The Student Convening brings together student leaders from Fairfax County and Prince William County schools for a day of learning, connection, and leadership development at George Mason University. Through a unique partnership between George Mason's College of Education and Human Development, the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, and the Virginia Department of Education, students explore what it means to lead with purpose and create positive change.
Through engaging workshops led by Mason students, faculty, staff, and community members, participants examine their leadership strengths, values, communication styles, and ability to lead across differences. Students collaborate with peers from other schools, gain new perspectives, and develop ideas they can bring back to strengthen their school communities and make a meaningful impact.
Prince William County Public Schools (November 3, 2026)
Student Ambassadors play an important role in creating welcoming, connected, and supportive school communities. The 2026 PWCS Student Ambassador Convening brings peer leaders together to share experiences, exchange ideas, build relationships, and strengthen their leadership skills. Through interactive sessions and conversations, participants will explore ways to use their voices, support their peers, strengthen their Student Ambassador Programs, and turn ideas into meaningful action in their schools and beyond.
- Date: November 3, 2026
- Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
- Location: George Mason University, Science and Technology Campus
- Identify personal strengths and leadership skills to positively influence school culture
- Explore ways to create inclusive environments where all students feel welcomed, connected, supported, and valued
- Practice communication, self-awareness, and student ambassador support strategies that strengthen relationships and build trust
- Exchange ideas, experiences, and promising practices with peer leaders from other schools
- Recognize opportunities to care for self, advocate for others, and lead positive change
- Develop actionable ideas to strengthen student ambassador support programs and make a meaningful impact in schools
This convening is made possible through the dedication and partnership of our campus and community collaborators. Thank you for your commitment to empowering students, strengthening communities, and inspiring leadership for positive change.
- Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement
- College of Education and Human Development
- George Mason University
- Military Order of the Purple Heart
- The Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative
- Post 10 Auxiliary
- Prince William County Public Schools
- Virginia Department of Education
- Battlefield High School
- Brentsville High School
- C.D. Hylton High School
- Charles J. Colgan, Sr. High School
- Forest Park High School
- Freedom High School
- Gainesville High School
- Gar-Field High School
- Governor's School @ Innovation Park
- Osbourn Park Senior High School
- Patriot High School
- Potomac Senior High School
- Unity Reed High School
- Woodbridge Senior High School
Program Agenda
Location: Verizon Hall, Lobby
Location: Verizon Hall, Auditorium
Communication That Connects
Presenter: Dr. Matthew A. Cronin (Costello College of Business, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110H
Managing conflict through communication is a fundamental skill in life. Students will practice listening with intention, expressing themselves clearly, navigating challenging discussions, and using communication to strengthen relationships and build trust.
Creating Inclusive Spaces: From Fitting In to Belonging
Presenter: Joseph Green (LMSvoice)
Location: Verizon Auditorium
Students will explore how to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included; recognize when someone may be left out; and practice ways to build connection and belonging.
From Ideas to Action
Presenter: Philip Wilkerson (University Career Services, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110A
Students will explore strategies for managing stress and protecting their wellbeing, recognize signs that a peer may be struggling, and practice how to respond and connect a friend with trusted support.
From Our School to Yours: Building Strong Student Ambassador Programs
Presenter: Nicole Pitre (Prince William County Public Schools)
Location: Room 204
Students will share what is working in their own programs, hear how one program approaches recruiting, training, events, and organization, and identify ideas they can bring back to their schools.
Leadership 101: Finding Your Voice and Leading with Confidence
Presenters: Maya Pesjak Richardson, Nia Christy, and Jay Kim (Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110E
Students will explore what it means to be a leader and recognize the strengths they already bring to leadership. Through interactive activities and conversation, they will build confidence in communicating their ideas, advocating for themselves and others, and using their voice to make a positive impact.
True Colors: Understanding Yourself and Supporting Your Peers
Presenters: Vicky Gil, Afsana Ahmadi, Emory Lombino, and Jihyun Lee ( Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110L
Students will explore their True Colors to better understand their strengths, communication style, and how they connect with others. They will also discover that greater self-awareness can help them manage stress, build stronger relationships, and better support their peers.
Building Belonging Through Aligned Student Leadership Initiatives
Presenters: Kimberly S. Simpson, EdS, Military Achievement Specialist, and College, Career, and Student Support and Vonne D. Thomas, Coordinator of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) College, Career, and Student Support Department
Location: Room 203
Club sponsors will participate in a collaborative discussion on how the No Place For Hate(NPFH) and Student Ambassador initiatives align to create welcoming, inclusive, and supportive school communities. Participants will explore shared goals, examine opportunities for partnership, and discuss strategies for strengthening student voice, leadership, and engagement. The session will also focus on the division's vision for expanding and sustaining efforts that foster belonging and ensure every student feels valued, connected, and respected.
Location:Sci Tech Campus, TBD
Communication That Connects
Presenter: Dr. Matthew A. Cronin (Costello College of Business, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110H
Managing conflict through communication is a fundamental skill in life. Students will practice listening with intention, expressing themselves clearly, navigating challenging discussions, and using communication to strengthen relationships and build trust.
Creating Inclusive Spaces: From Fitting In to Belonging
Presenter: Joseph Green (LMSvoice)
Location: Verizon Auditorium
Students will explore how to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included; recognize when someone may be left out; and practice ways to build connection and belonging.
From Ideas to Action
Presenter: Philip Wilkerson (University Career Services, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110A
Students will explore strategies for managing stress and protecting their wellbeing, recognize signs that a peer may be struggling, and practice how to respond and connect a friend with trusted support.
From Our School to Yours: Building Strong Student Ambassador Programs
Presenter: Nicole Pitre (Prince William County Public Schools)
Location: Room 204
Students will share what is working in their own programs, hear how one program approaches recruiting, training, events, and organization, and identify ideas they can bring back to their schools.
Leadership 101: Finding Your Voice and Leading with Confidence
Presenters: Maya Pesjak Richardson, Nia Christy, and Jay Kim (Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110E
Students will explore what it means to be a leader and recognize the strengths they already bring to leadership. Through interactive activities and conversation, they will build confidence in communicating their ideas, advocating for themselves and others, and using their voice to make a positive impact.
True Colors: Understanding Yourself and Supporting Your Peers
Presenters: Vicky Gil, Afsana Ahmadi, Emory Lombino, and Jihyun Lee ( Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, George Mason University)
Location: Room 110L
Students will explore their True Colors to better understand their strengths, communication style, and how they connect with others. They will also discover that greater self-awareness can help them manage stress, build stronger relationships, and better support their peers.
Location:Sci Tech Campus, TBD
Location: Sci Tech Campus, TBD
Program Booklet
