December 2, 2025
Host Site: Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids
Watch for registration coming soon right here!
A FREE conference for underrepresented high school students in grades 10-12, L.E.A.P (Leading & Excelling Academically & Professionally) aims at empowering youth to understand the life-long rewards that come from leadership, good decision-making, and academic success. Join us for workshop sessions on leadership, academic success, how to find your next steps after high school, and a resource fair.
Lunch is provided.
For more information, or to get involved with the Inclusion, Access, and Success Committee, please contact Inclusion, Access, and Success Chair Jasmine Washington at [email protected]
Now accepting RSVPs for the college/resource fair the 2025 LEAP Conference at Kirkwood.
Tentative time: 12:30-2:30pm (includes set up/tear down time)
If you would like to represent your institution or organization at the college/resource fair, please complete the RSVP Google Form by Friday, November 14.
 KEY NOTE ADDRESS
“I Am Not What They Say I Am: The Power of Knowing Who You Are”
In a world full of filters, expectations, and pressure to fit in, it can be easy to lose sight of who you really are. In this empowering keynote, Paula Bell takes students on a journey through the struggles and triumphs of building true confidence rooted in self-identity. With powerful stories, interactive moments, and truth-filled insights, students will learn how to embrace their uniqueness, silence self-doubt, and step into the room knowing exactly what they bring to the table. Whether you're figuring out who you are—or just learning to say it louder—this is your moment to stand tall.
Paula Bell, has been CEO of Paula A Bell Consulting, LLC, for 20+ years. She is a coach, consultant, speaker, and author with expertise in the areas of business analysis, project management, leadership, diversity, equity & Inclusion, career development, and self-development.
Through her 5-tier consulting business model, Paula helps individuals find their passion, build their brand, and enhance their skill sets through consultations, coaching, and customizable documentation to drive results. She desires to inspire, motivate, and encourage others, through a structured journey of self-reflection and awareness as a catalyst for unlimited success. Paula is a Certified Business Analyst, Master Life Coach, Life Purpose Coach, Goal Success Coach, Happiness Coach, Career Development Coach, Inclusion Manager Coach, and a Licensed Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Administrator.
Paula resides in Iowa and is extremely active in her community. She believes in mind, body, and soul. She studies, and trains, in martial arts and is a 3rd-degree black belt. Known as the "BAMartialArtist™," Career Ninja, Life Coach Sensei, & "Ninja P," she uses martial arts principles to highlight lessons that apply to both personal growth and professional development. Additionally, Paula is a Certified Xtreme Hip Hop™ Step Aerobics & Burn Instructor.
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