With the understanding that leadership is a collaborative process that is open to everyone, not related to formal title or position, we will invite members of the FSU campus and local communities to share lessons learned from their experiences as leaders in a variety of community and professional spaces. All are welcome to join us in learning from our experienced speakers, both in person and virtually. Those who attend this series can expect to learn more about the many facets of leadership and walk away with practical applications for their own lives. We hope that the Community Leadership Speaker Series will encourage and inspire you to become an everyday leader. Participation is always at no cost for all who join.
Upcoming Speakers
Gabrielle Dybalski
The Power of Why: Strengthening Leadership Through Relationships
Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | DSC 2201/2202
Gabrielle Dybalski, MSW, is a newly minted clinical social worker from Dade City, Florida. She served nine years in the United States Marine Corps as an Intelligence Specialist and was medically retired at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). A proud two-time Florida State University graduate, she earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2024 and her Master of Clinical Social Work in 2025. She is now pursuing a career providing mental health services in criminal justice settings.
Johnnie Allen Jr.
Collective Leadership as Care: Imagining New Possibilities Together
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | DSC 2201/2202
Johnnie L. Allen Jr. (he/him/his) is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Higher Education program at Florida State University, where he is an instructor and advisor at the Leadership Learning Research Center (LLRC). Johnnie teaches courses and advises students in the undergraduate certificate in leadership studies program, specifically teaching Black Male Leadership, Leadership and Ethics, and Leadership Theory. Johnnie was a graduate student fellow with Howard University’s Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, and Policy, exploring Black college men’s gender and leadership experiences at HBCUs. Additionally, Johnnie engages in professional organizations in the field of higher education and student affairs. Johnnie is a two-time alum of Indiana University Bloomington (IU), where he earned his B.S. in Community Health and Public Health and an M.S.Ed. from the Indiana University Higher Education Program, along with a certificate in college pedagogy.
Bailey Marie Latchford
Leading Loudly and Behind the Scenes
Wednesday, April 1 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | DSC 2201/2202
Bailey Marie Latchford is a dual-degree student in Criminal Justice and Social Work at Florida State University. She is actively involved in campus and community leadership, where she focuses on mentorship, service, and advocacy. Bailey cares deeply about building genuine connections, uplifting others, and leading with intention and compassion. Whether working behind the scenes or in visible roles, she is driven by a desire to create positive, lasting impact in the communities she serves.
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Contact
Shannon Vazquez
Program Coordinator
svasquez2@fsu.edu
