"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." – Albert Einstein

My definition of leadership has significantly evolved with the years. I define it as the ability to inspire, empower, and collaborate with others to create meaningful change while fostering an environment of trust, inclusivity, and growth. Leadership is not about standing above others,it’s about standing beside them, lifting them up, and lighting the way forward. It is the bridge between what is and what could be. It’s about seeing the gaps in the world and having the courage to fill them, not alone, but by empowering others to walk alongside myself. Key principles that guide my leadership include empathy, integrity, adaptability, and inclusivity. I believe that leadership is about listening deeply, valuing diverse perspectives, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to contribute. Equity and inclusion are at the heart of my leadership philosophy. I see leadership as a responsibility to dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for those who have been historically marginalized.

If one asked me what leadership was just a few years ago, my answer would have looked different, it would have been more aligned with the thought of being above and spearheading groups and so on. It was only through experiencing life, having mentors and being exposed to great individuals that helped shape my understanding. In high school, because of the nature of the school system, I saw leadership as a position of authority such as being a team captain, school prefect, or club president. I believed leadership was tied to titles and visible roles, and I equated it with high achievement. I worked tirelessly to earn leadership positions, believing they would validate my worth as a leader. 

However, when I was not selected as a school prefect despite my efforts, I began to question my worth and what it truly meant to be a leader. When I started college, my understanding began to shift. I realized that leadership is less about formal roles and more about influence and impact. Influenced by college professors, my MESA mentor, and student ambassadors, I began to see leadership as a skill that could be developed rather than something innate. Empathy, communication, and adaptability became central to my understanding of leadership. Furthermore, a year ago, my perspective deepened as I gained hands-on experience through my job, mentorship relationships, and coursework. I began to see leadership as a way to serve others and create positive change, especially after becoming more aware of the disparities in the world. Influenced by real-world challenges, mentors, and new experiences, I realized that leadership is not just about achieving goals but also about fostering growth in others and building strong, trusting relationships.

 Today, my leadership philosophy is more nuanced and personalized. I see leadership as a combination of vision, values, and action. It’s about inspiring others, driving change, and staying true to my principles while adapting to different situations. Influenced by my experiences, mentors, and personal growth, I now focus on inclusive leadership, sustainability, and innovation. I believe leadership is ever-evolving and looks different in every context, but at its core, it is about creating a positive and equitable impact.As a leader, I am committed to actively dismantling racist structures and practices in the spaces I occupy. This means centering the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for equitable policies, and continuously educating myself and others about systemic racism. I believe that my influence as a leader is deeply connected to anti-racist work, and I strive to use my platform to create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered.