International Leadership Conference
October 3-4, 2025
Miami University will host the inaugural International Leadership Conference, empowering students to actively solve complex and current problems alongside influential leaders by applying the principles of human-centered leadership to create a better future. Students will develop these leadership skills through experiential case studies and partner with current leaders to work through timely and relevant problems. A number of inspirational keynotes and minilectures or workshops will be offered.
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark
The Leadership Playbook: A Fireside Chat on Leadership in the Military as well as College Football's Biggest Stage
Friday, October 3, 2025 at 8 a.m.
Location: Armstrong Student Center, Wilks Theater
Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark became executive director of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in June 2024. He joined after a 38-year U.S. Air Force career, retiring as a Lieutenant General. Most recently, Clark was superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, overseeing military training, academics, athletics, and character development. Previously, he served as deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration at the Pentagon and as a White House fellow advising the secretary of labor. A decorated officer, he completed three combat tours and earned honors such as the Distinguished Service Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. A former defensive lineman at the Air Force Academy, Clark helped lead the Falcons to a 12-1 season and Bluebonnet Bowl victory in 1985. He and his wife, Amy, have two children, Milo and Zoë.
Stephanie Byrd ’81
From Community to Crisis: Leadership, Compassion, and Crisis Management
Friday, October 3, 2025 at Noon
Location: Armstrong Student Center, Wilks Theater
Stephanie Byrd ’81 is the regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region, overseeing five chapters across 47 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Drawn to the Red Cross mission of bringing hope during crises, Byrd emphasizes the organization’s critical roles in disaster relief, blood donation, military support, and emergency training. She recalls that her first deployment during Hurricane Florence, when helping a distraught woman find shelter, highlighted the profound impact of Red Cross volunteers. A lifelong nonprofit leader, Byrd credits her upbringing with instilling a commitment to serving others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Miami University and a master’s in Health and Hospital Administration from Xavier University. Her leadership and dedication have earned numerous honors, including YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, Cincinnatian of the Year, and recognition as a 2022 “Black is Excellence” Unsung Hometown Hero.
Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori
Leadership, Diplomacy, Culture, and U.S. - Japan Relations
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Location: Farmer School of Business, Room 1000
Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori has recently assumed the position of consul general of Japan in Detroit. Serving a region rich in cultural diversity, particularly in Michigan and Ohio, he emphasizes Detroit’s role as both an industrial hub and a crossroads of cultures. Kishimori’s mission is to deepen ties between Japan and the United States by fostering mutually beneficial economic, cultural, and personal relationships. With a strong presence of Japanese companies in Michigan and Ohio, he aims to support their continued contributions to industrial growth and job creation while strengthening broader economic ties. He also prioritizes people-to-people exchanges through cultural programs, arts promotion, and sister city partnerships to build lasting friendships and mutual understanding. For Japanese nationals in the region, Kishimori is committed to ensuring safety, improving consular services, and responding to community needs. He values collaboration with local partners and seeks to further strengthen grassroots exchanges between the two nations.
Workshops
At the conference, students will also take part in interactive workshops—each led by a key leader—designed to provide hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges through human-centered leadership.
Other Key Leaders in Attendance*
- Rep. Warren Davidson, Ohio 8 Congressional District
- Michelle Glandorf, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council — Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
- Sunny J. Singh, Ph.D., chief of staff; Central Intelligence Agency; Office of CTO
- Angela Meleca, chief advocate officer, Meleca Creative Advisors; former director of Creative Ohio
- Major General Gordan Pavlovic — head of operations directorate (J-3), Serbian Armed Forces General Staff
- General Zoltan Mihócza - Head of the Hungary Reserve Forces
- Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters in Ohio
*This list is still being finalized and is subject to change. See our workshops for more.
Air Force ROTC Detachment 640
