Eleven Florida State University students and two Center for Global Engagement staff attended the 14th annual Florida International Leadership Conference (FILC) at Camp Cloverleaf in Lake Placid, Florida from January 31 to February 2, 2020.

This annual conference brought together over 160 domestic and international students and staff from 18 different Florida colleges and universities to engage in a weekend of leadership learning activities.

“The Florida Leadership International Conference was one of a kind opportunity that allowed me to network with diverse student bodies," said Hanya Noussier, FSU junior from Egypt studying Advertising and Entrepreneurship. "It’s fascinating how I got to meet people from all corners of the world to engage in an enriching dialogue that was a blend of serious discussions and laughter. My experience at the conference has been gratifying; it allowed me to be part of something uniquely different. I learned a lot through the sessions offered about the importance of teamwork, the ability to listen to one another, respect each other’s opinions, and to step out of your comfort zone.”

2020 FSU Student Participants included:

• Leah Abounader (U.S. student participant – studied abroad in the U.K.)
• Adriana Gordillo Barahona (international student participant – Colombia)
• Daniella Horvath (international peer leader – Hungary)
• Brenda Kendi Gikunda (U.S. peer leader)
• Alessandra Mazzocchi (international student participant – Italy)
• Susanna Ninomiya (U.S. student participant)
• Hanya Noussier (international student participant – Egypt)
• Carlos Rodriguez (U.S. student participant – studied abroad in Italy)
• Melissa Shahbandeh (international student participant – Iran)
• Paula Tolton (U.S. student participant – studied abroad in Taiwan)
• Peiyao Yu (international student participant – China)

FILC empowers future international leaders through teambuilding exercises and sessions on a variety of topics ranging from global leadership and intercultural communication to campus activism. Participants also enjoy social activities such as campfires, a coffee house, and a Saturday evening dance.

Laura Dean, the Center for Global Engagement's (CGE) Intercultural Programs Coordinator, and Betty Jensen, one of the CGE's International Student Advisors, attended as team leaders. Dean also served as head volunteer for the Coffee Houses on Friday and Saturday night featuring the Amazon.

Each year 10-12 FSU students and two peer leaders are selected to attend FILC. If you are interested in participating in FILC in 2021, please visit cge.fsu.edu/FILC and check back for updates toward the end of fall 2020.