Nina Mason program holds iLEAD Leadership Institute

The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program is holding its 3rd Annual iLEAD Leadership Institute at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, Oct. 22.

iLEAD stands for Leadership, Empowerment, Action and Determination. This year's conference theme, "Sow, Grow, Flow and Glow," aims to empower and mobilize students to take their personal excellence and service to community to the next level.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program serves diverse students at both Arizona State University as well as at the Maricopa Community Colleges. This conference is collaboration between both institutions. The scholars are stellar students who have overcome tremendous adversity and are very committed to their academic goals and to making a significant impact in the communities that surround them.

The day will begin with planting a Sunflower garden near the Downtown Phoenix campus in partnership with Roosevelt Row's "The Valley of the Sunflowers Project " from 9-11 a.m. This project is aimed at activating a two-acre, vacant lot in downtown Phoenix and helping to transform it into a beautiful field of sunflowers. High school science students will harvest the sunflowers and press the seeds for oil to create bio-diesel fuel for their hybrid solar/biofuel vehicle project.  

The service project will be followed by a keynote address from former Phoenix police officer Jason Schecterle.  During his first year as an officer, Jason was involved in a serious car accident that left more than 50% of his body burned. Jason now travels the country serving as a motivational speaker to help those dealing with adversity. The keynote address will be followed by an afternoon of workshops.

For more information, please visit http://ninascholars.asu.edu.