Student Leader Roundtable
The Student Leader Roundtable brings together student leaders from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions and leadership development. Participants collaborate on initiatives, share experiences, and explore ways to enhance campus life while gaining valuable insights into leadership in action. Learn more about the unique program below!
Spring 2025 Leadership Positions
Overall Reflection
Going into this Student Leader Roundtable experience, my goal was to learn how other student leaders across campus navigate the complexities of their roles. The topics we discussed helped me gain insight on the best ways to manage busy teams, organize large events, stay motivated, and maintain inclusive environments. These weekly conversations challenged me to reflect more deeply on my own leadership approach and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.
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One of the biggest takeaways from SLRT was a renewed understanding of what it means to lead with authenticity. In our session on imposter syndrome, I realized how common it is for leaders, especially student leaders, to feel like they’re not doing enough or that they don’t belong in their roles. It was validating to hear that I’m not alone in these feelings, but more importantly, I walked away with tools to combat them. I’ve learned to remind myself of past successes, reframe self-doubt as a sign of growth, and rely on mentors and peers for support. Most of all, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of staying true to my values rather than comparing myself to others. Authentic leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, being consistent, and leading from a place of purpose.​
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I also had the opportunity to present during SLRT on a topic that I’m passionate about: the power of networking and how to host engaging meetings. Networking is often talked about in terms of professional development, but I’ve come to see it as something much broader; it’s about building relationships rooted in curiosity, generosity, and shared values. In my presentation, I shared how intentional networking has shaped my own leadership journey by connecting me with mentors, collaborators, and opportunities I never would have found on my own. I emphasized the importance of listening actively, following up with gratitude, and offering value in return. These principles don’t just apply to professional events; they’re just as important in student organizations where relationships fuel collaboration and innovation.
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An area of growth for me was learning how to manage and resolve conflict within student organizations. As someone who naturally avoids confrontation, I used to shy away from addressing issues directly. Through SLRT, I learned that addressing conflict early, before it has a chance to escalate, is a sign of strong leadership. I’ve started approaching difficult conversations with more empathy and clarity, focusing on listening, asking questions, and identifying shared goals. This shift has helped create more open and trusting environments in my organizations. Members now feel safer voicing concerns and know their perspectives will be respected, which ultimately leads to healthier, more sustainable teams.
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One of the most concrete ways SLRT influenced my leadership was in how I now approach succession planning. In one session, we were asked to write out our responsibilities as if we were handing the role off to someone else. It forced me to think not just about what I do, but how I do it, and why it matters. As Student Trustee and EXPO Chair, I’ve made it a priority to document my processes, compile helpful resources, and proactively mentor future leaders. I’ve come to see succession planning not as an afterthought, but as a core responsibility. Ensuring a smooth transition is one of the most lasting contributions I can make to the organizations I care about.
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Perhaps most importantly, SLRT reminded me to take care of myself as a person, not just a leader. Burnout is common among student leaders, and I’ve experienced it firsthand. Writing a letter to my future self in one of the sessions was a powerful reminder that rest is not a weakness, it’s a requirement. I’ve learned to protect my boundaries, prioritize movement and downtime, and give myself grace during busy seasons. One habit I’ve returned to is my 24-hour rule, where I take a full day each week with no homework, no meetings, just time to reset. It’s helped me sustain my energy and passion for leadership, and I plan to carry that mindset forward as I take on new challenges.
Looking back on this experience, I’m so grateful for the lessons I've learned through SLRT. Each session gave me something tangible to bring back to my roles, whether it was a new communication strategy, a leadership insight, or a renewed sense of purpose. Most of all, SLRT helped me see that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up, asking better questions, and creating environments where others can thrive.
Weekly Reflections
​Tuesday, January 21
What are your goals and expectations from the SLRT?
Through the Student Leader Roundtable, my goal is to develop a deeper understanding of how leaders across diverse organizations at UC navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and create meaningful impacts within the student body. I hope to gain insight into best practices for managing teams, organizing events, and driving engagement, while also broadening my perspective on leadership by learning from the experiences of others. The SLRT provides a great opportunity to network with peers and discover creative solutions to shared challenges, particularly those tied to motivating members, balancing commitments, and promoting inclusivity.
What are you hoping to bring back to your student organizations?
I aim to bring back actionable strategies and fresh ideas that enhance the efficiency, inclusivity, and impact of my student organizations. As the Student Trustee on the UC Foundation Board of Trustees, I hope to learn how to better represent the undergraduate voice and advocate for meaningful initiatives. In my role as EXPO Chair for CEAS Tribunal, I’m looking for innovative ways to streamline event organization and communication, as well as increase undergraduate student engagement at our annual CEAS EXPO. For the Student Alumni Council, I’d like to integrate new ways of connecting alumni and current students to foster a stronger sense of Bearcat pride. Overall, the SLRT is an excellent platform for refining my leadership approach and applying what I learn to make a tangible impact within each organization.​
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Tuesday, February 4​
What strategies can leaders use to combat imposter syndrome while staying authentic to their identities?
Leaders can combat imposter syndrome by embracing self-awareness, seeking mentorship, and reframing negative thoughts. Recognizing personal achievements and reflecting on past successes can help build confidence and combat feelings of self-doubt. Seeking mentorship from experienced leaders provides reassurance and perspective, reminding leaders that growth often comes from discomfort. Additionally, fostering a support system within our organizations allows leaders to share challenges openly, normalizing these feelings and reinforcing that we belong in our roles. Staying authentic means embracing personal strengths and values, rather than conforming to external expectations. By focusing on our unique contributions and trusting our abilities, leaders can navigate imposter syndrome while continuing to remain true to ourselves and inspiring confidence in others.
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Tuesday, February 18
How can you utilize your communication style to maintain member engagement in meetings?
Effective communication is key to maintaining member engagement in meetings. Utilizing a communication style that is clear, inclusive, and dynamic can make a significant impact. By fostering an open and approachable environment, leaders can encourage active participation and ensure that all voices feel valued. Incorporating interactive elements - such as asking for input, encouraging discussion, or using visual aids - helps maintain interest and involvement. Additionally, adapting my communication style based on the group's energy and feedback ensures that meetings remain productive and engaging. By being intentional with how I communicate, I can create a space where members feel motivated to contribute, stay involved, and take ownership of their roles within the organization.​
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Tuesday, March 4
Write down your role's responsibilities as you would explain them to the person taking your role next.
As Student Trustee on the UC Foundation Board of Trustees, my primary responsibility is to represent the undergraduate student voice in conversations about fundraising, alumni engagement, and university initiatives. I attend Board meetings, participate in committee discussions, and provide insight on how decisions impact students. This role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to bridging the gap between students and university leadership.
As EXPO Chair for CEAS Tribunal, I oversee the planning and execution of the CEAS EXPO, an annual showcase of engineering and applied science senior design projects. This includes coordinating logistics, securing sponsorships, working with faculty and students, and ensuring a smooth event experience. Time management, organization, and the ability to collaborate across different stakeholders are crucial to success in this role.​
What can you do as a leader to ensure a smooth transition?
To ensure a smooth transition, I can document key processes, provide clear guidelines, and offer hands-on training/mentorship to my successor. For the Student Trustee position, I would compile meeting notes, highlight past initiatives, and introduce my replacement to key Board members to help them feel confident stepping into this role. For EXPO, I would create a detailed timeline of planning tasks, share contacts for sponsors and faculty, and walk my successor through event logistics. Additionally, maintaining open communication and being available for questions after stepping down ensures continuity and helps the new leader navigate challenges with confidence. By proactively preparing my successor, I can ensure that both roles continue to have a lasting impact.
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Tuesday, March 11
Write to yourself a paragraph you would want to read back to yourself when you are going through a rough mental patch/experiencing burnout.​
Hey future me - if you're reading this, you're probably feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just running on empty. Remember that you've been here before, and you've found ways to pull yourself out of it. Prioritizing exercise has always been your go-to for clearing your head, so even if everything feels chaotic, make time to move - go for a lift, run, or even walk outside. And don't forget your 24-hour rule. You started giving yourself a full day without homework for a reason: because it works. Use that time to reset - meal prep, read a book for fun, catch up with friends, and remind yourself that you're a person first, not just a student. You always come back feeling more focused and ready to tackle what's ahead, and this time won't be any different. You've got this!
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Tuesday, April 1
Discuss what you have learned about conflict management and how you will incorporate any tips shared in the presentation into your student organization.​
We discussed multiple important strategies for effective conflict management, many of which reminded me how essential it is to lead with empathy and intentional communication. One key takeaway was the importance of addressing conflict early before it escalates - something I want to incorporate more consistently in my student organizations as I move into higher leadership roles and grow within each org. No matter the level of disagreement, approaching situations calmly, listening actively, and validating others' perspectives can go a long way. I also learned how helpful it can be to ask clarifying questions and focus on shared goals when navigating disagreement. Moving forward, I hope to create space within my organizations where members feel comfortable voicing concerns, knowing they'll be heard and respected. By promoting open, respectful dialogue and modeling a solution-oriented mindset, I believe I can help foster a more collaborative and positive environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow.​
February 18th Meeting Slide Deck
Below is the slideshow that my group used to facilitate our roundtable discussion on the topic of Networking & Hosting Engaging Meetings.
