FSU Students Engage in Global Leadership at FILC 2026

The 2026 Florida International Leadership Conference (FILC) once again demonstrated why it is a cornerstone leadership experience for students across the state. Bringing together more than 150 domestic and international students from over 15 Florida colleges and universities, FILC provided a weekend focused on reflection, connection and personal growth.

This year, FSU was represented by five students: Samantha Nieto, a third-year international student from Peru majoring in finance and economics; Malaika Hyder, a first-year international student from Pakistan majoring in information technology and digital media production; Ava de Gaetano, a third-year information systems and media communications major; Faith Parkinson, a third-year international affairs major; and Ellie Usher, a fourth-year media communication studies major. The group was accompanied by Chloe Mueller, CGE Global Exchange Advisor, and Betty Jensen, CGE International Student Advisor and one of the founding members of FILC.

For Nieto, the FILC was an experience rooted in courage and self-reflection, sharing “When I came to America, I was very confused, and I felt like I was struggling to understand the culture and even the limits of my F-1 status,” she explained. “Meeting so many international students at the same time was great because we were able to share and relate to each other’s experiences.” Hyder echoed the importance of reflection and connection. Although she had formed strong friendships with domestic students, the conference prompted her to think more deeply about her own international journey. “Coming here made me reflect,” she said. “Networking and hearing others’ experiences made me realize that things I didn’t initially think were challenges were actually things I pushed myself to get through as an international student.”

For Gaetano, the most impactful aspect of FILC was hearing participants’ personal stories. “My favorite part was definitely meeting people and getting to hear their stories and where they come from,” she said. “It’s always good to broaden your perspective and to get that real-time connection with students who have different experiences.” Parkinson, who highlighted the importance of cultural exchange for domestic students, chimed in stating “It’s important for domestic students to better understand the international student experience in order to better support them.”

Founded in 2006 by a group of international educators including Betty Jensen, with the first conference held in 2007, FILC was created to bring domestic and international students together for a weekend of leadership development, cultural exchange, and fun. Nearly two decades later, Jensen reflected on the conference’s evolution. “Over the years, the technology has changed, the programming has changed, and the students have changed,” she said. “But after 19 years, each year the students seem more enthusiastic.” Her hope remains steadfast: “I hope that in some way, FILC continues and continues strong—as every year, it seems to get even stronger.”