Leading With Heart: Harnessing Leadership Skills Through Volunteering
<p>A few weeks ago, my partner and I were invited to be guest speakers at a local high school’s Black Student Union.</p>
<p>The first question asked was how we navigate reactions to our hair in the workplace as I wear my hair in braids and my partner has long locs.</p>
<p>We spoke to them about the importance of authenticity, but also of belonging.</p>
<p>In an ideal world, your work should speak for itself and if it doesn’t, do you want to work there? Is this the place where you belong?</p>
<p>We visited for over an hour answering a myriad of questions such as adversities we’ve faced, how we chose our major(s), what we like to do for fun, and how we sustain our partnership.</p>
<p>This was our first time presenting together, but we left reminded of the importance of representation and giving back/paying it forward across all ages and levels.</p>
<p>There were adults who supported and guided us in our formative years and we want to ensure we are doing the same for other youth, especially youth of color.</p>
<p>This experience reminded me that whether you are a seasoned or emerging leader, volunteering is an often overlooked, but incredibly rich setting for leadership development. Volunteering provides an opportunity to grow not only as a leader but also as a compassionate human being.</p>
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