Abstract 2003

Seventh Annual CEPA Conference

~~ Fred J. Rodríguez, Ph.D., Host and Conference Director ~~
March 15, 2003
Hilton Long Beach, California

Executive Summary

The 7th Annual CEPA conference was an exciting and extremely enjoyable event filled with memorable moments. Some 175 participants attended and were welcomed immediately by a sense of exhilaration as all the delegates began to share their ideas on ethical, interdisciplinary and international leadership-the major components of CEPA. The atmosphere of energy highlighted the conference theme "Futuristic Leadership for a Global Community" and emphasized that in a civil society we must all look out for each other and champion each other's successes.

Beginning the day with distinction were presentations by the Secretary for Education Kerry Mazzoni and Chairman Albert Zapanta representing the reserve forces at the Pentagon. Secretary Mazzoni mentioned several elements she believes are essential to good leadership: integrity, vision informed by values, intellectual curiosity, understanding the politics of everyday life, and sensitivity to ethnic differences. Chairman Zapanta stressed that one should lead by example and practice, prepare, rehearse. He stated that an administrator manages people by procedure, while a leader inspires people.

The signing ceremony for the Memorandum-of-Understanding (MOU) expanding the CEPA Consortium followed, with Long Beach State University, Long Beach City College District, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, and the Central University of Buenos Aires, Argentina joining the consortium. Also on hand to welcome these institutions was last year's inductee--The University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Sharing ideas and resources brought home the concept of ethical leadership.

An enlightening Panel Session included President Robert Maxson from Long Beach State, Vice President Arthur Byrd of Long Beach City College, Jim McDonnell of LAPD, Silvia Saucedo of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, Commander Linda Beardslee from the Long Beach Police Department, and Dr. Anthony Newberry from the Kentucky College System. Drs. James Pallante, Jem Spectar, Joseph Dreisbach,and Ivan Shibley from the University of Scranton also added their keen observations and invaluable advice on their approaches to leadership and empowerment of futuristic leaders. John Fetterman, graduate student from UofS, also worked closely with the conference delegates and assisted in orchestrating the roundtable discussions. The willingness of various professional groups within the community to initiate a dynamic interchange of ideas with others dedicated to a common mission and philosophy certainly reinforced the meaning of interdisciplinary leadership.

The Lunch Session began with the great honor of a keynote address on leadership by State Senator Gloria Romero who spoke about the challenges facing Latinos and other ethnic groups at the dawn of the new millennium and the need for empowerment for meeting such challenges throughout the Americas-echoing the cry for international leadership. Los Angeles Assistant Chief of Police Jim McDonnell then addressed the need for community building and departmental reform. Dr. Newberry from the Kentucky College System highlighted organizational cultural change and strategic planning for a new tomorrow during the dinner session.

The roundtable discussions sparked a lively dialogue among the participants on a variety of relevant topics, with input from a senior representative at each table. A spokesperson from each group then shared their conclusions with all the delegates. As one participant stated, "Something powerful happened at this venue. Leadership in action was on display and it was inspiring to work with people who share the same vision."

Graduate students in education administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills also played a crucial role in the planning and implementation of the conference by coordinating the MOU signing ceremony, the entertainment, registration, escorting dignitaries, serving as presenters and displaying examples of visionary educational paradigms and their futuristic leadership endeavors through poster sessions and power-point presentations throughout the conference venue. They demonstrated new modes of leadership needed for the 21st century by presenting new thinking on what makes a good leader. All are to be congratulated for their fantastic work, leadership, and dedication!

We especially want to salute Julie Yu and Christine Lee, the Masters of Ceremonies, who served as the field marshals as they led the conference sessions with elegance and a professional outlook not often seen in such young scholars and educators. Karolina Gage once again gave a spectacular summary of the day's event. The brilliance displayed by these three leaders was outstanding and their dedication to CEPA and educational reform was evident!

Delegates agreed that this conference had filled them with a belief in themselves and in their colleagues. More importantly, they came away with a better understanding of ethical leadership. "Synergism, free thought, the need to take action, and passion" were phrases used to describe the experience. As one scholar stated "I am genuinely proud to be a part of the 'CEPA World'."

A Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation
Established for charitable and educational purposes
Tax Exempt Status under IRS Section 501 (c) (3)
Tax ID# 33-0854333


	Seventh Annual CEPA Conference ~~ Fred J. Rodríguez, Ph.D., Host and Conference Director ~~ March 15, 2003 Hilton Long Beach, California Executive Summary The 7th Annual CEPA conference was an exciting and extremely enjoyable event filled with memorable moments. Some 175 participants attended and were welcomed immediately by a sense of exhilaration as all the delegates began to share their ideas on ethical, interdisciplinary and international leadership-the major components of CEPA. The atmosphere of energy highlighted the conference theme "Futuristic Leadership for a Global Community" and emphasized that in a civil society we must all look out for each other and champion each other's successes. Beginning the day with distinction were presentations by the Secretary for Education Kerry Mazzoni and Chairman Albert Zapanta representing the reserve forces at the Pentagon. Secretary Mazzoni mentioned several elements she believes are essential to good leadership: integrity, vision informed by values, intellectual curiosity, understanding the politics of everyday life, and sensitivity to ethnic differences. Chairman Zapanta stressed that one should lead by example and practice, prepare, rehearse. He stated that an administrator manages people by procedure, while a leader inspires people. The signing ceremony for the Memorandum-of-Understanding (MOU) expanding the CEPA Consortium followed, with Long Beach State University, Long Beach City College District, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, and the Central University of Buenos Aires, Argentina joining the consortium. Also on hand to welcome these institutions was last year's inductee--The University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Sharing ideas and resources brought home the concept of ethical leadership. An enlightening Panel Session included President Robert Maxson from Long Beach State, Vice President Arthur Byrd of Long Beach City College, Jim McDonnell of LAPD, Silvia Saucedo of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, Commander Linda Beardslee from the Long Beach Police Department, and Dr. Anthony Newberry from the Kentucky College System. Drs. James Pallante, Jem Spectar, Joseph Dreisbach,and Ivan Shibley from the University of Scranton also added their keen observations and invaluable advice on their approaches to leadership and empowerment of futuristic leaders. John Fetterman, graduate student from UofS, also worked closely with the conference delegates and assisted in orchestrating the roundtable discussions. The willingness of various professional groups within the community to initiate a dynamic interchange of ideas with others dedicated to a common mission and philosophy certainly reinforced the meaning of interdisciplinary leadership. The Lunch Session began with the great honor of a keynote address on leadership by State Senator Gloria Romero who spoke about the challenges facing Latinos and other ethnic groups at the dawn of the new millennium and the need for empowerment for meeting such challenges throughout the Americas-echoing the cry for international leadership. Los Angeles Assistant Chief of Police Jim McDonnell then addressed the need for community building and departmental reform. Dr. Newberry from the Kentucky College System highlighted organizational cultural change and strategic planning for a new tomorrow during the dinner session. The roundtable discussions sparked a lively dialogue among the participants on a variety of relevant topics, with input from a senior representative at each table. A spokesperson from each group then shared their conclusions with all the delegates. As one participant stated, "Something powerful happened at this venue. Leadership in action was on display and it was inspiring to work with people who share the same vision." Graduate students in education administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills also played a crucial role in the planning and implementation of the conference by coordinating the MOU signing ceremony, the entertainment, registration, escorting dignitaries, serving as presenters and displaying examples of visionary educational paradigms and their futuristic leadership endeavors through poster sessions and power-point presentations throughout the conference venue. They demonstrated new modes of leadership needed for the 21st century by presenting new thinking on what makes a good leader. All are to be congratulated for their fantastic work, leadership, and dedication! We especially want to salute Julie Yu and Christine Lee, the Masters of Ceremonies, who served as the field marshals as they led the conference sessions with elegance and a professional outlook not often seen in such young scholars and educators. Karolina Gage once again gave a spectacular summary of the day's event. The brilliance displayed by these three leaders was outstanding and their dedication to CEPA and educational reform was evident! Delegates agreed that this conference had filled them with a belief in themselves and in their colleagues. More importantly, they came away with a better understanding of ethical leadership. "Synergism, free thought, the need to take action, and passion" were phrases used to describe the experience. As one scholar stated "I am genuinely proud to be a part of the 'CEPA World'." A Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Established for charitable and educational purposes Tax Exempt Status under IRS Section 501 (c) (3) Tax ID# 33-0854333