Leadership Summit

The MAASU Leadership Summit is an annual regional leadership development experience designed for APIDA student leaders across the Midwest.

What Is Leadership Summit?

The MAASU Leadership Summit is an annual regional leadership development experience designed for APIDA student leaders across the Midwest. The Summit brings together student organization officers, emerging leaders, and campus representatives to build skills, share best practices, and strengthen APIDA student organizations.

Unlike large-scale conferences, the Leadership Summit emphasizes intentional leadership development, peer-to-peer learning, and practical skill-building that students can immediately apply on their campuses.

What Happens at the Leadership Summit?

  • Programming at the MAASU Leadership Summit typically includes:

  • Leadership workshops tailored to student organization roles

  • Skill-building sessions focused on sustainability, communication, and advocacy

  • Council-based discussions (e.g., President, Vice President, E-Board roles)

  • Community dialogue and peer mentorship

  • Opportunities to connect with MAASU leadership and regional peers

  • Sessions are interactive and student-centered, encouraging participants to reflect on their leadership experiences and learn from one another.

Why LS Matters

The Leadership Summit exists to support APIDA student leaders by providing:

Structured leadership development outside of individual campuses

Space for reflection on identity, leadership, and community responsibility

Tools to strengthen student organizations and leadership continuity

Regional connection and shared learning across Midwest institutions

The Summit is intentionally designed to support both current and incoming student leaders, recognizing the transitions that occur year-to-year within student organizations.

Brief history of Leadership Summit

The MAASU Leadership Summit was created to address the need for early, intentional leadership development for APIDA student leaders. Over time, it has evolved to include role-specific sessions, leadership councils, and programming that responds to changing student needs and campus climates.

Hosting Leadership Summit

The Leadership Summit is coordinated in collaboration with a host institution and student planning team, working closely with MAASU leadership to deliver accessible, high-quality programming.

Hosting provides opportunities to:

Build leadership experience in conference and program planning

Strengthen campus visibility within the Midwest APIDA network

Collaborate with MAASU on curriculum, logistics, and outreach

Interested in hosting?

Learn more

If your school is interested in hosting a MAASU Leadership Summit event, contact the MAASU Executive Director at: execdirector@maasu.org 

Applications are open now to host an LS within the 2026 - 2028 years: 

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Leadership Summit is designed for:

    • APIDA student organization presidents and executive board members

    • Incoming and newly elected leaders

    • Membership Representatives (M-Reps)

    • Students interested in strengthening APIDA organizations on their campuses

    Students from member and non-member schools are welcome to attend, with additional benefits available for Member Schools.

  • The Leadership Summit serves as a foundational leadership experience within MAASU’s annual programming cycle. It complements:

    • MAASUx regional programs (community-building and identity-focused engagement)

    • The Spring Conference (large-scale programming, awards, and advocacy)

    • Ongoing leadership councils and Membership Representative engagement

    Together, these programs support APIDA students from entry into leadership through long-term involvement and alumni engagement.

  • Attend the Leadership Summit

    Registration details, dates, and location are announced annually on the MAASU website and social media platforms. Linktree here!

  • No. The Leadership Summit focuses specifically on leadership development and skill-building, while the Spring Conference is MAASU’s larger annual gathering with broader programming and awards.

  • No, but Member Schools receive discounted registration and additional benefits.

  • The Summit is planned collaboratively by MAASU leadership, host schools, and student planning committees.

  • Registration details, dates, and location are announced annually on the MAASU website and social media platforms.