Undergraduate Business School Leadership Conference

UBSLC 2026 Conference

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2026 Conference: February 19-21

The Undergraduate Business School Leadership Conference (UBSLC) is an international conference held annually at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. Each year, Emory University and the Goizueta welcome student representatives from over 50 schools around the US and world to Atlanta with programming, speakers, workshops, entertainment, and more. UBSLC provides a forum for top undergraduate business students to network with peers, meet business executives, cultivate meaningful connections, develop applicable skills, and unify under a common theme designed to help them become more effective leaders and professionals. What these leaders learn here will follow them to their home schools, community, organizations, and career.

For UBSLC 2026, we are excited to announce the theme is Fearless Leadership. This year, we’ve launched several internal Goizueta initiatives addressing leadership on our campus and are excited to share that with the broader undergraduate business community. Additionally, our focus area is on Navigating the Unknown – because fearless leaders aren’t just visionaries, they’re adaptable. We’re encouraging students to explore how resilience, flexibility, and perseverance can transform challenges into opportunities in times of uncertainty. If you have an interest or experience in either of these two areas, we highly recommend attending UBSLC 2026.

2026 UBSLC Keynote Speaker - Kat Cole

CEO & Board of Directors at AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens), Former President and COO of Focus Brands

Kat was raised as one of three girls by a single mom. She started working as a waitress/hostess at Hooters and was also first in her family to attend college. She dropped out as she moved up to help support her family financially. She rose up through the Hooters organization to the position of VP and began the EMBA Program at GA State (which is possible with the right work experience even with no college degree) Ms. Cole was then recruited by Cinnabon as president, where she led a transformative turnaround and grew the brand to $1billion. Cinnabon is a part of Focus Brands (Auntie Anne's, Moe's, Schlotzsky's, McAllister's, Jamba, Carvel) and she rose up to COO and then President of all of Focus brands. In 2021 she left to become president, and eventually CEO of AG1 which is a macro-nutrient supplement/powder. Since that time, the company has grown revenue from $160Million to $600million and has a valuation of 1.3billion.

Kat Cole is also committed to community work. She serves on the boards of Slice and Milk Bar, was a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, a member of the United Nations Global Entrepreneurs Council, and was listed on the Fortune 40 Under 40 list.
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FAQs

UBSLC will be hosted at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University on February 19-21, 2026.

The cost of the conference will be heavily subsidized by Emory University. The total cost for the entire conference will be $350 per delegate and schools may send two delegates. This total cost includes registration fees, all meals, a hotel room at the Emory Conference Center Hotel, transportation between the hotel and Goizueta, all activities, and administrative costs. This cost, however, does not cover airfare or transportation costs from the airport to the hotel.

For local schools who are within commuting distance of the metro Atlanta area, we are able to significantly waive attendance costs. Please reach out to mforond@emory.edu and alina.rahim@emory.edu after submitting the registration form and prior to making any payments if you believe you qualify.

Specific Programming is still TBD but will include panels with industry leaders and recent graduates, workshops, a short-format case competition, and include evening dinners and events across Atlanta.

Accommodation is provided for each conference participant at the Emory Conference Center Hotel on Thursday, February 19, and Friday, February 20. The hotel is located 6 minutes from the Goizueta Business School and there is a shuttle between the two. If you have specific questions regarding hotel accommodations or would like to arrange for additional nights, please reach out to Taylor Golden (tgolden@ecchemory.com).

Delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements. We recommend that students land in Atlanta and check into the hotel on the morning of February 19. Students arriving from farther distances may need to arrive on February 18. For departures, the conference will wrap up around 3PM on February 21, so please keep this in mind when booking tickets.

2025-2026 UBSLC Committee

  • Brandon Lin

    UBSLC Chair

    Brandon Lin is a senior at Emory University studying Finance and Analytical Consulting with a double major in International Studies. On campus, he is involved in BBA Council, 180 Degrees Consulting and is the Head TA for Business Law. In his free time, Brandon likes to travel, play soccer, and (try to) complete crosswords. Brandon is originally from San Jose, CA and is excited to return to the Bay Area to pursue a career in management consulting.

  • Rene Weissenbacher

    Rene Weissenbacher is a senior finance major from Austria, is currently studying abroad in the United States. He attends the University of Economics and Business in Vienna and is excited to serve as co-chair for the 2025 Undergraduate Business Leadership Conference. Rene’s interests extend beyond academics; he is an avid fan of college football and Formula 1. After graduation, he will start working in investment banking.

  • Niki Rajani

    Niki Rajani is a sophomore at Emory University, double majoring in Organization & Management and Philosophy, Politics, and Law. On campus, she serves on the editorial board of The Emory Wheel and is a member of Goizueta Women in Finance. Originally from Naples, Florida, Niki enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, and attempting to play piano in her free time.

  • Alina Rahim

    Alina Rahim is a junior at Emory University studying Management and Finance with a concentration in Film and Media. Originally from Idaho, her small town-background contributes to her professional and personal aspirations, seeking community and interconnectedness no matter where she goes. She combines her background in financial analysis, consulting, and media to bridge business strategy with creative storytelling. She is committed to impactful work that connects the media and finance industries. In her free time, Alina enjoys watching western films, rock climbing, and contributing to her on-campus communities.

  • Jeremy Patzelt

    Jeremy Patzelt is a junior at Emory University studying Strategy & Management consulting and Marketing. On campus, he is involved in Atlas Consulting Group, Emory Entrepreneurship and Venture Management and is a TA for Business Communications Strategy. In his free time, Jeremy likes to work out, play soccer, tennis and basketball with friends. Jeremy is from Sherman, Connecticut.

  • Madeline Ha

    Madeline Ha is a sophomore at Emory University studying Finance and Organization and Management with a double major in Biological Sciences. On campus, she is involved in Algory Capital, Atlanta Pediatric Cancer Outreach, and Emory Club Tennis. In her free time, Madeline likes to watch movies, paint, and play NYT games. Madeline is originally from Livingston, NJ.

  • Oliver Lee

    Oliver Lee is a sophomore from Miami, Florida studying Organization & Management and Consulting at Goizueta while also pursuing a minor in Quantitative Sciences at Emory College. As a committee member for the 2025 UBSLC, Oliver leads marketing efforts to promote events that connect students with industry leaders. On campus, he is both a member of the Sustainable Business Group Club and a Learning Assistant for a statistics class in the college. After graduation, Oliver plans to work as a consultant with a focus on strategic problem-solving and social impact. In his free time, he enjoys playing piano, tennis, and ping pong.

  • Jason Abreu

    Jason Abreu is a native NYer from Brooklyn, NYC. He's a senior at Emory University studying Information Systems and Operations Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship. On campus, he is chapter president for the Himalayas chapter of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Inc. In his free time, Jason loves to travel, play video games, and watch movies. After graduating, Jason plans to return home to NYC as a Technology Consultant for EY.

  • Arush Singhania

    Arush Singhania is a junior at Emory University studying Finance with a double major in Data Science and Economics. On campus, he is involved in the 180 Degrees Consulting, is an ambassador for the QTM department, and a TA for Business Communications. In his free time, Arush likes to play soccer, watch sports, and try new cuisines. Arush is originally from India.

  • Rohan Krishay

    Rohan Krishay is a sophomore from Kolkata, India. He is planning to major in Economics and BBA (Finance & Accounting). In his free time, he loves playing Poker, exploring Thai restaurants and watching sports - Cricket, Soccer and Formula 1.

  • Vanshika Mittal

    Vanshika Mittal is a sophomore at Emory University, majoring in Business Administration with a double major in Psychology. On campus, she's actively involved in organizing HackATL-the largest student-run startup competition on the East Coast. Vanshika is passionate about entrepreneurship and recently founded Skip&Dine, a startup focused on reducing food wait times for college students. Originally from Bangalore, India, she brings a global perspective, having traveled to 25 countries. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, listening to house music, playing pickleball, and diving into creative projects that bridge business and social impact.

Previous Keynote Speakers

  • Matrona Filippou

    2025

    Global Category President of Hydration, Sports, Coffee & Tea for The Coca Cola Company

    Previously, Filippou served as franchise operations director with the Central and Eastern Europe business unit, covering 12 diverse markets across Southeast Europe. She worked closely with partners in the Coca Cola system to successfully drive alignment and deliver strong performance by accelerating business strategies, executing winning consumer propositions, driving new category expansion and developing talent. Filippou joined Coca Cola in 1996 and went on to hold a variety of leadership and operational roles across Africa and Europe in finance, customer leadership, strategy and franchise leadership. Filippou served as general manager of Stills and Venturing & Emerging Brands for Coca Cola’s West Africa business unit, where she spearheaded significant system investments in the stills category, including the identification and eventual acquisition of Chi Ltd. in Nigeria. Filippou earned a degree in accounting from the University of South Africa.

  • Joe Lawrence

    2024

    Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

    Joe Lawrence is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), headquartered in Atlanta. PCNA is the exclusive U.S. importer of the Porsche 911,718 Boxster and 718 Cayman; Panamera; Cayenne and Macan. As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Lawrence is responsible for sales and dealer network development in the United States. He also oversees Porsche Cars North America's field operations and the Porsche Academy. Lawrence assumed his current role in August 2013 after serving as President and CEO of Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. for four years. He began his career selling cars in his hometown of El Paso, Texas in 1989. Prior to arriving at Porsche, he worked for 15 years at BMW in a variety of sales and marketing positions in the United States, Germany, and Canada. Lawrence holds a B.A. in Economics from Southern Methodist University and an MBA. from Emory University.

  • Djuan Rivers

    2023

    Former Vice President, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    Djuan Rivers retired as Vice President, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park May 2021, where he led a Cast base of more than 6,000. Under his leadership, the park completed the largest expansion in its history. With almost 30 years of leadership experience, Djuan began his Disney management career on the opening team of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in 1988. He held numerous Executive positions at The Walt Disney Company including Director of Operations for Disney’s Reservation Center, General Manager of Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, General Manager of Disney's All-Star Resorts, and Vice President of Downtown Disney, a million square feet of retail, dining and entertainment. Djuan’s diverse operations background also includes being part of the Disney Cruise Line organization as the hotel Director onboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. Throughout his career, he has assisted with the opening of six resorts in Florida, three resorts at Disneyland Paris and was the opening Vice President of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, the first Disney vacation destination in Hawaii. Prior to coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Djuan was the Vice President, Hotels and Conventions at Disneyland Paris. Djuan holds a degree in economics from Emory University in Atlanta and is a graduate of the Rollins College Crummer School of Business executive management program. A native of Orlando, Djuan prides himself in being a world traveler and avid sportsman. He has traveled across 60 different countries and is attempting to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent. In October 2008, Djuan was one of the first people to participate in a HALO skydive over Mount Everest, incidentally making him the first African-American to do so. In 2016 he traveled to Antarctica where he completed his first full marathon. Currently, Djuan also serves as a Trustee and international Ambassador on The Nature Conservancy Board for the state of Florida. Djuan currently resides in Paris, France.

  • Steve Nowicki

    2020

    Professor, Goizueta Business School

    Stephen Nowicki is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Emory University. He is the author of over 350 publications and presentations, author of Choice or Chance, and the coauthor (with Marshall Duke) of six books including Helping the Child Who Doesn’t Fit In, Teaching Your Child the Language of Social Success, and Will I Ever Fit In. During his 50 years of teaching at Emory University in Atlanta, Dr. Nowicki has served as Director of Clinical Training, Head of the Psychological Center, and Founder and Head of the Counseling Center. He is a Diplomate in Applied Psychology the highest award given to clinical practitioners. He is a consultant to the state of Georgia programs for severely behavior disordered children and adolescents. In the research area, he has received two Fulbright awards, been twice named a von Humboldt Scholar for Research in Germany and was awarded the Benjamin Meaker and Leverhulme fellowships for research study in England. He received the outstanding researcher in applied settings distinction from the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Society, of which he is a founding fellow, and the Southeastern Psychological Association Mentoring Award. At Emory, he received the Emory Williams Teaching Award, the Emeritus College’s Outstanding Faculty Award and at present is a Heilbrun Research Fellow. Dr. Nowicki is completing a three-year grant from the Templeton Foundation for research in Bristol England on the origins of nonverbal abilities and locus of control. At present he is an adjunct faculty member in the Goizueta Business school and serves as a consultant to various businesses.

  • Victor Lewis

    2019

    Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc.

    This year’s conference will feature a keynote address from Mr. Victor Luis, Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc. From his unique perspective in prioritizing quality over mass-market quantity to the bold acquisition of Kate Spade, Mr. Luis’s insight will enhance the theme and shed light on how to stay innovative within today’s fast-paced and increasingly competitive business environment. Mr. Luis has been a part of the senior management team since joining Coach in 2006. He has held several key international management roles and has spearheaded the company’s successful expansion strategy in Asia.

  • Steve Sear

    2018

    International & Executive Vice President - Global Sales, Delta Air Lines

    Mr. Steve Sear, International and Executive Vice President – Global Sales for Delta Air Lines. Mr. Sear has guided Delta through the merger with Northwest Airlines and the subsequent integration of the Air France-KLM and Alitalia Joint Venture sales teams and customer contracting. He was named one of the 25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives by Business Travel News.

  • Scott Budnick

    2017

    Founder and President of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition

    Scott Budnick is the Founder and President of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. He grew up in Atlanta, GA, and graduated from Emory University in 1999 with degrees in Business and Film. Formerly the Executive Vice President of Todd Phillips’ production company, Green Hat Films, Scott executive produced many successful comedies including the highest grossing rated-R comedies in history, THE HANGOVER series. Outside of film, Scott is a fierce champion for children in need. Scott is a teacher and serves on the Board for InsideOUT Writers, an organization that aims to reduce juvenile recidivism through the use of creative writing and by providing a range of services to meet the needs of currently and formerly incarcerated young adults. Scott also serves on the Advisory Board for the Loyola Law School Center for Juvenile Law and Policy. For his work with youth in the criminal justice system, Governor Jerry Brown named Scott California’s Volunteer of the Year for 2012. Scott currently sits on the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and the Governor-appointed Community Colleges Board of Governors. Most recently, Scott was selected to be a Board Member of President Obama’s newly created foundation, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.

UBSLC Attendees

DOMESTIC SCHOOLS

  • Michigan State University
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • University of Washington
  • University of Arizona
  • Kennesaw State University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Georgia State University
  • University of Michigan
  • New York University
  • Wake Forest University
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Ohio Wesleyan University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
  • The George Washington University
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • The University of Iowa
  • Providence College
  • University of Connecticut
  • Northwestern University

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

  • The Prague University of Economics & Business
  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • ESSEC Paris
  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • The American University of Rome
  • University of Edinburgh
  • Bocconi University
  • Singapore Management University
  • The University of New South Wales
  • WHU- Otto Beisheim School of Management
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Yonsei University

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