WHAT IS AN IMPORTANT QUALITY OF AN EFFECTIVE LEADER?

"Building trust, listening deeply, and coalition building are essential to catalyzing meaningful change. I have found this approach especially valuable in cultivating passion for civic engagement, as people are more willing to challenge themselves when they feel seen, supported, and connected to others. I experienced this as a program leader in a freshman Community-Based learning course, where my role extended beyond academic guidance to cultivating a classroom culture that encouraged students to engage deeply with their volunteer work and interrogate their place within a larger community...This experience reinforced my belief that leadership is not about directing others, but about creating the conditions in which people feel empowered to show up fully and authentically."

WHAT'S A COMMUNITY-BASED ISSUE THAT YOU CARE ABOUT?

"The systemic disinvestment in public education has created persistent gaps in support for students and families. In Washington D.C. specifically, a fragmented system of public and charter schools has produced an uneven distribution of resources across the city’s eight wards, leaving nonprofit organizations to function as the backbone of support rather than a supplement...By investing in community partnerships and strengthening these connections, we can build systems that are more resilient, responsive, and less vulnerable to shifting political priorities. I hope my role can contribute to this balance by supporting Community-Based work while also advocating for broader, sustainable policy change." 

TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE THAT INSPIRES YOU?

"One of my favorite shows is The West Wing, which first sparked my belief that everyone has a place in civic life and that government should reflect and serve the people. A quote that has stayed with me is, 'Decisions are made by those who show up.' To me, this idea has evolved, and now highlights that “showing up” is not as simple as it seems. Access to participation is shaped by structural barriers, and too often, the people most affected by social issues feel disconnected from the spaces where decisions are made. This disconnect can foster passivity, where individuals believe their voices do not matter. As a leader, I see my role as expanding who feels invited and empowered to participate."