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The Office of Women’s Leadership and Community Engagement kicked off the academic year with the Fall MOUNT Leads Summit, a daylong event exploring what it means to lead with purpose, resilience and vision. The Summit is a cornerstone of the MOUNT Leads program and a main component of the University’s (M)POWER initiative, which encourages every student to see themselves as leaders and agents of change. Together, (M)POWER and MOUNT Leads advance the University’s mission to foster leaders prepared to make an impact in their communities and beyond.

“The Summit gives students the opportunity to develop practical leadership skills, build confidence and connect their passions with purposeful action,” said Ashley Joseph, EdD, director of Women’s Leadership and Community Engagement. “Its mission is to cultivate leaders who are values-driven, community-minded and ready to create positive change.”

This year’s theme, “Rewriting the Playbook for a New Generation,” invited students to reflect on leadership in ways that align with their own values and goals. Workshops explored leadership identity, ethical decision-making and inclusive teamwork, blending hands-on skill building with peer collaboration and reflection. Faculty and staff facilitators grounded the lessons in real-world contexts, sharing both professional expertise and personal insights.

For second-year nursing major Aundrae Kiran, the Summit was a chance to strengthen his leadership skills. “The Summit encouraged me to hone my skills to be a better leader, to communicate, to speak publicly and to network.”

Third-year pre-nursing student Giselle Jenkins-Cruz echoed the importance of connecting leadership development with personal growth. “Leadership to me is being able to stand up for yourself and others, and to inspire, connect and lead with passion. Being a part of MOUNT Leads has taught me the core principles needed to cultivate my own vision.”

For many participants, the skills learned extend directly into their campus involvement. “I just finished being an orientation leader, and now I am a mentor for 20 freshmen,” Aundrae explained. “I want to use the skills I learned here and share them with my mentees.” He also sees how these lessons will carry into his career. “The things I learned from the Summit can help me advocate as a future nurse for my patients.”

Giselle shared a similar perspective. “As an orientation leader, I have had lots of students come to me with their concerns about college. The MOUNT Leads training has helped me give compassionate and grounded advice through a care ethics lens,” she said. “It also makes me feel more connected to the Mount community by meeting new people and sharing resources they might not know about that can help them.”

Ultimately, Dr. Joseph hopes students leave the Summit both inspired and prepared. “We want them to walk away with practical tools they can use immediately and the confidence to step into leadership roles both on and off campus,” she said.