On May 20, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School welcomed over 800 attendees to the 24th Annual Business Leadership Conference, Enlighten. The annual event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.
What is the Business Leadership Conference?
Notre Dame’s Business Leadership Conference is a student-run event organized by the school’s . Under the guidance of their teachers, students plan and execute every aspect of the conference, from selecting the theme and speakers to coordinating the day’s activities. The event offers interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and a keynote presentation designed to inspire attendees, encourage personal growth, and connect students with industry leaders.
Each year, Business Leadership students select a theme that shapes the conference experience. This year’s theme, Enlighten, encouraged students to learn more about themselves, reflect on their aspirations, and consider how they can make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Celebrating Community Excellence
A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of the , which recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and make positive contributions to the Notre Dame community. The awards, established in 2008, honour previous and current Notre Dame faculty members and graduates.
An Inspiring Keynote Address
Over the past 24 years, the conference has welcomed an impressive roster of keynote speakers who have shared their experiences. This year’s conference featured a highly anticipated keynote address from actor, musician, and producer Penn Badgley, best known for his roles in You and Gossip Girl. Badgley spoke candidly about success, personal growth, and his experience navigating the entertainment industry from a young age. His thought-provoking presentation featured a Q&A session where attendees connected directly with him and gained a deeper understanding of his journey.
The conference offered both attendees and student organizers valuable experiences, fresh perspectives, and new connections. The 24th Annual Business Leadership Conference once again showed the impact of student leadership, experiential learning, and the value of opportunities that inspire young leaders to discover their potential.
