The Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is a student-run organization at RIT that helps students build real-world leadership skills through hands-on experiences. We focus on professional development, networking, and personal growth.
Some of the Key programs I help with include:
Peer Mentor Program – Pairs first-year students with upperclassmen.
Women’s Leadership Summit – A campus-wide event featuring speakers and workshops that empower women in leadership.
Leadership Certificate Program – A short course consisting of workshops and activities where students can earn a leadership certificate.
Speaker Series – Events with industry professionals who share insights on leadership and career growth.
Our goal is to help students become confident, capable leaders both on campus and professionally.
Peer Mentor Program
As Peer Mentor Director, my responsibilities include:
Leading the peer mentor team
Advertising and marketing the program
Planning engaging and educational events
Pairing mentors with mentees
Guiding pairs through relationship building
Using feedback to improve the program
Continuously trying new approaches to enhance the program
Resolving conflicts
While in this role, I planned 5+ events, ran meetings, networked with dozens of industry professionals, facilitated brainstorming and collaboration, and presented at numerous events.
My job was to create a program where freshmen could connect with upperclassmen to better adapt to college, as well as provide them with professional skills for the future. I planned things like:
Excel workshops
Product development competitions
Speaker events
Networking events
An educational “Amazing Race”
The Fall 2024 program was a success.
Nearly nine out of ten participants (89%) said they felt better prepared for college because of their mentor’s support. Over three-quarters of participants felt their leadership skills improved due to the program
Just helping… Until I wasn’t
I wasn’t supposed to be Peer Mentor Program Director Fall 2024. I got thrown or pushed or maybe even tripped into it. I don’t know, to be quite honest. All I know is that I’ve always been one to step up when there’s a gap, and that’s exactly what I did. I knew I had a lot on my plate already, but I’ve never been great at standing by when I know I can help. So with everything already stacking up, I found room for one more thing.
I was originally just a team member helping with different parts of the Leadership Academy without full responsibility over anything. Then the year started, and the program wasn’t doing so hot. The two directors were overextended with their time, energy, and responsibilities. They couldn’t plan events effectively or create the experience the program was supposed to offer. So I started taking over the planning, with their permission, of course.
They realized they had other priorities and needed to step back. After I organized the next event and took initiative across the board, they offered me the director role.
I wasn’t prepared to take it on, but I ended up loving it. With a course overload, being Vice President of my fraternity, and other club commitments, I knew it would be a lot. But this program mattered to me because I saw what it could do for others. I put hours of hard work into making the program fun and rewarding for everyone involved. I obviously made some mistakes, but I also started new events and processes. This position taught me time management, organization, and how to step out of my comfort zone.
I’m excited that I get to plan and run it again in Fall 2025 because I know it’ll be even better. I’ll be sure to update once the program gets going so you can follow along.
Networking panel I planned and directed.
Leadership Certificate Program
Each spring, Leadership Academy presents a new certificate for a select group of students to participate in.
In Spring 2025, the Leadership Academy presented the Foundational Leadership for Career Success Certificate Program. This fun, hands-on program helps students build the key leadership and professional skills needed for any career. Through interactive sessions and real-world challenges, students strengthen their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Each session is led by Saunders faculty, industry professionals, and upper-level student leaders, creating a supportive and engaging space to learn and grow. It's also a great chance to network and have fun with peers and faculty.
In Spring 2024, the leadership academy presented the global leadership certificate. This focused on managing and leading people in a global environment. The overall goal of this certificate program was to help students build their foundational skills to work with people from around the world and lead organizations operating across global boundaries.
