Leadership to me is defined by one’s willingness to grow in order to benefit their team and themselves. I used to believe that the leader was always the most competent, both technically and socially, and that is why they lead the team. Throughout high school and early in college, I took on leadership roles because I had the qualifications to do so. That changed when I first started working in technical roles as both a leader and a team member. Most of what I learned now, I learned right alongside most of my team members. Learning helps to keep it interesting, you get to ask yourself questions instead of just answering them for other people.
I also see leadership as one’s willingness to make sacrifices towards the team’s wellbeing. While I have experienced being the one person in a group project doing all the work, that is not what I am referring to. Taking extra time to help train new engineers and find resources to encourage their learning will get them to a level where they can feel confident and work at the same pace as their peers. Finding out where people are struggling, how they can best help the group, and ensuring that they have the proper resources for success involves a lot of time and dedication from any leader. Everyone from your team will have completely different upbringings, technical knowledge, and even social skills. Being a leader is about looking at your group and doing what you can to make sure everyone is able to contribute to the best of their ability.
Although some may see it as stubbornness, I keep working towards my goals and utilize any setbacks I face as learning experiences. This forces me outside of my comfort zone and helps me to expand my horizons as a leader and as an individual.
Image: My team in the 2024 Holloman Health Innovation Challenge
I strive to be a person that others can trust with their thoughts, questions, and concerns. Having someone to trust is important to feel that your voice is heard and understood in any environment. I want others to feel that the team I create is a safe space where they belong.
Image: Me & other volunteers at the 2023 WE Rise Conference
Keeping track of deadlines and tasks helps me to juggle classes, clubs, and my social life while still putting my best effort into all that I do. Creating a system that helps me to have control over my life and give myself a sense of direction allows me to have the bandwidth to help others in addition to myself.
Image: Me & other UW WE Rise members at the SWE2023 Conference
I always maximize the use of what I am given to work to the best of my ability. From something as simple as reaching out to connections with questions, to tracking my growth through how I handle tough situations, I see my resources as my best tool for my own development.
Image: My team for a tomato launcher building contest for the Husky Robotics Team mechanical engineering teams
I don't just want my team members to trust me, but also to trust each other. A team that enjoys working together creates a better collaborative environment. I want my team members to be more than just colleagues, I want them to value the experience and form long term connections.
Image: Me & other Husky Robotics Team members at the 2023 Canadian International Rover Challenge night task
I oversee the manufacturing process to ensure that designs are feasible for manufacturing resources, and that project deadlines are met. I am able to work with a variety of individuals from all different backgrounds and experience levels, and I get to help them excel in a field that I am passionate about. It helps to build my skills both as an engineer and as a leader.
I bring engineering curriculum to younger and less experienced audiences, exposing them to concepts and topics that normally they would not cover until many years in the future. By doing so, I hope that they can see what lies ahead and get excited about what they can do in the future. It also gives me the opportunity to talk about my own work and passions, and connect with students who may be interested in pursuing the same field.
My #1 goal is to ensure everyone is able to put in their best effort in whatever project or task they are working on. I want my teammates to be happy with their results, and I want everyone to feel heard within the team. No matter what they can bring to the table, their ideas matter!