Our leadership sessions give students the tools to grow as individuals and leaders. Through workshops and conversations with mentors and entrepreneurs—many who’ve walked similar paths—students build their voice, confidence, and professional mindset.
Our Past Speakers
Meet Our Network
Tashara Parker
5x Emmy Award-winning journalist, Principal Storyteller at LOUD Women Lead Media Co., and a nationally recognized voice on culture, identity, and representation.
Dr. Chris Shropshire
Worked in colleges, nonprofits, and schools to make sure education leads to real opportunities and brighter futures.
EJ Carrion
Nationally recognized entrepreneur and education innovator helping students design lives of purpose, success, and economic freedom.
Dr. Sharla Horton
Passionate advocate for equity in education, empowering the next generation of leaders to thrive through purpose, perseverance, and unapologetic excellence.
Ricquel Archer
Serial entrepreneur and visionary nonprofit leader, Founder & CEO of Create + Collaborate, empowering first-gen students.
James Earl ll
Fitness entrepreneur and nonprofit leader passionate about purpose-driven leadership, community impact, and helping others grow stronger—inside and out.
Jasmine Ohen
Helps people turn passion into purpose—guiding entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers to unlock their gifts and create lasting impact.
purpose meets connection
all day schedule — july 24–25, 2026
7:45 AM - Volunteer Welcome
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM - Check-In and Breakfast
9:00 AM - Buses Depart from 722 Missouri Ave., Fort Worth, TX
Family Hub
Family Hub is a dedicated experience designed for families attending the CREATE + CO Conference. This space provides parents and guardians with tools, resources, and conversations focused on supporting first-generation college students throughout their journey.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM — Breakfast and Check-in
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM — Keynote Session: Building Your Hub
Behind every first-generation college student is a family that made it possible. "Building Your Hub" meets parents and guardians where they are and moves them forward—equipping them with the community, resources, and knowledge to advocate for, encourage, and show up for their student in ways that truly make a difference.
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM — Break
Every part of our conference is about creating access, building confidence, and helping first-gen students write their own stories. Together, we’re closing the gap and building a future where every student—no matter where they start—has what they need to lead and graduate.
Join Our Network Lounge
Join us in the Network Lounge to share your professional journey, represent your company, and help inspire the next generation of first-generation college leaders. Your insight could be the connection that transforms a student's career. Sign up to volunteer and make an impact
Featured Sponsors
Our events and the networking skills, as well as mentorship programs, students learn and teach to how to lead.
download conference sponsorship packet
Volunteer as an organization or individual
Create + Collaborate’s Student Leadership Conference is an in-person experience built to support first-generation college students as they prepare for college and life beyond.
We are looking for volunteers to help us with the conference. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.
download volunteer guidejuly 24–25, 2026
