Lea Peck

Director of Social Media & Digital Strategy
University of Illinois

Lea Peck is the strategic mind behind the @uofillinois accounts, reaching a daily audience of over 1.5 million. With nearly a decade of experience in higher ed communications, Lea brings a strategic yet deeply human approach to digital engagement, turning institutional moments into memorable, student-centered stories. She specializes in connecting with Gen Z while navigating the ever-evolving social landscape with equal parts intuition and analytics. Outside of work, Lea is a graduate student studying diversity and equity in education, an adjunct instructor teaching digital communications, and an advocate for campus belonging. Her ideal day includes a good book, a cozy nap with her two kittens and puppy, and the perfect gluten-free pastry discovered while wandering a new city with her partner.

Lea Peck’s Sessions

8:45 a.m.–9:30 a.m. PT — Monday, October 20, 2025

“Ask Us Anything” Panel

Collaborating with Student Content Teams

In this session, speakers will discuss the process of creating and managing student content teams of different sizes to help expand their content efforts. This includes student recruitment, time management, content creation flows, communication and workflow styles, and more. This is an "Ask Me Anything" style session; you dictate the panel's content in real time! Bring all your burning questions related to the topic and get answers from unique perspectives. 

Inclusive by Design: Language & Visuals that Reflect Campus Diversity

Inclusion doesn’t have to start with a sweeping campaign—it can begin with a caption, a color palette, or the decision to show a wider range of student experiences. In this session, we’ll explore how higher ed social media teams can use intentional language and visual storytelling to better reflect the diversity of their campuses. By complementing broader DEI initiatives with everyday inclusive design, we’ll uncover practical ways to create content that fosters belonging, builds trust, and resonates with the students we serve.

Whether you're a one-person team or part of a large communications office, you’ll leave with clear, doable strategies for making your content more inclusive, without needing a new budget or a full rebrand. From visuals to voice, we’ll break down the small choices that can have a big impact.

Takeaways:

  • Learn how inclusive language in captions, alt text, and replies can foster a sense of belonging

  • Identify easy visual design changes that reflect a broader range of student identities and experiences

  • Explore how to assess your current content for representation gaps

  • Walk away with a checklist of small but mighty content changes you can implement immediately

  • Understand how inclusive content supports broader institutional goals around retention and community-building

Check out our early bird ticket prices!
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