Team Player Leader

EMPOWERING AFRICAN CULTURE:

REFLECTIONS OF AN EVENT COORDINATOR FOR THE ASA AT UW

My work as the Event Coordinator of the African Student Association at the University of Washington, Seattle is one leadership experience that I am still learning. The African Student Association is a student-founded and operated club that focuses on education, leadership, community service, and cultural unity. So therefore The African Students Association at UW strives to spread cultural awareness throughout this institution, engage in community service through high school outreach, and provide social & academic networks of equally accomplished individuals to its members. I accepted this position because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of current African students on campus and plant a seed that would perhaps benefit future students. I didn't have the time commitment to be president as a junior in Electrical Engineering, but I knew I could always set aside time to help run the association's events. This is my own contribution to the association.

My first event with ASA

Personal Importance of work

Since my arrival in the United States in 2018, I've had one thing on my mind: Black joy. We often talk about and see only the bad aspects of the black experience in the United States, so I've made it my mission to spread black joy and black accomplishment wherever I find myself. I couldn't do much during my first year at university since I was settling in and finding my feet, but now I am more balanced and ready to help my community, and ASA has given me a platform to do just that.

TASKS ACCOMPLISHED

As a member of the African Student Association (ASA), I have had the opportunity to not only contribute to the planning and execution of weekly events but also to represent the organization at external events. From creating eye-catching graphics to delivering impromptu speeches, my involvement in the ASA has allowed me to hone my skills in event planning and public speaking.

One of the most exciting opportunities I have had through my involvement in the ASA is being one of those in charge of organizing the ASA members for the viewing of black panther in association with all other black RSO on campus. This event is a celebration of the rich and diverse cultures of the Black, African, and Caribbean communities and it required meticulous planning and attention to detail to ensure that everything went smoothly. As the organizer of this event, I was responsible for coordinating with performers, members, and volunteers, and making sure that everything was in place for a memorable night. This role challenged me to think creatively, work efficiently, and take on a leadership role, which has been both rewarding and fulfilling.

Overall, my involvement in the ASA has not only allowed me to develop my skills and experience in event planning and public speaking but also to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for celebrating and promoting African cultures. It has been an enriching experience that has broadened my horizons and helped me grow as a person.

Leadership competencies gained

I. Other perspectives

One thing I learned from this experience is how to see things from other people's perspectives. I appreciate my viewpoint and thoughts and may believe I have the perfect idea at times, but when working in this association, I was called out on certain ideas I had proposed. I was first offended, but through time I've learned to value other people's perspectives; truly I believe the notion of two is far stronger than one; a team that works and deliberates together is far stronger than a team that is divided. We all have areas where we outperform one another, and working with this group has made me more aware of that.

II. Collaboration

As we all know, collaboration is defined as working with others toward a common goal through the sharing of ideas and the distribution of responsibilities among team members in order to achieve the goal most effectively. This is something I have mostly been good at, and I have always valued the benefits of being in a team. My collaboration with the ASA members has been challenging at times, but we have grown and learned a lot as an association over the past week. As I previously stated, a team that works and deliberates together is significantly more powerful than a team that is split and I've improved as a team member because of this experience.

III. Power dynamics

My involvement in this organization has allowed me to observe power dynamics up close. I've come to admire people who understand their duties and try their best to perform them to the best of their abilities without interfering with other members of the group. People rely greatly on the head of associations to make choices, and a strong and thoughtful leader will lead to a strong and progressive organization, but an unserious and inept leader will lead to a highly dysfunctional group. It is also important to discuss group expectations and the roles that everyone must play in order for the group to have a successful stay early on.

IV. Inclusion

Throughout my time in my role, I've learned to engage in ways that build a welcoming environment by including people in roles, processes, and experiences to foster a better sense of belonging and/or a shared commitment. Because Africa is a large continent with approximately 54 countries, the majority of the students come from various parts of the continent, and I am unfamiliar with their cultures and ways, so I have learned to be open-minded, ask questions, and be genuinely interested in learning about where the students come from. I've learned so much about Africa that I didn't know about while living there for twenty years simply by being genuinely curious.

V. Service

Service means to be helpful or valuable to someone, and I appreciate giving back to my community because it gives me a feeling of purpose. The satisfaction that comes from giving back and contributing to society is unsurpassed. It is also a terrific way to get to know the community because it connects us by making it a better place for all of us to live. Volunteering in the community also raises awareness and comprehension of the difficulties the community faces. I learned a variety of skills as a result of my service, including social communication, organizational skills, collaboration, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

VI. Empowerment

I believe this is a strength of mine. Sharing power, information, and resources with others is something I enjoy doing. I would like for every one of us to be accountable and be aware of all of the available resources they may utilize to achieve higher-quality work and better results for themselves.

VII. Receiving feedback

On a regular basis, I seek feedback from my team members and other stakeholders. This could take the form of one-on-one meetings, team meetings, surveys, or other forms of feedback. I encourage them to provide honest and detailed feedback so that I can address any issues or areas for improvement. When I receive feedback, I try to listen carefully and comprehend the other person's point of view. Even if the feedback is critical or difficult to hear, I avoid becoming defensive or dismissive. I also ask clarifying questions to make sure I understand what the other person is saying. After considering the feedback, I take action to address any issues or areas for improvement. This includes setting objectives and tracking my progress over time.

The second ASA meeting of the 2022/2023 school year.

FUTURE ORIENTED STATEMENT

From the moment I embarked on this journey, I knew that it was my duty to be a champion for my community. I quickly realized that being a leader goes beyond just having a title or position. It requires the ability to take charge and make things happen, even when faced with obstacles. Through this work, I have come to understand the importance of self-reflection and continuous self-improvement. Moving forward, I vow to be more mindful in selecting the teams I work with, seeking out those who share my vision and passion for positive change. Together, we can achieve greatness and make a lasting impact on our community

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