This year marked another major programming milestone for the Light Foundation: the 10th anniversary of our Leadership 
Conference. What began as a pilot program in a warehouse in Franklin, MA, has since grown into a powerful one-day summit that’s ignited passion, purpose, and potential in nearly 1,000 young high school leaders from Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities.
Held on May 29, 2025, in partnership with Bridgewater State University, 175 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from seven schools came together to explore the theme “Empowered to Lead: Building Resilience in a Changing World.” Through hands on workshops, real-world lessons, and motivational storytelling, students were challenged to lean into uncertainty, grow through adversity, and lead with authenticity.
The morning kicked off with breakfast provided by Dunkin’, followed by opening remarks from Light Foundation co-founder Matt Light and student co-hosts Jared Woods and Gisella Berardi. Jared, a recent BSU grad and former Light Foundation intern, and Gisella, a senior at Canton High and recent extern with the Foundation, helped guide students through a day packed with interactive sessions, personal insight, and leadership development.
Their presence on stage symbolized the heart of the program — real opportunities for young people to lead. Jared returned to the event after supporting the Foundation behind the scenes all spring, while Gisella helped coordinate conference logistics and welcomed students with enthusiasm and confidence.
Students then heard from keynote speaker Rob Hale, CEO of Granite Telecommunications. Known for his business acumen and philanthropy, Hale delivered a candid and heartfelt message about the value of failure. His words struck a chord with many as he encouraged students to take risks, learn from setbacks, and use those lessons to lead with resilience.
The morning continued with an interactive session led by BSU’s Associate Director of Life Design, Carol Crosby. In “The Wicked Problem-Solving Studio,” students collaborated in groups to tackle real-life challenges, from managing stress to making big life decisions. They were introduced to the Life Design method, a five-step framework developed by Stanford University, and walked away with a new mindset for approaching problems and one actionable step toward their goals.
After a quick break, students rotated through three powerful breakout sessions. In “Conquer the Course, Build the Bond,” former
Patriots teammates Matt Light and Matthew Slater led a high-energy obstacle curse focused on teamwork, communication, and trust. In “Live. Learn. Lead.” U.S. Army Special Operations Combat Medic and business owner Zach Conaway shared lessons from his military career and personal life, inspiring students to live intentionally and lead with purpose. And in “Making It Matter: From Bystander to Change Maker,” United Way policy staffer and Light Foundation alum Ellijah McLean encouraged students to use their voices and take action in their communities.
After a well-earned lunch break, the day concluded with a student recognition ceremony. One standout student from each school was honored for their leadership, growth, and engagement throughout the day, each representing the spirit of the program and the potential of this next generation.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Gold Sponsors Granite Telecommunications, Haynes Group Inc., Douglas A. King Builders, Dunkin’; Marketing Sponsor GraVoc; 10th Anniversary Sponsor Berkshire Bank; and Group Project Sponsors Rockland Trust Bank and Sharon Credit Union. A special thanks to the Haynes Group for also providing enthusiastic volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly.
With more students, more speakers, and more powerful moments than ever before, this year’s Leadership Conference was our most impactful yet. We’re incredibly proud of the young leaders who showed up ready to learn, challenge themselves, and walk away with tools they’ll hopefully carry for years to come.
As the Leadership Conference celebrates its 10th year, its mission remains clear: to help young people rise to the occasion and to the challenge becoming tomorrow’s leaders. The impact of this program continues to grow, inspiring students not just to lead, but to thrive in a changing world.
