Stevie Edwards, Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach and Title IX Resource Provider

An avid fan of Dungeons and Dragons and originally from Duluth, Georgia, Stevie now resides with his partners in the city of Worcester and comes to us with a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University. As the Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach, Stevie oversees the new LGBTQIA+ Community Center and social and educational programming for the center and campus. He also serves as an advisor for the LGBTQ+ Alliance, our major organization dedicated to supporting our queer community as well as allies, and he also advises the Drag Club. Stevie also serves on the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, which is a campus-wide committee made up of faculty, staff, and students that discusses issues and provides programming for the campus community. Stevie has found the environment at WSU very welcoming since he started in April. He feels that he doesn’t need to be as stringent, as on-guard, as defensive a leader as he had to be before coming to WSU.

Stevie has already accomplished a lot in his short time at WSU. In addition to advising the student organizations, Stevie opened the LGBTQIA+ Community Center with a grand opening in September of this year, which provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to check out the new space and learn more about the resources that are available through the center and his office. Developing programming specifically for the space, as well as programming for the entire campus community, is another area where Stevie has put a lot of work into since arriving in April.  His first large-scale event was Lavender Graduation in May. This nationwide ceremony is held on university campuses to celebrate seniors who identify as members of the queer community. Faculty and student speakers address the attendees and graduates with well-wishes and messages of resilience and strength, and graduating seniors receive lavender cords to wear at commencement. Consistent monthly and weekly programming as well as educational training, has also been a focus of Stevie’s this year. Programming has included the Allyship Workshop, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Queer BBQ during Welcome Week, and many queer socials held throughout the semester. Stevie also partners with Counseling Services to provide a monthly support group for students in the queer community.

Steve’s Leadership Perspective

Stevie has learned many lessons during his career as a leader. He defines a great leader as “someone who can mess up, apologize, and work to do better next time. It’s okay to make mistakes and to own them! Making mistakes is part of learning, and it will only make you a stronger leader to acknowledge and welcome your mistakes and work to recover from them.” Stevie believes that the biggest misconception of what makes a good leader is that a leader is never wrong. “We’re all going to be wrong at some point! It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to be right 100% of the time.” Stevie believes that taking ownership of decisions made, whether right or wrong, will make us better leaders as we continue through life.  

Identity and Leadership

Identity and culture play into how people define their leadership style as they progress through their lives. Identifying with the queer community has really shaped Stevie into the leader and professional that he is today. “I am a trans man, and before I transitioned, I was labeled as “annoying” and other less-flattering words. But after I transitioned, suddenly I have “leadership skills”! It’s been interesting to live on two different sides of gender and see how differently people treat me. Ultimately, I think my transness has taught me how to incorporate joy and resilience into my leadership, to celebrate the wins and small victories, and to welcome others for who they are.” Through his own personal experiences, Stevie serves as a valuable resource for students exploring and/or struggling with their own gender and sexual identities. His most valuable experiences at WSU, so far, have been with the students he works closely with through the LGBTQIA+ Community Center. “In the short time I’ve been here, I would say students trusting me with their stories has been the most meaningful experience. They still don’t know me very well, and they choose to trust me with part of themselves, which I think is a profound gift.”

Advice for Leaders

When asked if he had any advice for future leaders, Stevie focused on a message of taking in as many experiences as you can to become a better leader. “Lean in as much as you can– there is something you can learn from every experience, from every person. Even if you think you know better than someone else, chances are that they have something they can teach you, either about leadership or life or other people’s perspectives. Leadership is a skill; it takes practice. If you wait to be comfortable to be a leader, you never will be. It is uncomfortable work, but so is all meaningful work.” 

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Kevin & MK at a Red Sox Game

Kevin, who resides in Holden, MA, with his wife and four sons, received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults, both from Assumption University in Worcester. Previously employed as the Clinical Director of New River Academy, a 90-day Department of Youth Services treatment facility for adolescents, Kevin joined Worcester State in 2008 as the Assistant Director in the Counseling Center and moved into the Associate Director role in 2022. Although still a practicing therapist within the office, Kevin oversees a staff of five counselors and one support staff in his new role. He is also a valuable member of the WSU Care Team, a collaborative group that promotes student well-being through proactive, compassionate, and transparent assistance through cross-campus supportive measures. Kevin also serves as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department.

Although he is a leader within his office, Kevin identifies first and foremost as a therapist. He finds that his most meaningful exchanges with students are in individual sessions when the student is comfortable enough to open up. This vulnerability leads to greater self-awareness and a readiness to overcome challenges and work through trauma. Working with a student to reach that level is fulfilling and why Kevin does what he does every day.

One of Kevin’s favorite aspects of his position is working with his NEADS assistance dog, MK. MK resides with Kevin in the Counseling Center and when MK is not working at WSU, he serves as the Fenlon family dog. is a national service and assistance dog breeding and training organization in Princeton, MA which has raised and trained more than 1900 dogs since 1976. MK joins Kevin in counseling sessions with students, classroom visits, and at events such as Fresh Check Day and New Student Orientation. Kevin feels that going through the process of bringing MK to the Worcester State Community is one of the most rewarding and biggest accomplishments he has had during his time at the university.

Lessons in Leadership

Transitioning into his new position this year, Kevin has taken on a new leadership role on campus and spent time reflecting on how he is adapting his leadership style to fit this new position.  Kevin’s previous leadership style was more of a “quieter approach to leadership,” less directive and leading by example. In his new role, Kevin has adjusted his style to be more directive and vocal in working with his staff and colleagues across campus.  

Kevin has learned many leadership lessons during his career. “Doing what you say you are going to do is important for any leader.” Setting boundaries and limits with students and colleagues is also valuable in leading on a college campus. Another important lesson learned is dealing with conflict. “Learning to be okay with conflict is important. Sometimes you have to go backward to move forward as a unit. You can’t take any conflict personally.”

Kevin’s definition of a leader includes a high standard of achievement and the willingness to continue to learn and grow. Kevin believes that a great leader will continue to attempt to master whatever field they are in and should contest the notion of an ‘expert’. Continuous growth is crucial to improve skills as a leader and active listening is also crucial for building mutual respect within a team. Kevin also believes that you do not have to be an extrovert or have a dominant personality to be an effective leader.  

Identity and Leadership

Identity plays an important role in developing skills as a leader. Kevin’s early life experiences with his family shaped his views on how to lead and led him to reflect specifically on gender roles and leadership. Growing up in a large Irish family of seven, Kevin felt that roles were developed often related to gender, birth order, and parental expectations. “As number six of seven, I was often not looked to for leadership growing up. However, gender differences (five sisters and one brother) often led to different expectations over time when biological age became less impactful. Acknowledging that my input may weigh differently for no other reason than my gender doesn’t give credence to my input without the necessary work, self-introspection, and identifying of disproportionate expectations based on said gender.”

Advice for Future Leaders

When asked if he had any advice for future leaders, Kevin focused on the importance of having a good mentor and role model to guide you through your journey as a leader and eventually through your career. “Find a person, mentor, or supervisor that reflects the qualities you aspire to. I worked under Laurie Murphy, former Associate Dean, for close to 16 years. She represents a model of commitment to her career, family, and centering of students that I continue to strive for.”  

The post Student-Centered Work | A Deep Dive with Kevin Fenlon, Assistant Dean and Director of Counseling Services appeared first on Campus Life.

Alison has been at Worcester State for one full year and was born and raised in Worcester. While leading the efforts to establish the LGBTQ+ Resource room at Worcester State, Alison’s role with Title IX is to aid in the process and education efforts through the SAVE Committee and other programs that work to make our campus a safer place. Alison is involved with our LGBTQ+ Advisory board. “A lot of what we do is at the core of listening to the pulse of what we can do to make policies better for LGBTQ+ people at Worcester State.” Alison shared she is proud of the work done before she got to Worcester State and is looking forward to continuing the work with the people involved on that committee.

Alison Park, Assistant Director of the LGBTQ+ Resource Room and Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Lessons in Leadership

In her time at WSU Alison feels she has grown as a leader with the many hats she wears in her different roles. “At times it’s finding which hat fits at different points. I feel there are different aspects of what I need to do to feel successful and make sure others feel welcome and included.” She feels the biggest lesson she learned in her leadership journey thus far is the importance of accountability and being able to take the responsibility of leading folks and being that person who can provide that support no matter what the situation is.

She further shared how her leadership style is based on leading by example. “As cheesy or cliche as it sounds, being able to provide that role model and example of mentorship is integral to being a good leader.” Alison’s definition of a great leader is someone who inspires others through their actions, work, and words. “I think it’s important for people to see other people in leadership roles that look like them and share similar experiences that others can be inspired by.”

Identity Culture and Leadership Development

Alison shared that her identity as a first-generation Korean American, female, and lesbian person has given her a lot of empathy towards folks from different backgrounds and enables her to be understanding of people who are different and aware that people come from different lived experiences. “I am more conscious of people and more intentional with the language that I use when talking to people. I try to make a lot of things more inclusive in ways for everyone to partake. For example, just because I am part of the LGBTQ community I don’t want to leave out allies, just because I am conscious of my Asian American identity I don’t want to leave out other BIPOC folks because I know that to uplift everyone we have to be inclusive and the core of leadership should be bringing everyone together.”

Alison additionally discussed that she thinks great leaders can be misunderstood at times and it sometimes takes questioning why a leader would do something important to understand them better. “When I think about leaders in some social justice movements, there’s sometimes controversy if it is right or wrong, and sometimes for change to happen the envelope has to be pushed.”

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Success at WSU

Alison expressed that Lavender Graduation was one of her most meaningful moments at Worcester State thus far. In the spring of 2023, Alison led the coordination of Worcester State’s first lavender graduation ceremony. This ceremony acknowledged the work and varying successes from leadership to academics amongst graduating seniors who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. “It was a very special moment for the graduating seniors and a lot of the community members came to show their support for folks in the LGBTQ+ community.” Alison looks forward to continuing that program in a bigger space on campus as the support for the event was so big that the room was full and it will be good to welcome more people next time.

She continued to share that some of her biggest accomplishments since coming to Worcester State have been getting her master’s, which has helped her to better understand the students and pulse points at Worcester State regarding both LGBTQ+ and Title IX matters. “Understanding some of the systemic pieces has been helpful along with getting to know other people at Worcester State who are passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community for the better.”

Advice to Future Leaders

When asked what advice she would give to future leaders at Worcester State Alison said she feels leaders should “have an open mind and heart. Be open to new experiences and if something scares them, they should take the leap and be open to being a leader because with that experience comes personal growth and making connections with their identities in ways they wouldn’t have if they didn’t do something that scared them.” She further emphasized to take every opportunity if they have the means to and students should “get involved and do the things!”

She feels it’s important for students to understand that learning never stops and it is important to learn and grow and try to educate yourself on different subjects as much as possible. “Things change, times change and it is important to grow a little every day.”

LGBTQ+ Resource Center

The mission of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Worcester State is that it is a safe space dedicated to advocating for the needs of LGBTQ+ students and their allies. The aim is to create an open and inclusive environment that affirms all sexual orientations, forms of gender expressions, and gender identity through means of advocacy and education. “What I envision is a lot of community engagement and ways that students can access resources in the Worcester community as well.” Alison discussed the importance of her role in this center being someone who can listen to students and hear what they need to feel included and safe while having a good time and being comfortable with their Identity while they are here. “It is important for students to learn who they are and develop as people in this college environment. I know identity is a big piece of that especially LGBTQ+ folks who may not have the easiest time acclimating to a new place.”

Alison feels it is important for the center to collaborate with other departments and groups such as LGBTQ+ Alliance, Drag Club, and other organizations to bring the community together and work together to bring awareness to resources and healthcare needs as laws that affect LGBTQ+ identifying people are changing on a larger scale in our country. “I think there are a lot of working pieces and great allies on campus and I envision us working together to continue to educate ourselves and participate in training that makes us aware of what our students need.”

Alison shared that a lot is being done to establish more gender-inclusive spaces such as restrooms and housing on campus, “It is not perfect yet but I would love to get more information out there to staff and administrators to get that information out to students to know where they are and make things accessible.

Click here to learn more about the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the ongoing work being done at Worcester State.

The post Bringing Awareness to Student’s Needs | A Deep Dive with Alison Park, Assistant Director appeared first on Campus Life.

“A lot of what I learned about myself happened when I was coming of age as a senior in high school. Those moments were the spark that started me investigating to learn more about justice, healing, and self accountability”.

From Chicago, Demitrius then made her way to college, completing her undergraduate work at University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and her Master of Science in College Student Personnel at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Campus. Demitrius made her way to the east coast in her first professional role at Clark University, minutes from the Worcester State campus. There she served in a dual role as Resident Director and Multicultural Engagement Coordinator, acting as a liaison between residential life and multicultural affairs. A year and a half later, she brought her experience and passion to 91´ŤĂ˝ and her role as a Resident Hall Director.

Lessons in Leadership

Reflecting on her leadership journey, Demitrus recalls when she realized the harm that comes with the feel of needing control over what others can do. This understanding lead to a new focus on becoming an agent for change while promoting self authorship and accountability.

“I have started to let go of the very unnecessary and harmful control that, as professionals, we have learned to cultivate over students and student groups. Since I’ve gotten here, I have changed my sense of control and my sense of how I see students as being advocates for themselves, understanding their needs, and how I, as an agent of this institution, how I am able to better advocate for their needs through my sphere of influence and what I can affect.”

Demitirus recalls taking note of a previous supervisor who said it’s important to relinquish control and share the power with your students. She explains its important to take heed of what your students are asking for and what’s in your power to facilitate those requests.

“You aren’t taking over, exerting control over, or having power over. It’s having power with and empowering students to make better decisions about their wellbeing and how they own a space or idea and see it through. If you aren’t sharing information, that’s a form of power; you are disenfranchising others and not setting them up for the success they deserve.”

She defines power as knowledge, resources, (social) capital, and institutional knowledge and history. This notion of sharing power has influenced one of the things she values most as a leader: transparent and explicit communication. 

“As a leader, I believe it is important to be as transparent as I possibly can. Taking information and discussing with students, ‘What does this mean for us’ and ‘what does it mean for you’ and being real about that. Letting them discuss and come to conclusions is so important in being a leader. I feel like it empowers students to make decisions on transparent information we provide to them.”

These values give her the ability to connect with her staff of Resident Assistants. She states that her biggest accomplishment at WSU has been supporting her RA staff, specifically the students of color on her team.

“I am trying to figure how I, in my position, can be a full collaborator and partner with students rather than being a parental figure. These are young adults, who can tell you fully what they want. We just have to believe them when they do.”

Knowing Yourself as a Leader

Demitrius openly and proudly identifies  as someone who comes from a working class/working poor background and a black and brown community. She also identifies as black, queer, disabled and, plus sized.

“How I have come to accept these identities has often gone hand in hand, as I’ve learned more as a leader; my identity has impacted my leadership style. The reason I love transparent and explicit communication is because two years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD and depression. [Through] treatment with my therapist, I now have a support system to help me recognize how my identities and disability plays into how I lead or how I interact with the people I am building working relationships with.”

She describes that ADHD can present challenges to her executive functioning, and if she is not participating in self care and coping strategies it can impact her ability to be an effective leader. 

“My functioning can be out of whack If I am not taking care of myself, getting regular sleep, engaging in coping mechanisms and adhering to activities that center focus. I like to be self aware how these things can negatively impact or harm the team.”

Demitrus emphasizes the importance of using resources provided to you to know yourself better as you go through your leadership journey. Therapy and self reflection are the core pieces of advice she offers to emerging leaders.

“Therapy [is key] because you learn to know yourself with a processing partner… to understand yourself more, how you react and ensuring you can navigate situations in a way that’s productive to your intentions. You should understand yourself. Recognize we are taking in the toxicity in our world and it plays into everyday things. If you aren’t taking advantage of therapy or Counseling Services, you need to. It’s important for how you develop as a leader, and a person who will care for others as a leader.”

Community Work and Goals

Last March, Demitrius presented at the first ever Leadership Symposium. She left an impact on her students following her workshop, where she discussed her work with Worcester Pride. Worcester Pride was an LGBTQ+ organization centered around bringing events and community to worcester. Unfortunately, Worcester Pride has dissolved, but Demitrius is happy to share that the “Worcester Pride remix is under construction.”

Her involvement in Worcester Pride was largely focused on Shades, which was a sub-committee of the organization and provided a space for queer people of color. Shades is working to restructure their organization to focus more on political engagement and social action. Demitrius further discusses how recently coming out brought her to wanting to learn more about her community and lead to her action.

“We are focussing more on how politics here in Worcester effect queer and trans people of color within the Worcester community. I looked for people, communities, and found people I can connect with and people I can learn from.” 

Demitrius looks to bring this experience into her role in Residence Life. She discussed her goal to bring social consciousness and action to Worcester State.

“I would like to integrate more of my experience with justice, workshop facilitation, and development to collaborate more with the professionals [and students] around me, to spread the message of justice, love, and challenging authority, and ways that help you advocate for yourself. That’s what I really value and that is what I’m trying to be a bit more involved in.”

Written by Linzy Martinez, Assistant Director, Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development

The post Sharing Your Power & Knowing Yourself with Demitrius Evans appeared first on Campus Life.

“Because I was young and single and could do anything and go anywhere, I decided to go to LA because I could. It was a two year position, and I knew that if I didn’t like it, I could survive two years.” 

Loyola was perfect, but it was far. With roots in New England, and a feeling of homesickness that a view of the Pacific Ocean just couldn’t cure, it was back on a plane to the Northeast. Time at Bentley University, Northeastern, over a decade at MCPHS, and completing a Doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership at Johnson & Wales University prepared Dawn for her role as Associate Dean of Student Engagement. 

“I ended up here, and it’s the best decision I made. I’ve learned how much fit matters. I thought I had a fit [at my previous institutions], and it’s not until you have that fit that you realize it’s very different.”

A First Gen Frame of Mind

When asked to reflect on how her identity has impacted her leadership style, Dawn was quick to mention that above all else, she identifies as a first-generation student, or first-gen. A first-gen student is someone who’s parents and/or guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree; they are the first in their family to attend a four-year college. 

“That [first-gen identity] has framed everything for me. It’s given me a piece of compassion, so when I hear a student’s struggles it resonates. And I think I know to ask difficult questions in a way that helps them be comfortable because I understand. When I’ve helped students whose parents are in jail or can’t afford not just school but all those little things, the books, and the food, and all these insecurities…I help them take a step back and we figure out each piece.”

But with that compassion and understanding comes a tough love mentality and awareness that as a student affairs practitioner, skill development and self-improvement never ends.

“I have to be cognizant of that, because things have changed. I [used to think] that if I pushed through, I think anyone can. But not everyone’s me. I have to sometimes soften a bit, and realize I have to meet students where they’re at.”

“I never shared I was first-gen, ever,” she reflected. “But as I got older, I realized that it was a badge of honor, something that should be shared and celebrated. It’s allowed my relationships with students to flourish more because they realize I’m more human.”

Dawn’s doctoral work was also centered around first-gen students. Her dissertation, titled “Exploration on the LIved Experience of First Generation College Presidents,” filled a gap in the research surrounding first gen students.

“I realized there is no information on first generation students and what happens after ]they] graduate from college. You are first gen in your first job, you are first gen in your next job, and you’re still learning and still not getting the guidance from home. How do you come from where you were the first in your family to go to college to becoming one of the most highly regarded positions at a university? How do you get to that point?”

The answer was mentorship.

“Every single one of them talked about mentorship. Not one of them did it alone, it was others who helped pave the way, it was others who opened doors for them. It was others who saw their potential.”

The Labyrinth

This past spring, Dawn presented a workshop at the Leadership Symposium titled Women in Leadership: Navigating the Labyrinth, which focused on the low numbers of women in leadership positions in the U.S. and how men and women can work together to increase opportunities for women.

“It’s a labyrinth, and you have to learn how to navigate it in a way that works for you,” Dawn shared. “You need mentors; you can’t do it alone. You have to look at the ones who have broken down those barriers and then talk to them and say ‘how’d you do that?’ My mentors have paved the way for me, [and now] my job is to pave the way for other women.”

Men can also be doing more, says Dawn. “I can’t say that enough. White men, those with the power, I think need to open the doors for women. They have the power to make it possible. When you have both men and women at [executive] levels, systems run better. Everything gets better.”

Despite the monumental amount of research proving that women are still underrepresented in senior level and executive leadership positions, Dawn is proud that Worcester State has women in high-level leadership roles. 

“When I look at our leadership here, we have women at [senior] levels, and women of color. I feel so much better being here to see that. You need to have those representations in place, you need to have those identities. It makes a difference.”

Finding a Mentor

A mentor is a person who provides guidance, support, and coaching to another person through establishing an engaging relationship and acting as a role model. And the importance of mentorship was a common thread through many of Dawn’s stories and experiences.

Dawn spoke to the importance of not only needing mentors to succeed as a woman in a leadership role, but also the importance of education, finding a supportive circle, and especially being open to feedback.

“It’s important to get that tough feedback, and important to get it at a young age,” Dawn explained. “You need to find someone you respect and look up to, because when you get the feedback you know it comes from a good place. The better mentor is the one who challenges you.”

While it’s important to find a mentor, it’s equally important to remember that you can be a role model for someone else.

“Find out the qualities that [your mentors] have and then incorporate that into what you do and into your life. Ask yourself, what would my mentor, my role model, do in this moment? It starts to frame who you are going to become as a leader. Never forget that the more you do that, others are looking at you as their leader, and they’re starting to emulate and pick out qualities that you have.”

“Also,” added Dawn, “you can’t be everything to everyone. Who I look up to, my mentor, for others he was not the leader they looked up to. So that’s the beauty of leadership; you have qualities that attract you to some but it may not be everyone and that’s okay. That’s the beauty of us all being different. You can’t be everything to everyone but you can be a whole lot to a small population, and I find that meaningful.”

Final Thoughts

When asked for her advice for students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader they are, Dawn had powerful words.

“Every student has the potential for leadership. It’s something that grows and develops and you work on and you learn; it’s ongoing. I don’t think anyone should ever dismiss it and say ‘I could never do that, it’s not for me.’ It is for everyone. Believe it or not, no matter who you are, you have exhibited some type of leadership at some point and somebody noticed. Always remember that.”

The post Dr. Dawn Eades & The Importance of Mentorship appeared first on Campus Life.

As a student at Central, Linzy spent time working as a Student Center Building Manager, AV Tech, Orientation Leader, and Yale Housing intern. Her experience has carried over into her professional work at Worcester State, where she oversees student employees at both the Student Center Information Desk and Living Room, advises the Commuter Activities Board, and supports Commuter Services.

Before classes began for the fall, Linzy took some time to discuss her thoughts on leadership.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when it comes to leadership?

“My biggest lesson in leadership was learning how to take what I learned about my role and leadership and trust my judgement. As a student leader I went through a time where I had the tools I needed to lead and succeed but I questioned every choice I made. A mentor of mine really motivated me to trust my judgment and use what I learned with confidence, and that helped me become a more successful leader.

My leadership style is crafted partly with who I am and partly with the values, personalities, and goals of the people I am leading. I find that with a combination of styles, I craft unique methods that work for myself, the group, and the common goal we are looking to achieve. “

Can you share how your identity has shaped your leadership style throughout the years?

“My identity as a Latina has contributed to how I value relationship building and hard work. I believe my background and family have instilled [in me] a warm and caring personality that allows me to be successful in connecting with [the] students and people I work with and find a lot of joy in working with a team. I also believe the community I grew up with really valued hard work and being grateful for every opportunity presented. Even if an opportunity doesn’t work out or it’s not something you necessarily enjoy, if there is a pay off or a chance for growth you should still work hard and use your strengths to remain open to new opportunity. I have learned in more recent years that taking the extra step to advocate for yourself, your needs, and what you believe in in a society that isn’t always equal can go a long way.”

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?

“Learn your strengths and embrace them. Everyone has them so learn about what makes you a strong leader and be proud of it. Too many times I’ve seen great student leaders sell themselves short.

Apply a growth mindset to everything you do. Be conscious of how you have grown and what new opportunities you can take on to see professional or personal growth in yourself.

Embrace the identities that are most salient to you and don’t be afraid to apply them to who you are as a leader. Advocate for yourself and your needs! Use your support and always speak up when you feel it matters to do so.”

What are you most looking forward to in your first year at WSU?

“Getting to know the students and the Worcester State community!”

Make sure to stop by the second floor of the Student Center to welcome Linzy to Worcester State!

The post OSILD Welcomes New Assistant Director, Linzy Martinez appeared first on Campus Life.