STUDENT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2025 

January 31st – February 1st, 2025, FAU Campus, Boca Raton, FL 

The 2025 ITE Student Leadership Summit (SLS 2025) took place from January 31st to February 1st, 2025, at FAU’s Boca Raton campus, bringing together over 140 attendees. Planned entirely by students, for students, the summit fostered leadership and professional development, equipping the next generation of transportation professionals with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the industry.

Attendees included a diverse mix of undergraduate and graduate students from universities across Florida. Notably, Florida International University participated with 17 students, accompanied by the esteemed Professor Mohammed Hadi, Ph.D., P.E. Additionally, Florida State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of South Florida were represented by 4, 4 and 9 students, respectively. The University of North Florida sent a delegation of 9 students, joined by the esteemed Professor Thobias Sando, Ph.D. Furthermore, the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida participated with 4 and 11 students, respectively, including representatives from their local ITE Student Chapters.

None of this would have been possible without the generous sponsorships of our two Diamond Owl sponsors, the Freight Mobility Research Institute (FMRI) and the ITE Florida Puerto Rico District. In addition to their financial contributions, both organizations provided invaluable guidance, playing a key role in making this event a success.

Several companies operating in Florida and beyond also participated in the event, with many providing financial support. Notably, HNTB and CHA Consulting, Inc. were Gold Owl Tier sponsors, making significant contributions to the event’s success. Additionally, Kittelson & Associates, Inc., Kimley-Horn, Arcadis, Fehr & Peers, and Volkert supported the summit as Silver Owl Tier sponsors, while Iteris, Via Planning Inc., Gannett Fleming, Coke Consulting, and Atlantic Construction Engineers, L.L.C. were Bronze Owl sponsors.

As always, FDOT played a crucial role in supporting this initiative, with several representatives attending the event, including Mr. Steve Braun, FDOT District 4 Secretary.

The summit kicked off on Friday, January 31st, with a warm welcome from Thuha Nguyen, PE, PTOE, PTP, FITE, a member of the ITE Board of International Directors. The following day, the event continued with Mr. Steve Braun, FDOT District 4 Secretary, delivering the opening remarks. Later, Mrs. Karen Aspelin, International President of ITE, took the stage as the distinguished keynote speaker. Later in the day, another highlight of SLS 2025 was the Traffic Bowl Competition, which featured participants from several Florida-based universities, including the University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Florida International University. Each team gave their best effort to proudly represent their respective schools. This year's champion was the University of Florida, whose team delivered an outstanding performance in the final round. Additionally, a career fair was held, featuring leading transportation firms operating in Florida, offering mock interviews and providing students with internship and employment opportunities to help jumpstart their careers.

Both days of the event concluded with off-campus networking receptions. On Friday, January 31st, attendees gathered at a restaurant in Mizner Park, one of Boca Raton's most popular gathering areas. On Saturday, February 1st, an appreciation networking reception was held at a Greek restaurant near the FAU campus, where the organizers delivered closing remarks and expressed their gratitude to all attendees.

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AGENDA

Friday, January 31, 2025:

  • 2:00PM - Registration Desk Opens
  • 3:00PM - Networking Bingo & Resume Review
  • 5:00PM - Welcome Reception @ Yard House Mizner Park (201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432)

Saturday, February 1, 2025: 

  • 8:00AM - Registration Desk Opens
  • 9:00AM - SLS Welcome Remarks & Opening Remarks
  • 9:30AM - Panel Discussion: What does ITE mean to you and how does it benefit your career?
  • 10:30AM - Breakout Sessions
  • 11:50AM - SLS Group Photo
  • 12:15PM - Lunch with Keynote Speaker 2025 ITE International President Karen Aspelin
  • 1:15PM - Finding your strengths and how to use them
  • 2:15PM - Mastering the Interview Skills Workshop
  • 3:15PM-3:30PM - Professional Headshots (advance registration required) & Coffee and Networking Break
  • 3:30PM - Florida Puerto Rico District Collegiate Traffic Bowl Competition
  • 5:00PM-6:30PM - Career Fair with CHA, HNTB, Kimley-Horn, Kittelson, Arcadis, Volkert, FAU Career Center, FDOT
  • 7:30PM - Evening Reception @ Taverna Kyma (6928 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487)

SPONSORS

StudentLeadershipSummit2025Sponsors