On Feb. 27, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) hosted the Miners Leadership Summit, a one-day, in-person event aimed at strengthening students’ resilience, career readiness and leadership skills. The event featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities, providing a space for both professional and personal growth. 

Classes and auditoriums in the Undergraduate Learning Center (UGLC) were packed as students attended various sessions and heard from speakers including Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Chandi Dayle, UTEP President Heather Wilson and retired U.S. General David Goldfein. 

Learning about other leaders and what shapes them can help prepare students to leaders themselves. Sophomore accounting major Kaitlyn Carvalho said she enjoyed her time at the summit because she has always been interested in the life stories of successful individuals.  

“I’m someone who personally finds others’ insight incredibly valuable,” Carvalho said. “Hearing about other people’s experiences allows me to broaden my perspective and broaden the way that I can handle situations.” 

Goldfein spoke to students on discovering his life’s purpose, defending the country and its citizens, while reflecting on his tenure in the U.S. Air Force. He described leadership as both a gift and a continuous journey and emphasized that a good leader understands the needs of the people around them. 

Wilson and Goldfein, co-authors of the book “Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership,” also shared the stage to talk about overcoming fear and perseverance, not only as leaders but also as individuals. 

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” Wilson said.  

University of Texas at El Paso President Heather Wilson speaks with retired U.S. Air Force Gen. David Goldfein during the Miners Leadership Summit on Feb. 27 in the Undergraduate Learning Center at UTEP. (Iziah Moreno)

Throughout the summit, leadership was described as something that must come from within rather than simply from holding a position of authority. While someone may carry the title of “leader,” effective leadership requires more than a title. 

Juan Saldana, a senior political science major, attended the summit because he believes leadership skills are both valuable both inside and outside the workplace.  

“I believe that leadership development is essential to how we approach life and what our philosophy of life is,” Saldana said. “No matter what leadership style we hold, I believe that having the privilege and the opportunity to work with others, to lead them towards a goal, is something that’s not going to go away after a college career. So, it’s really important to develop, not just the skills, but the right mindset to approach certain situations.” 

Saldana views the summit as an annual event that is preparing him for a future career in politics, where he believes his actions could have a significant impact on people. 

“I believe that being prepared and knowledgeable about whatever you want to address in such a demanding career is so necessary because our actions lead to consequences, and those consequences can change someone’s life. Attending events like this one is an opportunity to prepare myself more for that,” Saldana said. 

Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Chandi Dayle speaks to students during the Miners Leadership Summit on Feb. 27 in the Undergraduate Learning Center at the University of Texas at El Paso. (Iziah Moreno)

Freshman business major Jorge Mireles said he initially went to the summit to earn extra points in one of his classes. However, he said that by the end of it, he gained valuable advice, including learning not to let doubt stand in the way of pursuing opportunities.  

The summit has introduced Mireles to a different side of student engagement on campus. 

“I’ve heard that this event is important for the school, so I feel that in a way participating does connect me with it more as well as the student life,” Mireles said. “I would say it is important to come and take advantage of all the opportunities that they give us, because if [UTEP] wants something, it is to see us succeed.” 

Although attending the Miners Leadership Summit can be part of making the most of the college experience, its impact can extend beyond academics and influence students long after graduation. 

Brisa Silva is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]