An Annual Retreat exclusively for University & Emerging Talent Recruiting Leaders

December 12-13, 2024 | San Diego

Better Together

URx Leaders Summit is an exclusive retreat for leaders in the emerging talent recruiting ecosystem and our partner organizations. The program features thought leaders from Workforce & Economic Development, Higher Education, Talent Development, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

2024 Agenda

All Times Pacific Standard Time

*The summit will kickoff with a welcome reception 7:30- 8:30 PM PT Wednesday,  at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. 

9:30 AM (PST) - 9:45 AM (PST)

Welcome!

Wahab Owolabi
9:45 AM (PST) - 10:30 AM (PST)

AI with Intention: Crafting Recruitment Strategies That Prioritize People

Join RippleMatch and Cindy Loggins, Head of Global Emerging Talent at eBay, for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of AI in recruitment. As AI continues to dominate discussions in the industry, this session will explore how intentional and strategic use of technology can propel recruitment forward—without losing sight of what makes it human. Together, we’ll delve into the critical balance of embracing AI advancements while ensuring people remain at the heart of recruitment strategies. Featuring data on how both students and recruiters are using AI, this session will offer insights on leveraging these tools to shape the future of recruitment while staying true to the values that make it special.

Kait Lange
Cindy Loggins
10:35 AM (PST) - 11:20 AM (PST)

Building the Future Workforce: Strategies for Hiring Early Talent in EMEA

This session will guide US-based recruiting leaders on effectively hiring early talent across the EMEA region. It will explore how to build a local recruiting presence even without a team on the ground, how to craft a global employer brand that resonates with country-specific cultural nuances, and how to tackle the multi-faceted challenge of navigating diversity in this complex, burgeoning and exciting region for talent.

Jessica Furness
11:25 AM (PST) - 12:10 PM (PST)

Ghosted, Overloaded, and AI Overdrive: How to Win The Hearts and Minds of Students in 2025

From AI-generated applications to TikTok job tips and treating job offers like “situationships,” students are rewriting the recruiting playbook in 2025—and we’ve got the data and insights to share. In this interactive session, you’ll hear directly from Gen Z candidates, uncover their biggest frustrations, and explore what they value most in the hiring process. Together, we’ll share strategies, crowdsource ideas, and navigate common challenges to help you build trust, boost engagement, and stand out for the remainder of the recruiting cycle.

Anthony Davis
Geneva Scott
12:10 PM (PST) - 1:20 PM (PST)

Lunch

1:20 PM (PST) - 2:05 PM (PST)

Open Forum Networking: Connect, Share, and Collaborate

Join us for an open forum networking session designed to foster connections, share experiences, and inspire collaboration among professionals from various industries. This informal and dynamic networking block provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships in a relaxed and inclusive environment.


Unlocking Potential: Strategies for Hiring Early Talent in India - Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring your peers as they delve into the unique opportunities and challenges of hiring early talent in India. This session will provide valuable insights into the dynamic Indian talent market and offer practical strategies for attracting, recruiting, and retaining top early career professionals.

Carmela Escarez
2:35 PM (PST) - 3:45 PM (PST)

Tackling Today’s Challenges in Early Talent Recruiting: Solutions and Strategies

Join us for an engaging and interactive session focused on tackling the key challenges in early talent recruiting. This collaborative workshop offers a unique space to share insights, exchange ideas, and develop practical strategies to elevate your early talent recruitment initiatives.

Becky Parson
Christina Garvey
3:45 PM (PST) - 3:55 PM (PST)

Day 1 Recap & Reflection

Recap key insights and takeaways from the previous day, setting the stage for further exploration.

Carolynn Choi
Carmela Escarez
4:00 PM (PST) - 5:00 PM (PST)

Happy Hour

9:30 AM (PST) - 9:40 AM (PST)

Welcome Back!

Jason Lu
9:40 AM (PST) - 10:25 AM (PST)

Welcoming with Purpose: Building an Inclusive Environment for New Employees

In today’s diverse and dynamic workforce, creating an inclusive environment where new employees feel a genuine sense of belonging is critical to both individual and organizational success. This session will dive into best practices for fostering an inclusive culture, beginning from the first day a new hire steps through the door. We'll explore practical strategies for onboarding, mentorship, communication, and leadership that ensure every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best.

Ifeoma Nwoke
Rebecca Brewer
Flore Dorcely-Mohr
Cheri Hurtubise
10:35 AM (PST) - 11:45 AM (PST)

Securing Intern Conversion Headcount: Strategies for Building Stakeholder Buy-In

In today’s competitive talent landscape, securing intern conversion headcount is more than a hiring decision—it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future. This workshop empowers university recruiting and early talent leaders to effectively advocate for intern-to-full-time conversion by aligning program value with business objectives. Through hands-on activities, stakeholder analysis, and business case development, participants will learn to overcome common objections, quantify ROI, and craft compelling proposals that resonate with decision-makers. Leave equipped with actionable tools to drive alignment and secure leadership support for your intern conversion initiatives.

Char Delapena
11:45 AM (PST) - 12:45 PM (PST)

Lunch

12:45 PM (PST) - 1:30 PM (PST)

Building Bridges :: Collaborative Insights into SDR, MBA, and PhD Talent Pipelines

Join us for an engaging and dynamic session where we dive into three distinct talent pipelines: Sales Development Representative (SDR) interns/new grads, MBA interns/new grads, and PhD interns/new grads. Participants will have the opportunity to explore best practices, share insights, and discuss challenges in recruiting, onboarding, and developing talent in these key areas. With an open, rotational format, you can move between conversations to learn, contribute, and exchange ideas tailored to your expertise and interests. Whether you're refining your program or seeking inspiration for new initiatives, this session will provide actionable takeaways to elevate your early talent strategy.

Gia Vega
Jason Lu
Carmela Escarez
1:30 PM (PST) - 2:00 PM (PST)

Recruitment Bingo!

In Recruitment Bingo, you'll connect with your peers by finding people who match the descriptions in each bingo square. This is a great way to learn more about each other while adding a bit of friendly competition. Let’s get to know our recruitment community in a lively and interactive way!

Jason Lu
Carmela Escarez
2:00 PM (PST) - 2:30 PM (PST)

Designing the H2 Benchmarking Survey Workshop

This workshop is focused on crafting the H2 Benchmarking Survey. This session will guide participants through the design and development process to create our H2 Benchmarking Survey that aims to capture key metrics. Collaborate with peers to identify critical benchmarking criteria and align on survey objectives.

2:30 PM (PST) - 2:40 PM (PST)

Closing Remarks

Recap key insights and takeaways from the previous day, setting the stage for further exploration.

Char Delapena

Past Speakers & Attendees

Ahmad Wright

Director of Learning & Development, The David and Lucille Packard Foundation

Andrew Myers

Founder & CEO, RippleMatch

Becky Parson

Director, Early Talent, Randstad Sourceright

Char Delapena

Managing Director UR & ET, OneReq

Christina Garvey

University Recruiting and Programs Leader, Fastly

Corey Twitty

Global Head of Emerging Talent, Netflix

Ed Palmer

Global Head of University Recruiting, Unity Technologies

Emma Surich

Director, Talent Acquisition, Flywheel Digital

Ezequiel Herrera

University Talent Acquisition, Southwest Airlines

Farouk Dey

Vice Provost for Integrative Learning and Life Design, Johns Hopkins University

Felice Ajlouny​

VP, Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, SentinelOne

Geneva Scott

Senior Director of Career Center, CodePath

Have a unique perspective or fresh idea? Submit a proposal to speak, or express interest in facilitating a discussion.

Experience & Venue

Simply put. We Produce Special Events. 

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to experience an enriching offsite with your executive peers in University & Emerging Talent Recruiting Leadership this is the event for you. 

We have secured the perfect space for our exclusive group of 100 curated attendees to connect, learn, and grow together. This is an experience you do not want to miss.  

Venue

Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

1 Park Blvd,

San Diego, CA 92101

Discounted group rates are available for attendees. Click Here to Book 

Sponsors

Our sponsors champion our work, believe in our mission, and offer products, tools, & services that help you achieve your goals.

RippleMatch

RippleMatch is the recruitment automation platform changing how Gen Z finds work. By replacing job boards with matching and automation, RippleMatch eliminates the most time-intensive parts of the recruitment process for both employers and job seekers.

Leading employers leverage RippleMatch to build diverse, high-performing teams and Gen Z job seekers across the country trust RippleMatch to launch and grow their careers.

CodePath

CodePath is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings together employers, students, and colleges to eliminate inequities in tech education, diversify the field, and provide underrepresented students with a path toward economic mobility and generational wealth.

Trusted by the world's top brands, our students are leading candidates for full-stack engineering, mobile development, and cybersecurity roles.

Rewriting The Code

Making the tech industry more accessible means leading with recruiting and retention practices that provide consistent support to undergraduate, graduate, and early career women, especially during the critical first decade of their careers. Partnering with RTC offers high-impact engagement opportunities and positions you as an employer of choice for women in technology. One that fosters a diverse, inclusive workspace and commits to ESG and CSR goals.

Marcy Lab School

The Marcy Lab School was founded with one clear and critical mission: to create an alternative pathway to high-growth technology careers for young adults from underestimated backgrounds. We provide our students with technical training, leadership development, and direct access to employment opportunities in some of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. In doing so, we create economic mobility for our students and create the strongest pipeline of diverse engineering talent in the country.

Interested in sponsoring? Email us team [at] onereq.com

Register

Past URx Leaders Summit Attendees

With a full focus on building the best experience possible, our conferences give you a way to grow  your network, develop professionally and engage with the community.

Speak or Lead A Discussion

Faq

URx Leaders Summit will take place December 12-13, 2024.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

1 Park Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92101

Attendees should stay at our venue Hotel Republic. OneReq has negotiated a group rate of $249 +Taxes & Fees.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

1 Park Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92101

How to book

  • Purchase a ticket + hotel package via Eventbrite. (Best value!) 
  • Book online with Hilton San Diego Bayfront via this link: https://book.passkey.com/go/urxleaderssummit
  • Contact the hotel directly at 619.564.3333 and give the group code: One

*OneReq does not contract with any outside vendors to book travel & accommodations on behalf of attendees. We will NEVER request your personal information or payment information via phone or email. 

Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

1 Park Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92101

Click Here to Book 

 

Rising above the San Diego Bay and steps from the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park. Wellness Spa. Swimming Pool. Fitness Center. Business Center. Jogging Track. Walk to Petco Park.

If you are interested in facilitating a workshop or leading a roundtable discussion submit a topic or proposal. The deadline for submissions to be considered is October 15th. Speakers will be notified by, November 1st.

Accepted sessions and facilitators will be notified by November 1.

Attendees must be experienced and in a senior recruiting, workforce development or talent development role

Please see below for eligibility to attend the URx Leaders Summit:

  • Those who lead the entire University or Emerging Talent Recruiting Function 
  • Those who lead a University & Emerging Talent Recruiting Program at large private or public companies. Ex: Head of Intern Recruiting
  • Those who are the final decision makers for UR or the most senior member of a recruiting team focused on UR.
  • Those who are senior leaders at Universities, Talent Development or Workforce Development Organizations
  • Those who are in senior recruiting positions foccused on university & emerging talent 
  • Those who are nominated by a UR Leader to represent their team

Register as the leader of your UR/Early Talent function and in the registration form indicate the name, email and title of who will be attending as your proxy.

The Community for University & Emerging Talent Recruiting Leaders