Over winter break, a group of 90 talented and ambitious College Scholars joined us for a two-day event to become Empowered Leaders and develop the skills to jumpstart their professional journeys. Led by a group of staff and supported by 34 passionate volunteers, Scholars learned key competencies to bolster resiliency, engage in effective teamwork and communication, craft and deliver e-portfolios, identify their personal brand, workshop their resumes, and network like pros!
Day one kicked off the Empowered Leader Experience. Combining critical examination of real-world case studies with role-play and hands-on exercises, Scholars deepened their understanding of leadership as it relates to professional success and reaching their full potential. Our Scholars are no strangers to leadership—many are the first in their families to attend college and were selected to Chicago Scholars for demonstrating impact in their home communities. The Empowered Leader provided Scholars with tools to share their stories and identify how to best position themselves for professional opportunities. “It helped me strengthen my communications skills with brevity and impact,” Jaleel, a sophomore at Denison University, said. “I have been given the opportunity to engage with my peers and professionals regarding crucial leadership competencies.”
