Meredith College to Launch L.E.A.D. MC Program

The Office of Student Leadership and Service (SLS) is launching a new leadership development program, L.E.A.D. (Learn. Empower. Advance. Discover.) MC, in the fall of 2024.

“L.E.A.D. MC posits that anyone can be a leader and, through dedicated efforts, leaders can achieve extraordinary things,” said Assistant Director of SLS Emily Saylor in speaking about how students can benefit from the program. “By focusing on career readiness competencies and leadership development, the program prepares students for success in their pursuits after graduation.”

An iteration of the former Sophie Lanneau Women’s Leadership Development Program, L.E.A.D. MC helps students develop leadership skills including critical thinking, teamwork, personal development, community engagement, and communication. Based on the Social Change Model and the NACE Career Readiness Competencies, the program has five focus areas:

• Leadership concepts
• Identity in contemporary society
• Inclusive leadership
• Social problems in perspective
• Activism and community organizing

The initiative has two levels of achievements, Silver and Gold Leaf. Students will be recognized at Celebrating Student Achievement Day for meeting the requirements for either level. The Silver Leaf requires students to attend workshops for each of the five focus areas, complete two activities for each focus area, and write a personal leadership manifesto. To earn the Gold Leaf, students must meet the Silver Leaf requirements plus complete two additional activities for each focus area, build on the leadership manifesto to develop a passion project, and meet with a mentor at least four times.

“Students can expect to participate in out-of-the-box activities and challenge their assumptions about leadership and social change,” said Saylor. “I encourage any student who currently holds a leadership position or wants to advance their skills to join!”

Interested in participating in L.E.A.D. MC? Connect with an SLS team member on the following dates and times.

• Wednesday, April, 10, 17, and 23 at 10-11 a.m.
  Cate Center, 2nd floor near the elevator
• Thursday, April 11, 18, and 24 at 12-1 p.m.
  SMB Atrium
• Friday, April 12, 19, and 26, at 10 a.m. (SLS office hours)
  202 Cate Center

Students can also fill out the interest form or visit MyMeredith for more information.