Leadership represents the ability to unite a group in action towards a common goal. The most important aspect of leadership, for me, is building relationships. Connecting people with complementary strengths is the key to creating something that is greater than the sum of its parts. We can make our leadership inclusive in this way, recognizing that eveyone has their own individual strengths that are as diverse as the individuals themselves. Recognizing our diversity allows us to acknowledge what each person brings to the table and create an environment where each part of the team feels valued and heard.
Being a leader has been a central part of my identity since I was a child. I attended a public Montessori school from first through eighth grade. One of the tenets of Montessori education are mixed age classrooms where the older children act as tutors for the younger children. This model taught me that I had something to learn from each member of my class, not just our teacher. I carry this lesson with me today and am always ready to learn from my peers.