The most significant growth was in Consciousness of Self, which increased from around 3.56 to 3.89 by March. This mirrors a deeper understanding of my core values and motivations, which I attribute to the structured reflection encouraged by the Lead Forward Fellowship. I have become far more intentional in aligning my decisions with my beliefs, especially when navigating challenges within SOAR. 

Collaboration also saw a measurable increase, from about 4.12 to 4.25. As the organization grows, so does the scope of what I need to delegate and lead internally as a Squadron Leader. It has been a big shift from developing activities on my own to now creating stronger, more thoughtful experiences with my general members. We build a shared vision from the ground up, balancing mechanics and outcomes in ways that would not have been possible alone. 

Another area of strength is Congruence, which remained consistent across both surveys. This reflects the seriousness with which I approach the responsibility of modeling authentic leadership. There were certainly moments during the year when tension or time pressure could have justified cutting corners, especially when navigating new relationships with community partners. However, I made a deliberate choice to stay grounded in consistency and give my best effort, as I believe that trust is forged while facing adversity.

Testimonials

"Saahil’s notable leadership strengths stem from his high capacity for systems thinking, his communication skills, and his commitment to the cause. Saahil is a highly analytic thinker who is adept at engaging with complex situations and organizational challenges. Since he joined SOAR, he has been a frequent facilitator when working with the youth at Lafayette Mentors. In this capacity, he has shown a strong ability to speak with youth in a way that meets them where they are but also invites them into meaningful discussions about leadership and teamwork. Working with youth involves a fair amount of problem solving, as, despite careful planning, youth participants will often respond in ways that defy expectations. It has been fascinating to see how Saahil approaches these moments with a calm demeaner and a quick mind. As a co-leader for the Activity Squad this year, Saahil has been highly skilled at identifying and developing dynamic activities that are enjoyable, address target competencies, and suit the needs and abilities of the youth participants.

Saahil’s leadership – particularly his commitment, collaboration, and problem-solving skills – were perhaps most evident in his work on the SOAR collaboration with College Mentors for Kids (CMFK), which served over 220 local youth this last October. When scheduling changes on the part of CMFK left SOAR in a situation where it had only half the personnel necessary for the event, Saahil developed a plan to create videos that CMFK members could play, instructing both CMFK members and the youth on how to complete the activities provided. It was an ingenious solution, and Saahil worked tirelessly with other SOAR members to make sure the videos were completed in time and at a high-quality level.

Over the last couple of years, I have been deeply impressed by Saahil’s commitment to the SOAR mission and his own growth. He is a dynamic thinker, a great listener, and a consciences leader who is fully committed to learning the needs of others to better serve them."

Adam Watkins, PhD

S.O.A.R. Impact Mentor

Director, Lead Forward Fellowship

"I was continually impressed by Saahil's investment, loyalty, strategy, kindness, and discipline. His ability to think systemically and lead compassionately distinguished his participation in the fellowship. Throughout the year, Saahil demonstrated a growing awareness of how leadership functions across cultural and institutional contexts. S.O.A.R.'s social impact project professionally addressed the nuance and practicality of their work, showcasing their analytical skills and commitment to youth education. Saahil maintained a strong sense of accountability to both S.O.A.R. and the larger goals of the program. His reflections showed personal and intellectual growth, and a beautiful command of language, making it clear that Saahil will continue to demonstrate leadership grounded in empathy and equity."

Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D.

Assistant Director, Lead Forward Fellowship