2026 Ethics at The Beach Seminar
Ethics at The Beach 2026: Turning AI Conversations into Ethical Action Through Student Leadership
The 19th annual campus-wide event, Ethics at The Beach, brought together over 100 students, staff, faculty, and industry professionals for a high‑impact discussion on AI at Work: Ethics, Equity, and the Future of Human Leadership. Hosted at The Pointe at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, the event was organized by Associated Business Students Organization Council (ABSOC) in partnership with the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership (UCEL) and Student Center for Professional Development (SCPD). Through intentional design and strong student leadership, the event created a space for participants to actively engage with complex ethical challenges associated with emerging technologies.
The program combined an expert panel featuring Dr. Mohamed Abdelhamid, Kristine Nguyen, and John Thread, interactive exercises, facilitated by Celeste Ahl, and guided conversations that moved beyond theory into real‑world applications of ethical decision making in an AI‑driven landscape. Participants explored critical questions related to careers, healthcare, and environmental impact, examining whether AI enhances or replaces learning, how bias and access shape outcomes, and what responsibility leaders hold when technology influences human lives. These discussions challenged attendees to confront the complex trade‑offs between efficiency and integrity they will face in their future careers.
The impact was clear. Students identified tangible behavioral changes they plan to implement, including using AI more ethically, thinking more critically about its applications, and prioritizing transparency and responsibility in their work. Many emphasized a shift toward using AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human judgment and learning.
Student leadership was central to the success of Ethics at The Beach, from early planning to execution and reflection. Annaree Phath, 2026 Ethics at The Beach Chair and ABSOC VP of Administration, played a critical role in bringing this vision to life. Through Annaree’s leadership, the event was thoughtfully structured to foster engagement, dialogue, and reflection. By aligning communication, logistics, and purpose, she helped create an environment where students felt empowered to participate, challenge ideas, and contribute meaningfully to conversations on ethics and innovation.
ABSOC Executive VP, Rose Jahanara shared, “Ethics at The Beach was an extraordinary experience that allowed me to approach ethical issues surrounding AI using my analytical skills. From the weekly planning sessions to the final seminar day, it was truly a unique and rewarding journey.”
The impact of the event extended beyond those in attendance, reflecting the commitment and collaboration of the student leaders behind it. Amanda Provencio, ABSOC VP of Finance, stated, “Upon hearing about Ethics at The Beach, I knew the team involved would go beyond expectations. Dan, Rose, Annaree, and Sarah truly put together an amazing event that was interactive and engaging, allowing students to provide input while stimulating their critical thinking skills. As a result, Ƶand COB can continue to have events that bring students and faculty together, creating community, collaboration, and opportunities.”
The success of Ethics at The Beach was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of its organizing committee. Together, the team worked to create intentional, thoughtful discussions centered on AI and the ethical considerations involved in decision-making. The event’s impact reflects not only careful planning, but also the strength of a supportive, well‑connected group committed to meaningful student engagement. It was a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated committee.
"Through organizing and attending the event, I gained a better understanding of the nuances of AI, its benefits and risks, and the responsibilities that come with its use. Hearing perspectives from fellow students and our panelists shifted my outlook to a more informed and balanced perspective. This experience not only deepened my understanding of AI, but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, hard work, and thoughtful leadership. I feel honored to have been part of Ethics at The Beach and look forward to next year’s conversation," stated ABSOC VP of Communications, Sarah Khan.
ABSOC President, Daniel Pollock added, “As someone who saw the early use of AI in the Department of Public Health, I understood both its potential and its risks. When I came to CSULB, Ethics at The Beach became an opportunity to turn that perspective into action, creating a space where students could engage with AI not just as a tool, but as a responsibility. This event is about shifting from reactive thinking to proactive leadership, challenging students to think ahead and take ownership of how these technologies shape the future. For me, it represents more than a conversation; it’s the realization of a vision to help develop leaders who don’t just adapt to change, but lead it.”
Ethics at The Beach continues to serve as a platform for developing forward-thinking leaders who are prepared to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions, and lead with accountability. By combining technical awareness with ethical grounding, the event reinforces a critical message: the future of business will not be defined by AI alone, but by the leaders who choose how it is utilized.
