SAGE Scholars Gather for the 2026 Leadership Summit
By Neda Moayedi
March 16, 2026
March 16, 2026
On February 22, the UC Irvine SAGE Scholars community came together for the 2026 SAGE Leadership Summit, an annual event designed to support students’ leadership development, professional growth, and preparation for the transition from college to career.
Throughout the day, scholars participated in keynote talks, alumni conversations, and networking sessions that encouraged reflection on resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. Between sessions, students compared notes, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on what leadership might look like in their own careers.
Julie Washington, Professor and Interim Dean of the UC Irvine School of Education, opened the day with a powerful reminder: “This too shall pass.” Through personal stories of resilience, she encouraged scholars to see themselves as their ancestors’ wildest dreams and to lead from that awareness. Her message emphasized that understanding one’s strengths and values can help guide effective leadership, even in uncertain moments.
Guest speaker Zameer Rayani, founder of Inner True North, built on that theme by encouraging students to reframe challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. He shared practical strategies for turning rejection into actionable insights and building resilience over the course of a career.
Scholars also heard directly from alumni during the “Navigating Uncertainty” panel, where graduates shared candid reflections on career setbacks, unexpected turns, and the iterative paths that often lead to success. Students engaged alumni with thoughtful questions, seeking advice on everything from first jobs to navigating moments of doubt early in their careers.
The day concluded with Career Conversations That Matter, a networking session where scholars rotated through small-group discussions with alumni and professionals. This year, 25 alumni volunteers generously contributed their time and expertise, offering guidance on academic decisions, career exploration, and professional development. For many students, the session offered their first opportunity to have candid, one-on-one conversations with professionals working in fields they hope to enter.
The 2026 SAGE Leadership Summit reflected SAGE’s ongoing commitment to building a supportive, intergenerational community that equips scholars to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. The program is grateful to the many alumni and volunteers who helped make the day possible, as well as the UCI–OC Alliance, whose generous sponsorship supported the event.
Through experiences like the Leadership Summit, SAGE Scholars continue to build the networks, mentorship, and leadership skills that help high-achieving students with financial need succeed at UC Irvine and beyond.
Julie Washington, Professor and Interim Dean of the UC Irvine School of Education, opened the day with a powerful reminder: “This too shall pass.” Through personal stories of resilience, she encouraged scholars to see themselves as their ancestors’ wildest dreams and to lead from that awareness. Her message emphasized that understanding one’s strengths and values can help guide effective leadership, even in uncertain moments.
Guest speaker Zameer Rayani, founder of Inner True North, built on that theme by encouraging students to reframe challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. He shared practical strategies for turning rejection into actionable insights and building resilience over the course of a career.
Scholars also heard directly from alumni during the “Navigating Uncertainty” panel, where graduates shared candid reflections on career setbacks, unexpected turns, and the iterative paths that often lead to success. Students engaged alumni with thoughtful questions, seeking advice on everything from first jobs to navigating moments of doubt early in their careers.
The day concluded with Career Conversations That Matter, a networking session where scholars rotated through small-group discussions with alumni and professionals. This year, 25 alumni volunteers generously contributed their time and expertise, offering guidance on academic decisions, career exploration, and professional development. For many students, the session offered their first opportunity to have candid, one-on-one conversations with professionals working in fields they hope to enter.
The 2026 SAGE Leadership Summit reflected SAGE’s ongoing commitment to building a supportive, intergenerational community that equips scholars to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. The program is grateful to the many alumni and volunteers who helped make the day possible, as well as the UCI–OC Alliance, whose generous sponsorship supported the event.
Through experiences like the Leadership Summit, SAGE Scholars continue to build the networks, mentorship, and leadership skills that help high-achieving students with financial need succeed at UC Irvine and beyond.
