At the culmination of each semester’s Emerge Leadership Circle, students share their personal leadership philosophies. These philosophies are the culmination of a semester’s learning and reflection, and each is as unique as the participants themselves.
Alana DeLollis Class of 2028
“In my life, I have become a leader in many aspects, for example playing sports, in school, and in my job. All of these aspects have shaped the way I lead. I have learned a lot about myself, my strengths, and where I lack. I prioritize teamwork and being a team player, and I strive for a positive environment and open communication. In my experience, having an uplifting environment where everyone is valued helps productivity and positively impacts getting tasks completed. I want to create an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and where constructive criticism is welcomed. I believe that making mistakes helps people improve and providing positive feedback to mistakes makes people excel and learn from it. As a leader, I want to hold myself to a higher standard and lead by example. I take pride in my ability to help people and to compromise. I learn best by doing and having hands-on experience, but I also recognize that not everyone learns the way I do, so I want to create an environment that supports everyone’s learning style. Mental health is a top priority of mine. As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, I want to emphasize how important it is to take care of myself and the people around me. It is really difficult to find motivation and give 100% when you are struggling. My goal is to be a resource for those around me and give people grace. Creating a supportive and accommodating environment will help to build positive relationships with the people around me. I want everyone to feel a part of the team and be accepted. All of these aspects make a good leader, and that is what I strive to be.“
Angela Crognalo-Torrez Class of 2028
“I was lucky enough to be able to be a throws captain for two terms at my high school, and got experience from that. I wanted to be put into that role because I like to see others succeed, and being in this role put me in a place to do so. While being in this role I was able to get the most amount of throwers to the higher level meets in the post season such as Divisionals, and the All State Meet, which was more than the past few years at the high school. While in this role I was able to help both my teammates, and my coach. I was able to help my coach by taking some of the coaching responsibilities away from him because he was a little bit older and needed the extra help. As well in this role I had an impact on others because the captains had to collectively select someone to be athlete of the meet which was supposed to highlight the group effort that goes into every single meet. To make sure that things ran smoothly I wanted to get input of what people wanted to do for the lift that day, as long as it hit the main muscle group for that day. Also at the meets I would also give people some candy if they had a really good throw, or were a good teammate. This was to create a good group dynamic, as well as to keep things light hearted to not always have a sense of competition or that someone was better than the other. In the end this was a starting point for my leadership journey, not the end goal, but when I am struggling I look back on how well I did in this leadership position.”
Ashley Gould Class of 2027
“Confidence is not something to dictate with, but a tool to enhance harmony. A leader should be someone others can look to for guidance when needed—not a dictator who commands people and creates a hostile environment. True leadership embodies confidence, patience, empathy, and respect. It cultivates a nurturing, supportive space where everyone feels welcome to contribute their unique perspectives. These traits cannot be developed overnight; they are built through ongoing experiences and interactions.My leadership style centers on observing the people around me and understanding their personalities, strengths, and skills. This awareness helps me determine which strategies to use and how best to apply them. I believe it is important to listen before intervening, to not diminish anyone’s confidence. By giving my peers the space to express their ideas, I help encourage creativity and collaboration. As questions or challenges arise, I am able to offer insight and new perspectives to guide the group forward. I believe everyone has a purpose, and when leaders take the time to observe and understand their team, they can help highlight each person’s role in contributing to the collective whole.“
“Confidence is not something to dictate with, but a tool to enhance harmony. A leader should be someone others can look to for guidance when needed—not a dictator who commands people and creates a hostile environment. True leadership embodies confidence, patience, empathy, and respect. It cultivates a nurturing, supportive space where everyone feels welcome to contribute their unique perspectives. These traits cannot be developed overnight; they are built through ongoing experiences and interactions.
My leadership style centers on observing the people around me and understanding their personalities, strengths, and skills. This awareness helps me determine which strategies to use and how best to apply them. I believe it is important to listen before intervening, to not diminish anyone’s confidence. By giving my peers the space to express their ideas, I help encourage creativity and collaboration. As questions or challenges arise, I am able to offer insight and new perspectives to guide the group forward. I believe everyone has a purpose, and when leaders take the time to observe and understand their team, they can help highlight each person’s role in contributing to the collective whole.“
Emerson Constant Class of 2029
“I believe that true leadership begins with empathy. Listening deeply, valuing diverse perspectives, and seeking to understand the emotions and motivations behind the people I serve.As I continue growing toward my goal of becoming a music teacher, I strive to lead with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to support others’ learning. Music has taught me that every individual brings a unique voice, shaped by their background, challenges, and dreams, and an empathetic leader creates space for those voices to be heard and respected. My philosophy is to inspire through connection and encouragement and guiding others with humility and openness. I aim to create and lead an environment and community where mistakes are welcomed as part of growth, creativity is celebrated, and students feel safe expressing themselves authentically. I hope to foster collaboration and help each person discover confidence and purpose by becoming a role model like the ones I had.“
“I believe that true leadership begins with empathy. Listening deeply, valuing diverse perspectives, and seeking to understand the emotions and motivations behind the people I serve.
As I continue growing toward my goal of becoming a music teacher, I strive to lead with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to support others’ learning. Music has taught me that every individual brings a unique voice, shaped by their background, challenges, and dreams, and an empathetic leader creates space for those voices to be heard and respected.
My philosophy is to inspire through connection and encouragement and guiding others with humility and openness. I aim to create and lead an environment and community where mistakes are welcomed as part of growth, creativity is celebrated, and students feel safe expressing themselves authentically. I hope to foster collaboration and help each person discover confidence and purpose by becoming a role model like the ones I had.“
Frankenia Guzman Class of 2028
“To be an effective leader, I will let my core values guide every decision, especially empathy and kindness. Whether we admit it or not, we all struggle with something; that’s what makes us human. Some show it and some hide it, but one small action can change someone’s life. Remembering a birthday with a card or in person, or celebrating even small accomplishments with an announcement, email, or note, can make someone’s day and improve their work experience.My other core values are work ethic and integrity, because the example starts with me. As a leader, people will look to me, and I must model the behavior I expect.Another core value is collaboration. I will not sit back, lay down rules, or simply boss people around. I will stay involved and work alongside my peers, while still knowing when to delegate and how to remain engaged.Lastly, continuous learning is essential. I will never know it all, but I will continue to learn how to be a better leader and encourage others to pursue greatness.”
“To be an effective leader, I will let my core values guide every decision, especially empathy and kindness. Whether we admit it or not, we all struggle with something; that’s what makes us human. Some show it and some hide it, but one small action can change someone’s life. Remembering a birthday with a card or in person, or celebrating even small accomplishments with an announcement, email, or note, can make someone’s day and improve their work experience.
My other core values are work ethic and integrity, because the example starts with me. As a leader, people will look to me, and I must model the behavior I expect.
Another core value is collaboration. I will not sit back, lay down rules, or simply boss people around. I will stay involved and work alongside my peers, while still knowing when to delegate and how to remain engaged.
Lastly, continuous learning is essential. I will never know it all, but I will continue to learn how to be a better leader and encourage others to pursue greatness.”
Gabriel Garzon Class of 2027
“Can you ever be a leader? Can you guide people to make sure everything turns out right? So many thoughts come into my head when being asked about being a leader. I question if I will be looked at as a bad leader who is either unfair or can’t help people. It hit me that I want to be a good leader, I want to see people succeed, make sure people are okay if they feel down. I aspire to be a leader that people can come to. During my time at ceso, I have been in situations where I have had to help the new hires with setting up computers, speakers, microphones, table set up, etc. I always offer them help or advice with doing these kinds of things because I’ve been in their position, where I felt I was lost. I don’t know if I’m doing well for setting up an av cart or setting up rooms. Treating others the same way you want to be treated is something we have been taught since we were little and I live by that with showing people respect. If you treat others and respect them the way you would want to be treated, you will get very far as a leader.“
George Wheeler Class of 2029
“My mission as a leader is to give the people around me the platform they need to excel. To me, being a good leader is not about being the smartest in the room, the most athletic, or the loudest. A truly strong leader doesn’t seek the spotlight, they create it for others. The best leaders are often the least visible, working behind the scenes to let their teammates and peers shine.I saw this play out clearly during my time as a cross-country captain. I was not the fastest runner, but I understood my responsibility to the team. I made it my goal to support the newer and slower runners, making sure they could complete workouts, stay motivated, and finish races. One of these runners, let’s call him Austin, was a freshman during my junior year. He was unmotivated, struggled to connect with the coach, and didn’t seem to enjoy running. I made it a point to run with him, talk with him, and encourage him. Over time, his attitude shifted. He grew more confident, started putting in real effort, and slowly improved. By this year, he had become a top 10 runner on the team and even competed in the postseason, an achievement I never reached myself.Beyond that there is also a less glamorous part, being pragmatic. Someone needs to set up meetings for group projects, and clubs. Someone needs to sift through schedules to see what time works for everyone in the group. Your peers can’t excel or be able to do their thing if there isn’t a time scheduled to do so. This experience reinforced what I believe wholeheartedly: effective leadership creates space for people to grow into better versions of themselves. I believe everyone has the potential to be great when given patience, encouragement, and an opportunity. My role is to help them find that opportunity and believe in it.”
“My mission as a leader is to give the people around me the platform they need to excel. To me, being a good leader is not about being the smartest in the room, the most athletic, or the loudest. A truly strong leader doesn’t seek the spotlight, they create it for others. The best leaders are often the least visible, working behind the scenes to let their teammates and peers shine.
I saw this play out clearly during my time as a cross-country captain. I was not the fastest runner, but I understood my responsibility to the team. I made it my goal to support the newer and slower runners, making sure they could complete workouts, stay motivated, and finish races. One of these runners, let’s call him Austin, was a freshman during my junior year. He was unmotivated, struggled to connect with the coach, and didn’t seem to enjoy running. I made it a point to run with him, talk with him, and encourage him. Over time, his attitude shifted. He grew more confident, started putting in real effort, and slowly improved. By this year, he had become a top 10 runner on the team and even competed in the postseason, an achievement I never reached myself.
Beyond that there is also a less glamorous part, being pragmatic. Someone needs to set up meetings for group projects, and clubs. Someone needs to sift through schedules to see what time works for everyone in the group. Your peers can’t excel or be able to do their thing if there isn’t a time scheduled to do so.
This experience reinforced what I believe wholeheartedly: effective leadership creates space for people to grow into better versions of themselves. I believe everyone has the potential to be great when given patience, encouragement, and an opportunity. My role is to help them find that opportunity and believe in it.”
Kerry Brown Class of 2027
“In order to inspire others to work hard you must be willing to step up and work hard yourself. Energy is contagious and how one carries themself through adversity has a great effect on others. Aiming to set the bar high day in and day out creates an environment full of camaraderie and purpose. It is vital to work hard even when no one is watching. You cannot expect high praise and rewards as a leader for every single thing you do. It is important that you put in more than you get out. Giving yourself to your cause will inspire others to do the same and that leads to the greatest reward of reaching group goals. To show a high level of dedication pushes others to strive for the bar you have set. Actions speak louder than words and actions set things into motion. Discussing your goals could never be as successful as just deciding to start. One’s work ethic and discipline to accomplish these tasks is never perfect, but it is consistent. You can take one step forward and then three steps back, but always keep going forward after the setbacks. A strong leader recognizes setbacks as a part of the process and realizes that this is a part of the journey of growth into the leader you are supposed to be. Once a leader is able to pick themselves up and carry on after setbacks, they are able to aid others in doing so as well. My leadership philosophy is based on the foundation of dedication when it comes to your people and the process.“
Laine Hatstat Class of 2028
“My leadership philosophy is on the basis of supporting others. I want to be the person who people can depend on to be a leader in hard situations and the person people feel like they can talk to when unsure. I want to lead in a way that doesn’t focus on my demands, but on the needs and wants of the people I’m in charge of in order to facilitate an environment where they can be comfortable and confident. I want my leadership to be lenient and understanding, but still productive and efficient. In doing this, I’m prioritizing people by givin ghtem a model of what a good leader should be without acting as a doormat.“
Mackenzie Closs Class of 2026
“My perspective on leadership is one that focuses on diversity, collaboration, and self-awareness. As a leader, my goal is to embrace the perspectives of others. I aim to be self-aware and make decisions that consider different points of view. Each and every person is unique and brings their own experiences, so I look to be open to feedback and constructive criticism. As a leader, I never want to get comfortable, rather I want to always strive to be better than I was even just the day before. I look to create a positive and uplifting environment where others are motivated by the actions that I take. I consciously want to ensure that I am making selfless decisions rather than selfish ones. Effective leadership involves working with others towards shared goals, with strong communication, positive energy, and self-awareness. When challenges naturally arise, as a leader, I want to make smart decisions with confidence, where others can always lean on me for help.”
Madison Roszkowski Class of 2028
“My leadership philosophy has been shaped significantly by our seven-week Emerge Leadership course, where I learned not only practical skills but also a deeper understanding of who I am as a leader. At the center of my philosophy is the belief in “team before me,” the idea that strong leadership begins with supporting and uplifting the people around you. I believe that kindness is essential, and a good leader must be transparent, open, and honest with their team. Effective leadership also requires strong communication, being able to discuss ideas openly, listen actively, and confidently command a room full of individuals while still making each person feel valued. Through this course, I realized that leadership is not about authority; it is about creating an environment where others feel empowered to succeed.As I continue to grow, my goal is to be a leader who inspires through compassion, empathy, and reliability. I want to be someone my team can trust, depend on, and turn to for guidance. I believe that when we lift one another up and show genuine empathy, we all rise together, creating a stronger and more unified team. Leading with kindness, positivity, and a smile is more than just a style; it is a commitment to fostering hope and motivation in those around me. By embracing these values, I am confident that I am becoming a strong, impactful leader who not only guides but also encourages others to reach their full potential.”
“My leadership philosophy has been shaped significantly by our seven-week Emerge Leadership course, where I learned not only practical skills but also a deeper understanding of who I am as a leader. At the center of my philosophy is the belief in “team before me,” the idea that strong leadership begins with supporting and uplifting the people around you. I believe that kindness is essential, and a good leader must be transparent, open, and honest with their team. Effective leadership also requires strong communication, being able to discuss ideas openly, listen actively, and confidently command a room full of individuals while still making each person feel valued. Through this course, I realized that leadership is not about authority; it is about creating an environment where others feel empowered to succeed.
As I continue to grow, my goal is to be a leader who inspires through compassion, empathy, and reliability. I want to be someone my team can trust, depend on, and turn to for guidance. I believe that when we lift one another up and show genuine empathy, we all rise together, creating a stronger and more unified team. Leading with kindness, positivity, and a smile is more than just a style; it is a commitment to fostering hope and motivation in those around me. By embracing these values, I am confident that I am becoming a strong, impactful leader who not only guides but also encourages others to reach their full potential.”
Matthew Hicks Class of 2026
“Empathetic Pragmatism: Leadership Done Right- My philosophy in leadership is a style that considers both the needs of the job at hand, as well as the needs of my peers. When dealing with a problem, you can’t always accomplish your goal effectively without getting your hands dirty. Sometimes you can, but not always. And it’s when you can’t that you need to balance the needs of the job, and the needs of your peers. You may not always be able to avoid getting your hands dirty, but what you can do is be fair and equitable about the workload to ensure everyone’s welfare despite the challenges you face as a team. I like to refer to this method of leadership as Empathetic Pragmatism. Finding the most effective way to accomplish a task while treating everyone fairly, and making sure they are getting the support they need.A key component of Empathetic Pragmatism is communication to make sure that everyone understands one another. That way, we can avoid making assumptions about each other, and give constructive feedback whenever we disagree. This is my goal when I find myself in a leadership position.“
“Empathetic Pragmatism: Leadership Done Right-
My philosophy in leadership is a style that considers both the needs of the job at hand, as well as the needs of my peers.
When dealing with a problem, you can’t always accomplish your goal effectively without getting your hands dirty. Sometimes you can, but not always. And it’s when you can’t that you need to balance the needs of the job, and the needs of your peers.
You may not always be able to avoid getting your hands dirty, but what you can do is be fair and equitable about the workload to ensure everyone’s welfare despite the challenges you face as a team. I like to refer to this method of leadership as Empathetic Pragmatism. Finding the most effective way to accomplish a task while treating everyone fairly, and making sure they are getting the support they need.
A key component of Empathetic Pragmatism is communication to make sure that everyone understands one another. That way, we can avoid making assumptions about each other, and give constructive feedback whenever we disagree. This is my goal when I find myself in a leadership position.“
Melody Rodriguez Capellan Class of 2028
“If there is one thing I have learned throughout my leadership journey, is that leadership isnot only about positions and titles , but it is also about influence, service and character. From a young age, I found myself naturally stepping into roles where I supported, guided and encouraged others. It was not just a responsibility that came with these positions and titles, butsomething that I was passionate about. Being able to view how I have grown through leadership, I have made the conclusion, leadership requires continuous growth. All of these experiences from being a part of leadership teams, to being an orientation leader to being a mentor to young entrepreneurs in Worcester to being a mentor to first year students and others, have shaped me into the person I am today, and the way I perceive leadership as a whole. At this point in my life, leadership does not look like being in charge, having multiple tasks and responsibilities, it looks like inspiring others not by telling them what to do or how to do it, but showing them what is possible when passion meets purpose. With that being said, my leadership philosophy is simple, lead by example, lead with values and lead to make a difference. Through every role I take on, every person I both support and encourage, I hope to continue evolving as a leader and growing into a leader who continues making valuable impacts onto individuals.“
“If there is one thing I have learned throughout my leadership journey, is that leadership is
not only about positions and titles , but it is also about influence, service and character. From a young age, I found myself naturally stepping into roles where I supported, guided and encouraged others. It was not just a responsibility that came with these positions and titles, but
something that I was passionate about. Being able to view how I have grown through leadership, I have made the conclusion, leadership requires continuous growth. All of these experiences from being a part of leadership teams, to being an orientation leader to being a mentor to young entrepreneurs in Worcester to being a mentor to first year students and others, have shaped me into the person I am today, and the way I perceive leadership as a whole. At this point in my life, leadership does not look like being in charge, having multiple tasks and responsibilities, it looks like inspiring others not by telling them what to do or how to do it, but showing them what is possible when passion meets purpose. With that being said, my leadership philosophy is simple, lead by example, lead with values and lead to make a difference. Through every role I take on, every person I both support and encourage, I hope to continue evolving as a leader and growing into a leader who continues making valuable impacts onto individuals.“
Monique Garrepy Class of 2028
“A saying I heard from my dad growing up was: ‘Become the leader you would have looked up to as a child.’ That opportunity was presented to me when I got a message from my old boss: Hey! I was wondering if you’d be open to leading an art class with our summer program? You’d be working with kindergarteners up to fifth graders – I feel like you’d be a good fit – if you’re up for it, just let me know!Little did I realize that a simple, joking comment back, ‘Sure, would I have to interview again though?” would mark the moment that shaped the leader I am today. That lighthearted question opened the door to responsibilities that taught me that leadership is not about authority, but about creating a place where people, whether you are a kindergartener doing art or an adult doing their job, can feel challenged and valued:“Crafting Leadership”Leadership is not always found in the workplace. For me it was found at a craft table in the summer of twenty-twenty-four, where glue sticks roll and pieces of tape hang loosely, like the kids who come in and keep their hands down, unsure of what to do next.This is where I began to define leadership for myself. And showed the seventy something kids at the program what that meant. It did not mean hovering above, it meant sitting beside. It did not mean doing for, it meant showing and practicing. It did not mean being loud, it often meant being quiet.It was in the patience it took to untangle bundles of yarn, it was in the dedication to sort through embroidery flosses for their favorite color, it was in the calm Let’s help one another out here during tie-dye Thursday spills, it was in the pat on the back that says: You’re on the right track, here’s another way to do that... It was in the initiative of showing them how to hold scissors the right way, how to cut a straight line, and then watching their shy hands try, even if the line ended up jagged.Never forget why you are a leader, moments like these remind you that purpose matters more than you think. Those little pieces of encouragement go further than you know. Sometimes they return as a tight leg hug before they leave for swim, or a “thank you miss” note left on your backpack – a reminder that what you are doing matters to them, and a constant reminder that leadership is built on example, not by power or control.Leadership itself is an art and craft, it is shaped by patience, it is rooted in trust and accountability, and strengthened when you choose to show up day after day.And like any art, the lessons you model, become the lessons they learn. Because kids pick up on lessons quicker than you think, if I want them to have initiative, I made the first paint stroke. If I want them to try again, I let them see my trial and errors. If I want them to believe in themselves, I hand them a piece of paper and remind them that their canvas is theirs, and that no one should discourage their creativity.Leadership and art to me is never about the end product, but about the process, and the creative mistakes it took to get there, the reminders that what you teach stick to people in ways you may never fully realize. It ends up with running into those same kids and them asking, Are you coming back this summer?So in every moment at that craft table, as I sit beside a kid who wants to learn, I still see the child I once was: shy, curious, and hoping for someone to guide her. So now, every day, I work to become the leader she needed, and the leader she would have looked up to.“
“A saying I heard from my dad growing up was: ‘Become the leader you would have looked up to as a child.’ That opportunity was presented to me when I got a message from my old boss: Hey! I was wondering if you’d be open to leading an art class with our summer program? You’d be working with kindergarteners up to fifth graders – I feel like you’d be a good fit – if you’re up for it, just let me know!
Little did I realize that a simple, joking comment back, ‘Sure, would I have to interview again though?” would mark the moment that shaped the leader I am today. That lighthearted question opened the door to responsibilities that taught me that leadership is not about authority, but about creating a place where people, whether you are a kindergartener doing art or an adult doing their job, can feel challenged and valued:
“Crafting Leadership”
Leadership is not always found in the workplace. For me it was found at a craft table in the summer of twenty-twenty-four, where glue sticks roll and pieces of tape hang loosely, like the kids who come in and keep their hands down, unsure of what to do next.
This is where I began to define leadership for myself. And showed the seventy something kids at the program what that meant. It did not mean hovering above, it meant sitting beside. It did not mean doing for, it meant showing and practicing. It did not mean being loud, it often meant being quiet.
It was in the patience it took to untangle bundles of yarn, it was in the dedication to sort through embroidery flosses for their favorite color, it was in the calm Let’s help one another out here during tie-dye Thursday spills, it was in the pat on the back that says: You’re on the right track, here’s another way to do that... It was in the initiative of showing them how to hold scissors the right way, how to cut a straight line, and then watching their shy hands try, even if the line ended up jagged.
Never forget why you are a leader, moments like these remind you that purpose matters more than you think. Those little pieces of encouragement go further than you know. Sometimes they return as a tight leg hug before they leave for swim, or a “thank you miss” note left on your backpack – a reminder that what you are doing matters to them, and a constant reminder that leadership is built on example, not by power or control.
Leadership itself is an art and craft, it is shaped by patience, it is rooted in trust and accountability, and strengthened when you choose to show up day after day.
And like any art, the lessons you model, become the lessons they learn. Because kids pick up on lessons quicker than you think, if I want them to have initiative, I made the first paint stroke. If I want them to try again, I let them see my trial and errors. If I want them to believe in themselves, I hand them a piece of paper and remind them that their canvas is theirs, and that no one should discourage their creativity.
Leadership and art to me is never about the end product, but about the process, and the creative mistakes it took to get there, the reminders that what you teach stick to people in ways you may never fully realize. It ends up with running into those same kids and them asking, Are you coming back this summer?
So in every moment at that craft table, as I sit beside a kid who wants to learn, I still see the child I once was: shy, curious, and hoping for someone to guide her. So now, every day, I work to become the leader she needed, and the leader she would have looked up to.“
Sabrina Celestin Class of 2027
“The people-oriented, friendly Clan Culture is characterized by strong collaboration, mutual support, and deeply shared values. This culture emphasizes an internal focus with flexibility, prioritizing teamwork, open communication, and the personal growth of each member. In this environment, I strive to be a leader who fosters trust and creates a sense of belonging, actively empowering individuals to contribute their unique ideas and talents. By modeling inclusiveness and encouragement, I help cultivate a workplace where everyone feels engaged and valued.My reasons for being a leader stem from my passion for empowering others to reach their highest potential. I am driven by the satisfaction of building environments where individuals feel valued, inspired, and supported. Leadership enables me to unite people behind a shared vision, foster collaboration, and achieve meaningful outcomes for both organizations and communities. For instance, through my roles on a club board and a soccer league board, I have facilitated strategic initiatives and contributed to lasting, positive changes.Currently, my leadership efforts are fostering higher team engagement, clearer communication, and stronger trust among team members. I have noticed increased collaboration and creative problem-solving, stemming from my emphasis on transparency, encouragement, and open dialogue. Although I continue to work on refining my delegation and time management skills, the overall impact of my leadership has been a more cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team.My personal purpose is to lead with unwavering integrity and genuine empathy. These core values serve as a compass for my actions and decisions, ensuring I consistently treat others with respect and fairness. When my leadership behaviors align with my beliefs, I can cultivate trust, foster open communication, and set a positive example. This alignment not only strengthens my authenticity and resilience as a leader but also inspires those around me to uphold similar standards, especially in times of adversity.I asked my oldest daughter to draw a picture of me as part of this activity. I considered asking both of my daughters, but my youngest is still learning to draw, and her artwork is mostly playful scribbles. My oldest, on the other hand, approached the task with focus and creativity. Her first version included some numbers and letters, a reflection of her current fascination with learning new things. I decided to clean up her drawing a bit, highlighting the parts that truly represented her view of me. The finished piece, which I titled Queen B, has special meaning in our family since my husband affectionately calls me B or Queen B. What touched me most was that my daughter described her drawing with the word ;happiness,; showing that she associates me with joy and positivity in her life. Reflect on the importance of happiness in leadership. As a leader whether in my family or my professional life—I strive to create an environment where joy, positivity, and personal growth are prioritized. I believe that true leadership is not only about achieving results, but also about fostering happiness and well-being in those around us. By approaching leadership with a focus on happiness, I hope to inspire others to find fulfillment and purpose in their own Journeys.“
“The people-oriented, friendly Clan Culture is characterized by strong collaboration, mutual support, and deeply shared values. This culture emphasizes an internal focus with flexibility, prioritizing teamwork, open communication, and the personal growth of each member. In this environment, I strive to be a leader who fosters trust and creates a sense of belonging, actively empowering individuals to contribute their unique ideas and talents. By modeling inclusiveness and encouragement, I help cultivate a workplace where everyone feels engaged and valued.
My reasons for being a leader stem from my passion for empowering others to reach their highest potential. I am driven by the satisfaction of building environments where individuals feel valued, inspired, and supported. Leadership enables me to unite people behind a shared vision, foster collaboration, and achieve meaningful outcomes for both organizations and communities. For instance, through my roles on a club board and a soccer league board, I have facilitated strategic initiatives and contributed to lasting, positive changes.
Currently, my leadership efforts are fostering higher team engagement, clearer communication, and stronger trust among team members. I have noticed increased collaboration and creative problem-solving, stemming from my emphasis on transparency, encouragement, and open dialogue. Although I continue to work on refining my delegation and time management skills, the overall impact of my leadership has been a more cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team.
My personal purpose is to lead with unwavering integrity and genuine empathy. These core values serve as a compass for my actions and decisions, ensuring I consistently treat others with respect and fairness. When my leadership behaviors align with my beliefs, I can cultivate trust, foster open communication, and set a positive example. This alignment not only strengthens my authenticity and resilience as a leader but also inspires those around me to uphold similar standards, especially in times of adversity.
I asked my oldest daughter to draw a picture of me as part of this activity. I considered asking both of my daughters, but my youngest is still learning to draw, and her artwork is mostly playful scribbles.
My oldest, on the other hand, approached the task with focus and creativity. Her first version included some numbers and letters, a reflection of her current fascination with learning new things.
I decided to clean up her drawing a bit, highlighting the parts that truly represented her view of me.
The finished piece, which I titled Queen B, has special meaning in our family since my husband affectionately calls me B or Queen B. What touched me most was that my daughter described her drawing with the word ;happiness,; showing that she associates me with joy and positivity in her life. Reflect on the importance of happiness in leadership. As a leader whether in my family or my professional life—I strive to create an environment where joy, positivity, and personal growth are prioritized. I believe that true leadership is not only about achieving results, but also about fostering happiness and well-being in those around us. By approaching leadership with a focus on happiness, I hope to inspire others to find fulfillment and purpose in their own Journeys.“
Samer Naeem Class of 2029
“For me, leadership starts long before we guide others. Leadership begins with leading ourselves. As a blind individual, I’ve learned the importance of discipline, resilience, patience, and staying grounded. These experiences shaped the kind of leader I aim to be every day.I believe that strong leadership is built on values. The values that guide me are trustworthiness, cooperation, respect, humility, and confidence. I also believe in the power of communication—being an active listener and a clear speaker. Because I rely so much on listening, I focus not just on the words people say but the meaning behind them. This helps me understand, connect, and build trust with the people I serve.I hold several assumptions that guide my leadership thinking. I assume that everyone has something meaningful to contribute, and that people do their best work when they feel valued and supported. I assume that clarity, honesty, and consistency are essential for any team to succeed. These assumptions shape how I work with others and how I show up as a leader.I also believe that leaders must model the behavior they expect. For me, that means being responsible, organized, respectful, and intentional. I want my “appearance” as a leader to come through my character—how I speak, how I treat people, and how I handle challenges. Reputation matters, and I strive to maintain one built on reliability and integrity.As a leader, I see myself in service to others. My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels capable, included, and empowered to grow. I want people to feel that they can come to me, trust me, and count on me. I support people by recognizing their strengths, encouraging their ideas, and giving them opportunities to develop.I believe leadership is about inspiring growth—not just in the work we do, but in the people we become. I want to help others build confidence, learn new skills, and see their own potential. I do this through patience, encouragement, and leading with humility.Ultimately, my purpose as a leader is to motivate others through authenticity and determination. My life experiences—especially as a blind person—have taught me that barriers can become bridges when we lead with heart, clarity, and purpose. This philosophy guides my decisions, my behavior, and the impact I want to leave on those I lead.“
“For me, leadership starts long before we guide others. Leadership begins with leading ourselves. As a blind individual, I’ve learned the importance of discipline, resilience, patience, and staying grounded. These experiences shaped the kind of leader I aim to be every day.
I believe that strong leadership is built on values. The values that guide me are trustworthiness, cooperation, respect, humility, and confidence. I also believe in the power of communication—being an active listener and a clear speaker. Because I rely so much on listening, I focus not just on the words people say but the meaning behind them. This helps me understand, connect, and build trust with the people I serve.
I hold several assumptions that guide my leadership thinking. I assume that everyone has something meaningful to contribute, and that people do their best work when they feel valued and supported. I assume that clarity, honesty, and consistency are essential for any team to succeed. These assumptions shape how I work with others and how I show up as a leader.
I also believe that leaders must model the behavior they expect. For me, that means being responsible, organized, respectful, and intentional. I want my “appearance” as a leader to come through my character—how I speak, how I treat people, and how I handle challenges. Reputation matters, and I strive to maintain one built on reliability and integrity.
As a leader, I see myself in service to others. My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels capable, included, and empowered to grow. I want people to feel that they can come to me, trust me, and count on me. I support people by recognizing their strengths, encouraging their ideas, and giving them opportunities to develop.
I believe leadership is about inspiring growth—not just in the work we do, but in the people we become. I want to help others build confidence, learn new skills, and see their own potential. I do this through patience, encouragement, and leading with humility.
Ultimately, my purpose as a leader is to motivate others through authenticity and determination. My life experiences—especially as a blind person—have taught me that barriers can become bridges when we lead with heart, clarity, and purpose. This philosophy guides my decisions, my behavior, and the impact I want to leave on those I lead.“
Sean Furlong Class of 2027
“I believe leadership cannot be defined by one or two sentences. Leadership is an umbrella, a term that some define, interpret, or use in a more specific sense than others. To some, Leadership could be seen as a coach teaching kids how to play a sport, to others leadership could be a member of a society taking the first step towards making a change for the greater good. Being a good leader, to me, stems from reliability, understanding, and respect. The most important leaders in my life have been teachers, throughout high school and now in college. Their influence defined leadership for me as I’ve grown as a person. As I get older, I notice myself stepping into more roles of leadership. What truly stands out to me is that every experience I have had as a leader has been a learning experience as well. The more I teach, the more I learn, not only about what I am teaching, but also about who I am and want to become as a leader. Leadership, for me, is constant growth, through teaching and learning.“
Sejin Lee Class of 2029
“My mission as a leader is to be someone people can truly trust. Many think being a leader is easy, but it is one of the hardest things a person can do. Leadership is not about having power or giving orders. It is about being someone everyone can rely on, someone who takes responsibility when things go wrong, and someone who acts with honesty and integrity no matter the situation.A leader carries a huge responsibility, and that responsibility shows whether a person is capable of leading or not. Leadership is not about making decisions for yourself or thinking only about what benefits you. It is about listening to the people who follow you, understanding their ideas, and acting in a way that serves the whole group. A leader steps forward first, faces the hardest challenges, and never hesitates to take responsibility for the outcome.Being a leader means putting others first, even when it is difficult. It means standing strong when others are unsure. It means inspiring trust not with words, but with actions. Leadership is not a title, a position, or a badge. Leadership is a choice, a daily commitment to act with honesty, courage, and care for the people you lead. This is the kind of leader I want to be: the kind people can count on, the kind people respect, and the kind people feel safe following.“
“My mission as a leader is to be someone people can truly trust. Many think being a leader is easy, but it is one of the hardest things a person can do. Leadership is not about having power or giving orders. It is about being someone everyone can rely on, someone who takes responsibility when things go wrong, and someone who acts with honesty and integrity no matter the situation.
A leader carries a huge responsibility, and that responsibility shows whether a person is capable of leading or not. Leadership is not about making decisions for yourself or thinking only about what benefits you. It is about listening to the people who follow you, understanding their ideas, and acting in a way that serves the whole group. A leader steps forward first, faces the hardest challenges, and never hesitates to take responsibility for the outcome.
Being a leader means putting others first, even when it is difficult. It means standing strong when others are unsure. It means inspiring trust not with words, but with actions. Leadership is not a title, a position, or a badge. Leadership is a choice, a daily commitment to act with honesty, courage, and care for the people you lead. This is the kind of leader I want to be: the kind people can count on, the kind people respect, and the kind people feel safe following.“
Stephen Nganga Class of 2026
“Leadership to me means being able to guide, influence, and inspire people toward a shared goal while creating an environment where others can grow and feel valued. It’s not just about giving directions, but about understanding people and motivating them with purpose. As I was writing this statement, I was reflecting on and remembered that I had watched a TED Talk by Simon Sinek, which inspired me. In his talk, Sinek explains the Golden Circle and the importance of starting with “Why.” He uses Martin Luther King Jr. as an example to show how leaders who start with a clear purpose inspire extraordinary action. Dr. King stood out among many prominent civil rights activists because of the way he shared his dream; his vision inspired millions to take action. This example made me think differently about leadership and pushed me to evaluate how leaders truly inspire action. It helped me realize that effective leadership begins with clarity of purpose and belief, and that people follow leaders who communicate their vision and values, not just their instructions. This is connected directly to my own approach, of aiming to inspire collaboration, build trust, and empower others to grow while achieving shared goals.“
Thea Award Class of 2029
“My mission as a leader is to make everyone feel respected and inspired. As a leader, I strive to create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and motivated to reach their full potential. Being a leader to me means leading by example, and I take pride in the examples I put forward. A strong leader is not controlling, but is confident. Leaders should not be made to appear better than or more powerful, they should be the cheerleader that keeps everyone going and helps the whole team equally. I believe that it is my responsibility as a leader to inspire and motivate the change I want to see in the world. “
Yariel Lopez Class of 2029
“Yariel’s 6-step leadership Recipe: The recipe gives a list of ingredients to prepare and make my ideal leadership style. The ingredients for everyone’s recipe may be different, but remember, the outcome is all that matters. You’ll see some familiar recipes that exist out there, and that’s the beauty of crafting a leadership recipe. 5% of Humor, it’s one of the best qualities that is my favorite ingredient. Having humor and allowing your team members to also display their own allows for freedom to be yourself, but also creates a safe space of trust and overall humanity. 5% of Presentability, your way of presenting yourself and your team impacts the outcomes of your work. 10% Teamwork, as a leader, you have to be able to work, but also understand the culture of what it’s like to work within a team. 10% of Diversity, when you have a diverse team, it leads to a blending of differences that will ultimately result in greatness. Equity and diversity go hand and hand within a team, and one cannot exist without the other. 15% of Empathy + Sympathy, your relatability, and understanding of your group will heavily impact morale and overall loyalty. 15% of Wisdom and Experience, for you to be taken seriously, but also respected as a leader, you should have some understanding of the field you’re leading in, but also experience in being an appropriate and productive leader. 20% of Communication, as a leader, one should be able to communicate, whether it be about taking accountability or correcting shortcomings of team members. The ability to communicate is a fundamental ability that can make or break your team; it is key for setting the group tone, but also in allowing members to be comfortable communicating if need be. It’s truly key in being transparent both from a leadership position and a non-leadership position. 20% of Consistency, in a team as a leader, you truly set up the model you want to be followed. From punctuality to interactions and even fair treatment. Being motivated and consistent on a day-to-day basis truly shows your drive and the level of importance that you value in your position. This currently would be my leadership Recipe for success. A leader in any sense is the baking powder that allows your cake to rise. When being a leader, it’s important that you self self-aware and can always learn as you go, but also that you keep everyone working productively. It’s up to the Leader to create a safe, functional, and comfortable work environment, and this should always be prioritized when in a team. Dependability is a huge factor; your team should be able to rely on you and your skills, trusting you to set them up for success. These are terms left out of my recipe but fall within the 6 given categories of the recipe. Personally, when I lead, I want my team to be comfortable but also to feel like family. When we work, it should be simultaneous, and our work goals should be accomplished, but that doesn’t mean to treat your team badly. It means treat your team well, and your results will show equally as well due to your ability to be a human and recognize fundamentals.“
“Yariel’s 6-step leadership Recipe:
The recipe gives a list of ingredients to prepare and make my ideal leadership style. The ingredients for everyone’s recipe may be different, but remember, the outcome is all that matters. You’ll see some familiar recipes that exist out there, and that’s the beauty of crafting a leadership recipe.
This currently would be my leadership Recipe for success. A leader in any sense is the baking powder that allows your cake to rise. When being a leader, it’s important that you self self-aware and can always learn as you go, but also that you keep everyone working productively. It’s up to the Leader to create a safe, functional, and comfortable work environment, and this should always be prioritized when in a team. Dependability is a huge factor; your team should be able to rely on you and your skills, trusting you to set them up for success. These are terms left out of my recipe but fall within the 6 given categories of the recipe. Personally, when I lead, I want my team to be comfortable but also to feel like family. When we work, it should be simultaneous, and our work goals should be accomplished, but that doesn’t mean to treat your team badly. It means treat your team well, and your results will show equally as well due to your ability to be a human and recognize fundamentals.“
Yeidaliz Polanco Class of 2028
“Mi filosofía de liderazgoSi soy honesta, hace algunos años, tanto en la escuela como en el entorno laboral, más de una vez me metí en problemas. ¿Por qué? Porque no entendía lo que un verdadero líder representaba. Creía que la eficacia se medía por la imposición, por querer que las cosas se hicieran a mi manera y solo como yo quisiera. En ese proceso, lamentablemente, muchas veces abusé de la confianza que se puso sobre mis hombros y me gané el desprecio de muchas personas. Esas experiencias fueron duras, pero fueron, sin duda, mi mejor maestra.Y es precisamente por ese camino de aprendizaje y corrección que hoy puedo declarar mi filosofía con total convicción:Rechazo la idea de que liderar es solo mandar. Ser líder es servir: es la responsabilidad de ser una fuerza inquebrantable para aquellos que confían en mí.Mi mayor inspiración para este liderazgo de servicio proviene de mi fe. Pienso en Dios, mi roca fuerte: Él me escucha, me dirige, pero no me obliga. Yo sé lo que debo hacer, y Él está al pendiente de mí por si tropiezo. Ese es, para mí, el mayor ejemplo de lo que un líder debe ser.Esta es la lección que aprendí: mi propósito fundamental es ser el soporte que permita a mi equipo alcanzar la meta con seguridad. Yo me encargaré de la base para que ellos puedan enfocarse en la cima.Al final, todos somos líderes. Tenemos diferentes enfoques, diferentes fortalezas y diferentes roles, pero todos tenemos la capacidad de guiar, influir e inspirar. Mi misión es que mi enfoque de servicio empodere cada una de sus fortalezas, cualquiera que sea.My leadership philosophyIf I’m honest, some years ago, both in school and in the workplace, I got into trouble more than once. Why? Because I didn’t understand what a true leader represented. I believed effectiveness was measured by imposition, by wanting things to be done my way and only how I wanted them. In that process, unfortunately, A lot of times I abused the trust that was placed on my shoulders and earned the contempt of many people. Those experiences were hard, but they were, without a doubt, my best teacher.And it is precisely because of that path of learning and correction that today I can declare my philosophy with total conviction:I reject the idea that leading is just giving orders. To be a leader is to serve: it is the responsibility of being an unshakeable force for those who trust in me.My greatest inspiration for this servant leadership comes from my faith. I think of God, my strong rock: He listens to me, He guides me, but He doesn’;t force me. I know what I must do, and He is watching over me in case I stumble. That, for me, is the greatest example of what a leader should be.This is the lesson I learned: my fundamental purpose is to be the support that allows my team to reach the goal with security. I will take care of the base so that they can focus on the summit.In the end, we are all leaders. We have different approaches, different strengths, and different roles, but we all have the capacity to guide, influence, and inspire. My mission is that my service focus empowers each one of your strengths, whatever they may be.”
“Mi filosofía de liderazgo
Si soy honesta, hace algunos años, tanto en la escuela como en el entorno laboral, más de una vez me metí en problemas. ¿Por qué? Porque no entendía lo que un verdadero líder representaba. Creía que la eficacia se medía por la imposición, por querer que las cosas se hicieran a mi manera y solo como yo quisiera. En ese proceso, lamentablemente, muchas veces abusé de la confianza que se puso sobre mis hombros y me gané el desprecio de muchas personas. Esas experiencias fueron duras, pero fueron, sin duda, mi mejor maestra.
Y es precisamente por ese camino de aprendizaje y corrección que hoy puedo declarar mi filosofía con total convicción:
Rechazo la idea de que liderar es solo mandar. Ser líder es servir: es la responsabilidad de ser una fuerza inquebrantable para aquellos que confían en mí.
Mi mayor inspiración para este liderazgo de servicio proviene de mi fe. Pienso en Dios, mi roca fuerte: Él me escucha, me dirige, pero no me obliga. Yo sé lo que debo hacer, y Él está al pendiente de mí por si tropiezo. Ese es, para mí, el mayor ejemplo de lo que un líder debe ser.
Esta es la lección que aprendí: mi propósito fundamental es ser el soporte que permita a mi equipo alcanzar la meta con seguridad. Yo me encargaré de la base para que ellos puedan enfocarse en la cima.
Al final, todos somos líderes. Tenemos diferentes enfoques, diferentes fortalezas y diferentes roles, pero todos tenemos la capacidad de guiar, influir e inspirar. Mi misión es que mi enfoque de servicio empodere cada una de sus fortalezas, cualquiera que sea.
My leadership philosophy
If I’m honest, some years ago, both in school and in the workplace, I got into trouble more than once. Why? Because I didn’t understand what a true leader represented. I believed effectiveness was measured by imposition, by wanting things to be done my way and only how I wanted them. In that process, unfortunately, A lot of times I abused the trust that was placed on my shoulders and earned the contempt of many people. Those experiences were hard, but they were, without a doubt, my best teacher.
And it is precisely because of that path of learning and correction that today I can declare my philosophy with total conviction:
I reject the idea that leading is just giving orders. To be a leader is to serve: it is the responsibility of being an unshakeable force for those who trust in me.
My greatest inspiration for this servant leadership comes from my faith. I think of God, my strong rock: He listens to me, He guides me, but He doesn’;t force me. I know what I must do, and He is watching over me in case I stumble. That, for me, is the greatest example of what a leader should be.
This is the lesson I learned: my fundamental purpose is to be the support that allows my team to reach the goal with security. I will take care of the base so that they can focus on the summit.
In the end, we are all leaders. We have different approaches, different strengths, and different roles, but we all have the capacity to guide, influence, and inspire. My mission is that my service focus empowers each one of your strengths, whatever they may be.”
