ALUMNI NEWSLETTER FALL 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER
CONTENTS
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LEADERSHIP LEGACY
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CAMPUS OPINIONS
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MEET THE TEAM
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TESTIMONIALS
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BOOK FEATURE
Catch up with two University of Illinois alumni
We asked current students how they define leadership
Get to know some of the ILC’s student staff
Students discuss the impact of our leadership programs
Exploring Leadership by Komives, Lucas, and McMahon
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C HR I S C OL E WHY, IN YOUR OPINION, DOES LEADERSHIP MATTER?
It’s very important to reflect and understand who you are as a person, what your strengths and weaknesses are. I think leadership inevitably makes people do that. As a leader, whether you work on a team or direct efforts, you need to understand how the strengths and weaknesses of people come together to get something off the ground. Even in the work that I currently do, we ensure students understand how emotional intelligence is crucial for success in personal life and careers. Leadership is much more than managing people; it is a life skill.
IF YOU KNEW WHAT YOU KNOW NOW AS A COLLEGE STUDENT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
Through my experience in student affairs as Graf Intern and graduate assistant, I’ve come to understand the myriad opportunities available on campus to students in college. If I could go back to the time I was an undergrad, I would ensure I’m much more aware of the resources available on campus to students such as the Illinois Leadership Center and use these resources for personal and career development. WHAT DO YOU VALUE THE MOST AS A LEADER?
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A GRAF INTERN AT THE ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER
My time at the Illinois Leadership Center got me interested in leadership education and student affairs. It helped me identify what I’m passionate about. There were stressful days when I was working on an i-Program but you realize it’s worth all the hard work when you see the results at the end. There is a drastic change in a matter of hours among the students who participate. The bond that you share with the other Graf interns is extremely special too.
I value humility and authenticity the most in being a leader. I believe these values are rooted in having selfawareness, openness to feedback and being appreciative to others. Being authentic as a leader allows one to accept their imperfections and being fully aware of their talents and abilities. This allows a leader to surround themselves with others who can complement those imperfections and allowing others to shine.
Chris Cole serves as Program Coordinator at One Million Degrees in Chicago. He works to ensure that One Million Degrees’ Scholars achieve academic success and persist towards their college degrees by equipping them with strategies necessary to help them reach their full potential in school, in work, and in life. Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Master of Higher Education Administration at Florida International University where he served as a Graduate Assistant in the Center for Leadership and Service providing leadership development for FIU students.
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LEADERSHIP LEGACY
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER
NATA LI E MAS HAAL WHY DOES LEADERSHIP MATTER TO YOU?
WHAT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS DID YOU TAKE UP WHEN YOU WERE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS?
Being a good leader is not necessarily being in charge. It means getting the job done and sometimes this means putting your ego aside and knowing when it’s better to step aside and let other people lead. In many roles, I brought creative expertise and I had to identify a partner or team to support me for technical aspects. Often times, I observed people picking partners or teammates who have similar ideas or agree with them. It is important to choose people who you believe can do the job however it also has to be someone who can stand up to you and share a radically different perspective. If you think way out of the box, your partner should be able to advocate why being grounded and in-the-box is crucial. More than anything, a good leader has to listen!
At U of I, I was the president of the Panhellenic Council. Being president was like being the CEO of a large corporation. While a CEO has to increase profits, my objective was to ensure all sorority members were safe and happy. In student councils, you don’t really get to choose your team and this gave me an opportunity to learn about strengths and weaknesses in myself and others. In my senior year, I was elected Homecoming Queen. At U of I, this honor was given to someone who had consistently stepped up to make life better for her peers. Knowing that I had done something to make the college experience more impactful for my peers and classmates still brings immense satisfaction to me.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE THE MOST AS A LEADER?
IF YOU KNEW WHAT YOU KNOW NOW AS A COLLEGE STUDENT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
I am always personally impressed by organic confidence. I repeat – confidence, not arrogance. Confidence builds up a team, plays to a goal, and raises expectations. When you believe, when you really believe in yourself, in others, in what you are doing is for the good and betterment of society, good things happen. People listen, enlist, invest, and believe...it’s truly an incredible quality to foster.
I would take more classes in which I was weaker. For me, it would be something technical like Accounting. It is widely emphasized in college to take classes you love and explore classes that interest you. I agree with all that. But when you are out in the real world, especially as you climb the ladder (or create your own ladder!) there are aspects that are important to at least understand so that you are a wellrounded, informed business person.
Natalie Mashaal is currently an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University where she teaches courses on public speaking. She is also developing a course in media development and production. Her first job and big break, after her undergraduate’s degree from LAS in Speech Communication at University of Illinois, was working as Associate Producer for Harpo Productions where she worked on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah Primetime. Natalie describes her first stint as an extremely enriching educational experience – “Every day was like a master class in television.”
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LEA
We asked students on campus what leadership means to them.
WHAT IS “Having a commanding presence so people want to follow you but be a follower yourself. Be a dynamic follower.” Lauryn, Sophomore
CAMPUS OPINIONS
“Taking initiative.” Anonymous
“Someone who inspires you.” Alan, Freshman
“Being a good role model.” Anonymous
“Understanding how to alleviate team tension.” Anonymous
“An individual who takes initiative.” Anonymous
“Responsibility.” Anonymous
“Someone who does not have any followers but still leads by example.” Anonymous
“Being a good role model and an individual who takes into account the opinions of the group.” Anonymous
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“Leadership is influence. It is not about pushing people to do things. It is being an example and showing people what can be done.” Karen, Senior
“The ability to influence people.” Sana, Junior
“Being able to assemble pe that want to fo you and not ju them what to d but doing it wi them.” Eduardo, Sophomore
ERS ?
“Responsibility. With a lot of power comes a lot of responsibility. Being able to guide and be willing to learn at the same time.” Dhivya, Senior
“Someone who finishes what they start.” Anonymous
“Taking control, being your own person. Being yourself without worrying about what others say.” Jessica, Freshman
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER
AD “Leadership means the ability to take control of the situation and push others to be as good as they can be.” Michael, Grad student
eople ollow ust tell do ith
“Being able to guide a group of people and to take initiative.” Sirlathan, Junior
“Playing a role and being in charge. Making sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing.” Shivam, Freshman
“The ability to guide and empower team members.” Brittany, Senior
“When an individual knows when to lead and when to follow.” Anonymous
“Taking the initiative and try to help everyone get to a certain point.” Shalini, Sophomore
“Getting people to do what you want them to do.” Jason, Junior
“Taking everyone’s ideas but still getting your point across and getting to a goal.” Rachel, Junior
SHIP ? “The ability to communicate clearly.” Anonymous
“The ability to understand group dynamics and how they affect decision-making.” Anonymous “The ability to follow when necessary.” Anonymous “When one understands their own strengths and uses this knowledge to create synergies within a team.” Anonymous
“Unifying the group under one common goal.” “Taking initiative Anonymous in a task or a “Knowing how to situation.” implement change.” Omar, Senior Anonymous
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MEET THE TEAM
The Illinois Leadership Center employs students of all ages and backgrounds. Get to know some of our student team! NIGEL SMUCKER
LEADERSHIP PARAPROFESSIONAL
Nigel is a senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, studying Statistics and Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies. Additionally, he is in the process of completing the Leadership Certificate as well as a PR Certificate. After taking the Introduction to Leadership Studies class, he decided to pursue both the minor and certificate and to get further involved at the ILC. After graduation, Nigel aspires to be a sports analyst or a public relations specialist.
ISMAEL CORREA
LEADERSHIP PARAPROFESSIONAL
Ismael is a senior studying Economics and Political Science with a minor in Business. After graduation, he will be working at Allstate Insurance Company as a Financial Analyst. The most rewarding part of his role as a paraprofessional is collaborating with his coworkers on projects related to the Assessment and Research team and the Marketing team.
LYANA DELGADO GRAF INTERN Lyana is a senior in the College of Applied Health Sciences, majoring in Community Health with a concentration in Health Planning Administration and minoring in Chemistry. She spends most of her time on health initiatives and topics related to women’s health and health disparities. Currently, she is a candidate for the BS/MPH program at UIUC and upon completion will be applying to medical school.
FANG EWE GRAF INTERN Fang is a senior in Materials Engineering, focusing on Biomaterials, and has minors in Chemistry and Computer Science. He is also actively involved in the Malaysian Student Association (MaSA) and Philippines Student Association (PSA), having been VP External for MaSA and Awareness Chair Intern for PSA, among other involvements. The i-Programs have impacted Fang strongly in his growth as a leader, and he hopes to provide the same for others.
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MEET THE TEAM
KATIE ANDERSON GRAPHIC DESIGNER Katie is a senior studying Graphic Design with a minor in Business. She is currently the Vice President of Public Relations on the Panhellenic Council, a James Scholar, an ambassador for the College of Fine and Applied Arts, a member of Order of Omega, and an active member of Delta Zeta. After attending LeaderShape in January 2014, Katie knew that she wanted to get more involved in the Illinois Leadership Center. She is excited to share her love of leadership and design!
DANIELLE BURKLEY
LEADERSHIP PARAPROFESSIONAL
Danielle is a senior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in both Chemistry and Latin. She has future aspirations of becoming a pediatrician with a specialty in either endocrinology or infectious diseases. She has always had a passion for children, and she hopes to go abroad one day and help the youth in medically deprived areas. She credits the challenge of her job, the wonderful individuals in the office, and the skills that she’ll gain this year as the perks that make her excited to be a part of the ILC team.
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER
JELENA POKIMICA GRADUATE ASSISTANT Jelena Pokimica is a second year PhD student in Human Resource Development (HRD) at the College of Education, and the Donna Reichmann HRD Award recipient. Her involvement in student services and international affairs from Kent State and several research positions at major institutes, academic departments, and medical systems in North-East Ohio have all culminated in a genuine interest in human resource development. This brought her to the University of Illinois. At the ILC, Jelena works on the Assessment and Research team. In her spare time, Jelena enjoys fashion, art, tennis, track and field, spending time with friends, and travelling (she's lived in 4 countries so far).
BROOKE HEIDEWALD
LEADERSHIP PARAPROFESSIONAL
Brooke is a junior in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. After graduating, she has aspirations of working as a merchandising analyst in the retail fashion industry, and obtaining her MBA. She is the president of the Communication Association, is a Communication Department Leader, and holds leadership roles within her professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. Brooke’s interest in the Illinois Leadership Center began when she attended the Intersect and Integrity i-Programs, and furthered when she was an Intersect Small Group Facilitator. She aims to further develop her leadership skills by attending more i-Programs and working alongside the amazing staff at the ILC.
SARAH SANDBERG
LEADERSHIP PARAPROFESSIONAL
Sarah is a senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences studying Political Science and French, hoping to pursue a career in international business. Sarah served as president of her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, is currently the business manager for her a cappella group, the Illinois Rip Chords, and is a member of the Panhellenic Council Standards and Judicial Board. She is fluent in French and spent last spring studying in Paris, France, through the Illinois Program in Paris. Sarah is absolutely thrilled to be a member of the Illinois Leadership Center team and enjoys working with such a talented and dedicated group of people!
MIA XIN
LEADERSHIP PARAPROFESSIONAL
ROB KLEIN
LEADERSHIP PARAPROFESSIONAL
Rob is a sophomore in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences majoring in Agricultural Education with a concentration in Leadership. Academically, Rob is a James Scholar and interns with the Agriculture, Land Use, Food and Sequestration SWATeam. After graduation Rob plans to look into volunteer work with the Peace Corps or an NGO before going to graduate school. For fun, he plays upright bass, ukulele and mandolin, reads and attends cultural events. Rob is excited to work in the Leadership Center with other inspiring individuals.
Mia is a junior currently majoring in Agricultural Consumer Economics. Her love of the I-Programs in the past two years led her to work at the Illinois Leadership Center. She is currently enrolled in the Leadership Certificate program and plans to finish it this semester. This is her second year at the Illinois Leadership Center. She loves the Leadership Center for its warm colleagues and abundant learning opportunities.
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TESTIMONIALS THE INSTITUTE
I truly did not know what it meant to be a leader until I attended the LeaderShape Institute in January. I thought that I was a leader because I held positions on campus but after experiencing the LeaderShape Institute, I understood that leading is about being aware of my personal leadership style and that of others around me so that we all can achieve excellence in our endeavors and our lives as a whole. Each day of the retreat, I learned to take risks and challenge myself and others to be better people than we were before going to Allerton. I made meaningful connections with some of the most involved students on campus and met people that I now consider family. The Institute is an incredible experience for anyone willing and ready to take their leadership capabilities to the next level, all for the sake of making a difference in the world. Jazmyn Thomas, LeaderShape Institute 2015
Attending The LeaderShape Institute was an invaluable experience. I began my journey feeling like I wasn’t going to learn much, but was quickly broken down and built back up right before my eyes. Participating through U of I is a very unique opportunity not only because of the historical significance (we are the first campus to host the Institute), but also because you will be in the
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TESTIMONIALS
presence of other U of I students that can identify and relate to your own experiences. I promise you you’ll be surprised at how many participants you may have crossed paths with, but just never had the chance to connect. If you’re looking for a dynamic way to explore your strengths, weaknesses, personality, and discover things you didn’t know about yourself and others, then this is a great way to do so! I highlight my experience in almost every application I complete and know it is something that distinguishes me from other candidates. I am looking forward to hearing about another successful Institute this winter! Mariah Matthews, LeaderShape Institute 2015
IGNITE Ignite was quite the learning tool for me. I learned how to better organize and create change. When I’m a doctor, I see the need for organizational skills and I hope to use what I learned. Mark Brown, Chemistry Major Ignite was a great opportunity to connect with people and that’s why I think we’re all here – to connect. I think I’ve built a really nice network with people I never would’ve met if I didn’t attend Ignite. I gained a lot of knowledge, a lot of new friends, and a lot of learning. I learned to interact with people from different countries and different types of thinking. Not only in my graduate life, but in my work life in the future, you definitely need to know how to address problems that are very common at work. For example, when you don’t agree with people, Ignite has taught me how to overcome and solve the problems in the proper way, in the peaceful way, and a very logical way. Emely Lopez Barrera, Graduate Student, ACES
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER
INTEGRITY
INTERSECT
Integrity was my first I-program. I am very excited to be part of the ILC. Going with the slogan, it is the experience you need for life. It really is. You get to meet a lot of new people. Discover who you are and how your ideas fit in. I am also signed up for Ignite. I am very excited about it and in the future plan to do the certificate program which is all-encompassing. All in all, I think this is a wholesome program which prepares you very well for any career and I think it’s important for students to come out here and take advantage of this resource, as it is free for everybody. Pranav Perapa, Freshman, DGS
What I loved so much about Intersect was the group dynamics. I noticed that everyone was acting and behaving at their comfort levels. It’s not an easy thing to be comfortable at first. An important takeaway from Intersect is that you need to be able to have good group dynamics and be comfortable to make the most of a group/teamwork experience. As a business student, I found this to be a very important skill and a necessary experience to have going into the work world. Business students are involved in a lot of group projects, activities, and leadership conferences and that’s where the true test is. How you work and interact with people will come into play when you’re working. These days, employers and recruiters look for your interpersonal skills, how you work with one another, and most importantly, if you’re able to work in a team and come to a mutual understanding in order to give the team and the firm or job success. That’s when group dynamics come in. Dayana Kanjiraethumutil, Junior in Finance Certificate student
The biggest thing I learned was how to describe Integrity. I’ve always found it hard to precisely describe what integrity was. Working in groups, everybody was shouting out what they thought integrity meant and I was shouting out what I thought it was. And every answer we heard wasn’t necessarily wrong. I was like, “that’s it too and that’s it too.” It was really cool to see what integrity meant to everyone else. Integrity is being who you are when no one is watching, when everyone’s watching. I really enjoyed the concept-mapping that we did. They gave us a stack of characteristics and attributes and we were given two way arrows and one way arrows and create a diagram to visualize how they connected with each other. Almost everybody had something different in mind but all those options could explain how those attributes connected. We all need to remember that we should be making decisions as if someone was watching. We watched a movie called “The Emperor’s Club,” where characters made decisions they wouldn’t have made if someone was standing over their shoulder. Nigel Smucker, Senior in Statistics and Communication
This was my first time at Intersect and I highly recommend it. My favorite part of the program was the first activity – a group activity where we had to work together as a team and the final conclusion in my group was that “we never have to leave anyone behind.” That was my favorite part. Emily Lopez, Graduate student
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Leadership Ce
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Book Month of the
FEB
lead effectively in a RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD
Exploring Leadership helps college students to understand that they are capable of being effective leaders and guides them in developing their leadership potential. In this thoroughly revised and updated third edition of the best-selling book, the authors have incorporated new insights and material developed in the course of their work in the field, continue to deeply explore the Relational Leadership Model (RLM), and have added new student vignettes, new material on social justice and conflict management, appreciative inquiry, and positive psychology with an emphasis on strengths.
RUARY 2016
CHECK IT OUT FROM THE
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER
CAVeNAUGH LIBRARY ILLINOIS
217.333.0604 leadership@illinois.edu leadership.illinois.edu 290 Illini Union
Leadership Center 速
the experience you need for life
Interested in making a contribution to the ILC or volunteering? Visit leadership.illinois.edu for more information.
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BOOK FEATURE
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER