“Rewire to Rise,” was the theme of this year’s Diversity, Resilience, Impact, Vocation, Excellence, and Networking Conference (DRIVEN), an annual event that empowers student leaders on campus and beyond. Organized by the Diversity and Inclusion Student Committee and supported by Student Affairs, the event brought together students from across the College for a day of collaboration, purpose, and transformation.
The College hosted the event on March 29. King’s College invited Wilkes University, Bloomsburg University and Misericordia University students to join and learn from impactful speakers, breakout sessions, and networking; students were challenged to self-reflect, engage, and learn to lead meaningfully.
The conference was opened by the Keynote speaker Anitra McShea, who serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at King’s College. She earned a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Elizabethtown College, a M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a Ph.D. in Human Development with a concentration in Higher Education from Marwood University. She brings well over two decades of higher education experience, with expertise in student affairs. She began her career at Bowling Green State University in the Student Life Office, working with student conduct and orientation programs.
Her “Rewire to Rise” speech at the DRIVEN conference explored how success isn’t just about talent, skills or even luck—it starts with mindset. She shared how having a positive, growth-focused attitude can boost confidence, leadership skills, resilience, and achievable results.
She gave relatable examples and practical tools to teach students how to overcome self-doubt, handle setbacks, prevent “shut down” mode, and build the kind of mindset that attracts opportunities and drives success.
“You already have what it takes—by rewiring self-doubt into growth, you can face setbacks with confidence, strengthen your leadership, and move forward knowing success is achievable,” said Dr. McShea.
After the Keynote, there were 11 breakout sessions hosted by faculty and students, including “Failing Better: Resilience after Failure or Rejection” presented by Robin Field, Ph.D.; “Cultivating Confidence: Mindset Tools to Succeed” presented by Bryanna Nelson, an exercise science and occupational therapy major student; “Discovering Your Vocation: Finding Meaning in Your Career and Life,” presented by English professor Jennifer McClinton Temple, Ph.D.; and “Discernment: A Guide for Decision-Making” presented by PA student Hannah Kurian, and campus minister and echo apprentice Kim Berning.
“Discernment for me has been about understanding who I am and allowing myself to become who I want to be, not for others, but for myself,” said Hannah. “In those moments, I feel like God is reminding me of my worth and showing that even small actions and moments in life truly matter. I found beauty in slowing down and allowing myself to think more deeply.”
