We invite you to join us in-person at the Northwest Building or virtually for the inaugural DCE Spring Conference on March 8, 2026, hosted by faculty chair John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D., and the Harvard Extension Alumni Association (HEAA).
This event will bring together DCE-wide faculty, alumni, learners, and special guests from all over the world to discuss how we can better lead ourselves and others in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The Conference includes concurrent workshops, panels, and presentations, curated for both in-person and online participants. Attendees will get a chance to hear from faculty such as Bobbi Wegner, Ph.D., Eugene Kogan, Ph.D., and various alumni leaders.
HEAA President Ariel Gamiño ALM ’03 and Dean Nancy Coleman, Ed.D. will discuss leadership in higher education.
Whether you’re joining us for the in-person or virtual experience, we hope to see you on March 8!
In-Person Experience
Cost: $75
In-person attendees will curate their learning across two dozen session options; plus enjoy buffet meals, refreshments, and rich conversation.
In-Person Schedule
All times are Eastern Time
8–9 a.m.: Check-in, breakfast, and informal networking
9–9:50 a.m.: Leading Through Challenging Times with John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D.
10–10:50 a.m.:
- HES Public Service Leadership Panel with Santiago Creuheras ALM ’00, ALM ’01, Jeff Keuss ALM ’24, Priya Tahiliani ALM ’13, and moderator Connie Askin ALB ’93
- Groups and Culture with Bobbi Wegner, Ph.D.
- The Decision Room: Unscripted Leadership Practice with Merissa Goodstein CSS ’22
- Personal Branding for Leadership Presence and Career Development with Karen Leland ALM ’22
11–11:50 a.m.:
- HES Alumni Entrepreneurial Leadership Panel with Lupita Almuhana, Bridgette Chambers, Sam Siu, and moderator Imran Khan ALM ’23
- Beyond Small Talk: The Power of Meaningful Conversation with Eugene B. Kogan, Ph.D.
- Too Precious to Lose: A Conversation about Community Leadership & Racial Reconciliation with Jason Green, JD & Alvin Carter
- Beyond Small Talk: The Power of Meaningful Conversation with Onaiza Kazi ALM ’24
12–1 p.m.: Buffet lunch and networking
1–1:50 p.m.: Leadership in Higher Education with Dean Nancy Coleman, Ed.D. & HEAA President Ariel Gamiño ALM ’03
2–2:50 p.m.:
- Top CEO Moves in the First 12 Months with Athena Manley
- HEAA Panel: How You Can Get Involved
- AI in Practice: Tips for Leading in the Workplace with Per Clingweld
- Leadership Through Language: How to Use Writing to Build Influence and Change Minds with Trent Spiner Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management ’23
3–3:50 p.m.:
- HES Alumni Non-Profit Leadership Panel with Toni Bell, Cristina Morais, Ariadna Trapote ALM ’15, and moderator Siza Mtimbiri ALB ’06 ALM ’07
- HEAA Workshop: AI ‘Learning Together’
- Gen Alpha and the Leadership Decisions That Will Define the Next Decade with Daniel Sarmiento CSS ’04
- Marketing Strategies for Leaders with Ben Fisher
4–5:30 p.m.: A conversation between John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D., and a special guest
Virtual Experience
Cost: $25
Those attending virtually will have access to a curated selection of live-streamed sessions, plus extended hours.
Virtual Schedule
All times are Eastern Time
6–7 a.m.: Aligning Your Leadership and Impact with Core Values with Steve Gardner ALM ’21
7–8 a.m.: Leadership in the Art World with Daphne Kobia
8–9 a.m.: Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of a Global HEAA Alumni Network with Maleeha Habib ALM ’21
9–9:50 a.m.: Leading Through Challenging Times with John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D.
10–10:50 a.m.
- Groups and Culture with Bobbi Wegner, Ph.D.
- Building with Purpose: A Technical Leader’s Moral Compass from Startups to Fortune 500 Companies with Pablo Maceiras De Araujo ALM ’21
11–11:50 a.m.:
- Beyond Small Talk: The Power of Meaningful Conversation with Eugene B. Kogan, Ph.D.
- Negotiation and Organizational Conflict Resolution with Diana Buttu, JSM, LLM
1–1:50 p.m.: Leadership in Higher Education with Dean Nancy Coleman, Ed.D. & HEAA President Ariel Gamiño ALM ’03
2–2:50 p.m.:
- HEAA Panel: How You Can Get Involved
- Ethical Leadership with Paul Green, Jr., Ph.D.
3–3:50 p.m.:
- HEAA Workshop: AI ‘Learning Together’
- The Power of Sports Diplomacy with Carlo Capua ALM ’22
4–5:30 p.m.: A conversation between John Paul Rollert, JD, Ph.D., and a special guest
