MY PERSONAL LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

I’m immensely proud of the achievements I’ve pursued throughout this year. Serving as UCF’s inaugural 2023 Leadership Week Executive Director was an extraordinary opportunity. My team and I developed over 30 programs spanning Student Success, Discovery and Exploration, and Community and Culture, engaging more than 800 student participants. It was a role of a lifetime, requiring meticulous planning and coordination over 11 months. Collaborating with various entities across the UCF community was crucial in ensuring a successful week, emphasizing the importance of communication and organization.

Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as the 2023 Homecoming Comedy Knight Director. Working closely with the executive board, we curated an unforgettable experience for over 68,000 students, alumni, and faculty members, further solidifying my connection to being a Knight. By orchestrating large-scale events, managing 43 volunteers, and liaising with third-party companies and agencies/RSOs, we achieved remarkable milestones, including surpassing Concert Knight in a friendly ticket competition after four years. Managing a $35,000 budget for Comedy Knight, allocated for the venue, artist, and marketing, was a testament to my strategic financial acumen and organizational skills.

Beyond UCF, I’m deeply involved in my non-profit organization, Rhizome, which I co-founded in August 2021. Rhizome is a national, nonpartisan network dedicated to activating young people’s identities into action. As a Regional Organizer overseeing three states—Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio—I provide guidance and support to nine Community Organizers and 48 high school fellows. Additionally, as a member of the Board of Directors, I lead the organization’s financial, visionary, and programmatic initiatives in alignment with our 10-year strategic plan.

I believe that effective community building is the cornerstone of my leadership style, a trait that has been commended in my work and has contributed to our fellows’ and community organizers’ retention. Balancing professionalism with a sense of humor is a skill set I possess and value, bringing a dynamic element to any role I undertake.

My journey at UCF has enriched my life in numerous ways, particularly by fostering a deep appreciation for its rich cultural diversity. Exploring cuisines from around the world, such as arroz chaufa, chicken tikka masala, and paellas, and discovering new music genres like reggaeton, salsa, and R&B, has ignited my passion for travel. While I’ve visited seven states and three countries thus far, I aspire to explore all 50 states, Latin America, and Europe.

Through various positions within our university, including that of a resident assistant, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with diverse cultural communities. Serving as a guide and mentor to residents from across the globe has broadened my understanding of students’ diverse needs and backgrounds, enriching my university experience profoundly.