Leadership Labs
The Illini Leadership Labs provided me with hands-on opportunities to explore, practice, and reflect on essential leadership skills. Each lab challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, connect with others in meaningful ways, and strengthen the values and competencies I am working to develop as part of the Leadership Certificate Program.
Networking and Personal Brand
The Networking and Personal Brand Development Lab emphasized the importance of building authentic connections and effectively presenting myself to others. One of the highlights was engaging with alumni coaches and learning from their stories about how their experiences at Illinois shaped their professional journeys. Hearing their insights inspired me to be intentional about how I craft and share my own brand while staying true to my values. This lab not only gave me practical strategies for networking but also reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship and community as tools for long-term growth.
Inclusive Leadership
The Inclusive Leadership Lab focused on understanding and applying the six core traits of inclusive leaders. Through guided reflection, I discovered that curiosity and commitment are two strengths I naturally embody, but I also realized that I need to further develop my cognizance when it comes to others’ perspectives. This experience gave me a clearer sense of how inclusion is not only about valuing diversity but also about consistently practicing empathy and awareness in every interaction. The lab helped me think critically about how my leadership style can grow to better support and uplift those around me.
Illinois Leadership Certificate ePortfolio 