”

Outside of the conference, Lydia and Kristal took time to explore the local area, visiting both Cincinnati and Newport, Kentucky. One memorable experience was attending a Cincinnati Reds game—thanks to discounted tickets provided through BGS!

Both Lydia and Kristal are deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent Salisbury University at this inspiring leadership event. They extend a heartfelt thank you to Professor Holloway and the Perdue School of Business for their support in making this experience possible.