Engage Leadership Philosophies | Spring 2026

At the culmination of each semester’s Engage 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.

Dante Davolio
Class of 2026

“During and after attending the Engage leadership workshop I found that I have grown even further as a person and a leader.

Since the end of Emerge I have been given the opportunity to advance to a new position in the Commuter Activities Board (CAB). Being the president of this organization means a lot to me, especially being in this club for all 4 years of my time at WSU. It is definitely a lot more responsibility than being Treasurer, my previous position but I do love being president and the group that I work with. I believe the people in my group look at me as a role model and a mentor when it comes to club responsibilities, my knowledge, helping out my E-board with their leadership roles if in need, and how to run this organization, which was taught to me by previous presidents before me. Also, everyone in my group sees me as a hard worker and very committed and strive to make a difference, especially with our budget.

The goals I have had for myself in Emerge that I have brought onto Engage is makin new connections with people and exploring more about my leadership style. Another goal that I had mentioned when applying for this workshop is to become a leader after graduating college. This would be in the community or in my work profession, whatever that may be. Maintaining to be a leader in some aspect of your life or my life is a very important thing to do.

There are many different definitions of leadership. It could be like somebody is in charge or has a responsibility like in a club, it could be a supervisor or employee at your work profession, or even someone you look up to and see as a role model, like a parent, sibling, friend, or even someone in the world you know makes a great contribution and a difference in the world.

I would say for me, anyone can be a leader. It does involve multiple things. Some examples include things that are stated above. Also, having an opportunity to become a leader, whether you take advantage of it or it’s given to you. It is a very important role to have. Someone who is willing to strive to make a difference

From this program I learned a new version of my leadership style through taking the Clifton Strengths Assessment, and also exploring more into my identity has also helped me determine where and when I started to be a leader in my life and how much I have improved since then. I have found that doing the Clifton Strengths Assessment has brought similar and different results than the True Colors activity that we did in Emerge. Along with my self evaluation on my leadership characteristics. With the True Colors activity I found that I am a blue, which is a leader that has the characteristics of being people-oriented, dependable, focused on the objective, etc. With the Clifton strengths Assessment my 5 top strengths are Woo, Learner, Intellection, Belief, and Communication. When it comes to my leadership traits I can see each of these strengths.

Throughout the time of my life I have started to explore what identity is, how it affects me, and what my identity is. I have also improved academically, socially, becoming involved in my community whether it is in my school community or my local community.

I have also shown how much I care for others, how much I want to help others and doing so, and as well as continuing to bring positive energy at times and a smile that brightens up someone’s day. In Preschool and Elementary school I have struggled the most academically, social skills/socialization and problem solving as well as not being able to talk until I was 5 years old. In Middle school was when I decided to start being involved in my community  and also starting to dress up wherever I went. Over the course of that time I started doing it more. This helps me feel professional, more motivated, and have a better sense of accomplishment and discover more on my identity. Once I have gotten into High

School and College I have definitely felt like being involved is part of who I am and my life. During this time of my life I have thought of these places as my second home.”

Frankie Guzman
Class of 20XX

“My philosophy of leadership is shaped by my experiences as an employee and by the many challenges, environments, and people I have worked with along the way. Having gone through a great deal in the workplace, I have learned that leadership is not just about directing others; it is about understanding them. My experiences have given me insight into what employees need, what helps them feel supported, and what can negatively affect morale, motivation, and performance.

Working with people from many different backgrounds has also taught me the importance of adaptability, respect, and cultural awareness. I have learned that people bring different perspectives, communication styles, and life experiences to the workplace, and effective leadership requires the ability to recognize, value, and work with those differences. A strong leader should create an environment where people feel heard, respected, and included.

My experiences have taught me to lead with understanding, fairness, and awareness. I know how important it is to feel appreciated, to have clear communication, to be treated with respect, and to have a leader who is present and willing to listen. If I am in a leadership role someday, I want to use what I have learned from this leadership training and experiences to support others, build trust, and create a positive workplace where people can succeed.“

Melody Rodriguez Capellan
Class of 2027

“Leadership is a continuous journey of growth, shaped by real, hands- on experiences. Engage allowed me to understand this concept more in-depth. To continue evolving in leadership, you need to continue learning about yourself. By continuing to participate in activities and take on more leadership roles, they continued to shape my leadership journey. This semester, I was awarded the National Leadership Honor Society of Omicron Delta Kappa. This society was an accomplishment of the hands-on experiences, workshops, and connections that I have put time and commitment into. However, this is only a small segment of this continuous journey of my leadership. In the future, Engage and Emerge have allowed me to understand what path I would like to take. With that being said, I want to continue being a role model for those around me. Leaving the motto of, anything is possible, when you put your mind to it. Starting college at 16 years old, Mel’s Bakery, honor societies, and other accomplishments are outcomes of this motto, and what continues to be my everyday motivation.”

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, on communication, and each member's personal growth. 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 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.

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 club and soccer league boards, I have facilitated strategic initiatives and contributed to lasting, positive change.

My Strategic and Learner strengths are foundational to my growth and effectiveness as a leader. With Strategic, I proactively scan the landscape for obstacles and opportunities, plotting courses of action that maximize success. Learner continuously motivates me to seek knowledge, embrace new challenges, and reflect on both my achievements and setbacks. Rather than merely observing outcomes, I systematically analyze them to uncover deeper insights and patterns. This process allows me to refine my decision-making, enhance team performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By soliciting feedback and remaining open to diverse viewpoints, I ensure my leadership evolves in step with my team’s and organization’s needs.

My Self-Assurance and Achiever strengths ignite my drive to pursue ambitious goals, including my current campaign for President of CAB. Self-Assurance allows me to advocate boldly for my ideas, make confident decisions in uncertain situations, and inspire others to rally behind a shared vision. Achiever fuels my relentless work ethic, commitment to excellence, and desire to consistently reach new milestones. These strengths empowered me to lead CAB’s first fundraiser and introduce innovative initiatives that energized the entire organization. By blending confidence with a results- oriented mindset, I foster a culture where achievement and progress are not just encouraged but expected.

My Discipline strength is essential in managing the complexities of parenting. I establish routines and maintain structure for my children, fostering a sense of security and stability at home. Yet, life with kids is unpredictable, and I have learned to balance order with adaptability. When unexpected events disrupt our plans, I respond calmly and flexibly, demonstrating resilience and creative problem-solving. This approach not only reassures my children but also teaches them valuable life skills. The interplay between consistency and adaptability in my parenting deepens my capacity to lead effectively in all areas of my life.

Currently, my leadership drives stronger team engagement, clearer communication, and deeper trust among members. By leveraging my Strategic thinking, I anticipate challenges and guide my team toward effective solutions, while my Learner mindset encourages continuous growth and adaptability. My Self-Assurance allows me to lead with confidence and decisiveness, and my Achiever mindset ensures that goals are met with persistence and excellence. At the same time, my Discipline provides structure and consistency, enabling my team to stay focused and organized. While I continue to strengthen my delegation and time management skills, I am committed to ongoing growth. Together, these strengths allow me to cultivate a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team.“

Samer Naeem
Class of 2028

“My leadership philosophy continues to evolve as I gain new experiences and deepen my understanding of what it means to lead. Building on my foundation from the Emerge Leadership Circle, I now see leadership not only as leading myself and serving others, but also as actively engaging with people through collaboration, trust, and shared problem-solving.

I believe leadership begins with self-discipline, resilience, and strong values such as respect, honesty, and responsibility. These values continue to guide me, but through the Engage Leadership Circle, I have learned the importance of applying them in group settings where teamwork and communication are essential. As a blind individual, these experiences have strengthened my reliance on clear communication, trust, and collaboration. Leadership is not an individual effort; it is developed through interaction, cooperation, and mutual support.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of planning and thoughtful decision-making. Taking time to think before acting helps reduce mistakes and allows problems to be identified early. This became clear during group challenges with limited time. For example, while working on a puzzle with a partner, I explained a strategy step by step. Although we came close to solving it, the time constraint showed me how essential clear communication and efficient planning are when working under pressure.

Trust and teamwork became even more meaningful through interactive group activities. In one activity, we tied our legs together and had to move as a group. My teammates were mindful of my safety, guiding me carefully and ensuring I would not fall. At the same time, I had to trust them fully and listen closely to their instructions. This experience reinforced my belief that leadership involves both supporting others and allowing yourself to be supported. Trust is built through shared responsibility and mutual care.

Another key area of growth for me was communication in problem-solving and conflict situations. In a role-play activity, I acted as someone who felt overwhelmed by doing all the work, while my partner played a manager. This experience helped me understand the importance of active listening and respectful dialogue. Effective leaders do not simply give instructions; they listen, understand concerns, and work collaboratively to find solutions. I also improved my ability to delegate tasks, ensuring responsibilities are shared fairly and efficiently.

These experiences have strengthened my belief that leadership is about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to contribute. I continue to see myself as a leader who serves others, but I now place greater emphasis on engagement—bringing people together, encouraging participation, and working collectively toward shared goals. I also recognize the importance of being aware of different perspectives and experiences, and how they influence teamwork and leadership.

Ultimately, my leadership philosophy centers on both individual and collective growth. I strive to lead with clarity, patience, and integrity while fostering collaboration and trust. My experiences have shown me that challenges are best addressed when people communicate openly, plan thoughtfully, and support one another. As I continue to develop as a leader, I remain committed to helping others grow while also learning from them.”

Yeidaliz Polanco
Class of 2029

“My leadership model continues to be God, my strong rock. He is a leader who does not suffocate with orders, but rather inspires through example, and that is the standard that guides every one of my steps. I aspire to be that solid foundation that allows others to climb, but also the spark that motivates them to want to reach the summit on their own.

In this phase of my formation, my purpose has evolved. I see that evolution reflected in the new opportunities that have come my way—such as being an Orientation Leader and a Resident Assistant—challenges I never imagined achieving before. Today I understand that it is no longer enough for me to be a “silent support.” My mission now is to connect. It is about identifying what makes each person on my team shine and giving them the necessary tools to do so with all their strength.

I know that discipline is fundamental, but it is empathy—that faith that drives me to care for others—that truly makes the difference in my way of guiding. My commitment is simple, yet profound: to use my leadership so that every person who crosses my path not only feels supported, but also discovers they are capable of recognizing their own power to influence and inspire others.”