WCBA students represent YSU at Beta Gamma Sigma Leadership Conference
Two students from Youngstown State University's Williamson College of Business Administration represented YSU at the Beta Gamma Sigma Leadership Conference Series, held Oct. 23-24 at Seton Hall University's Stillman School of Business in South Orange, New Jersey.
Olivia Hetrick, a senior business administration major, and Rosetti Johnson, a senior supply chain management major, joined Beta Gamma Sigma student members from across the United States and abroad for two days of leadership development, career preparation and networking. Both are officers in YSU's Beta Gamma Sigma chapter. Hetrick serves as vice president of programming, and Johnson serves as vice president of membership.
The fall conference, themed "Vision in Action: Long-Term Strategy for What's Next," challenged students to think about how strong leaders anticipate change, identify opportunities and create long-term impact.
The program opened with a keynote address by leadership speaker Simon T. Bailey, former sales director for the Disney Institute, titled "Amplify Hope: Lead From Where You Are Standing." A panel discussion, "Preparing for Professional Success in an AI World," examined the skills and mindset employers seek as new technologies reshape the workplace. Laura Lindenfeld of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University led a session on building trust through listening and empathy, and Seton Hall's Wesley Pech led an interactive workshop on critical thinking. Students also competed in a team leadership challenge and took part in a BGS Gives Back service activity.
For Hetrick, the conference showed the global reach of the honor society.
"One of my biggest takeaways from networking at the conference is how far-reaching the Beta Gamma Sigma organization is," Hetrick said. "I was able to network with many students from other countries, such as the Netherlands, Sweden and Australia." She also credited the conference speakers.
"I gained some extremely valuable tips on how to improve my communication skills through genuine connection, my leadership skills through promoting hope and my critical thinking skills through fascinating exercises," she said.
Johnson pointed to the sense of shared purpose among attendees.
"My biggest takeaway was being surrounded by like-minded students from around the world who were united by a shared purpose," Johnson said. "I especially enjoyed connecting with other students and learning from the speakers, who provided valuable insights on empathetic leadership, ethical AI use and critical thinking. The experience provided valuable insights that I hope to carry forward as I continue developing my leadership skills and pursuing my academic and professional goals."
Jeong Hoon Choi, associate professor and adviser to YSU's Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, said experiences like the conference extend students' learning beyond the classroom.
"It is important for our students to have opportunities to learn from professionals and leaders with real-world experiences," Choi said. "The BGS Leadership Conference gave Olivia and Rosetti the chance to meet students from across the world and share ideas with them. I am happy that they had this opportunity and hope they can bring what they learned back to YSU and share it with other students."
About Beta Gamma Sigma
Beta Gamma Sigma is an international business honor society. Founded in 1913, it recognizes top students in business programs accredited by AACSB International. Membership is by invitation only and is extended to students in the top tier of their class.