Leadership for Impact
Leadership for Impact is an intensive, cohort-based leadership development experience designed to strengthen critical skills while fostering cross-divisional connection for a select group of Student Affairs educators. The inaugural cohort represented a broad cross-section of Student Affairs, with roles ranging from Coordinators and Specialists to Associate Directors and Program Directors. The program featured engagement with senior leaders, including Vice Chancellors, Student Affairs Directors, and distinguished faculty.
Growth & Connection
The curriculum aligns with NASPA and ACPA professional competencies, targeting nine learning outcomes across three domains:
- Intentional Leadership & Inclusive Influence
- Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Thinking & Critical Decision Making
Participants demonstrated substantial growth over the six-week program: leadership competency scores increased by nearly 30%
Educators entered the program with a desire to collaborate across departments, build partnerships, and better understand the broader Student Affairs landscape. Following the program, participants consistently reported feeling more connected to colleagues and more grounded in the relational nature of their work. They described increased understanding of the broader impact of Student Affairs, as well as a stronger sense of belonging within the organization
“I thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet and work with Student Affairs folks that I normally would not come in contact with. This was perhaps the highlight of this wonderful adventure.”
— Anonymous
“I literally felt like I took a graduate summer course…and completed my capstone report”
— Anonymous
“This program helped me to see my work in a broader context of Student Affairs & its priorities."
— Anonymous
Congratulations to Our Inaugural Cohort!
Stay tuned for the opportunity to nominate a Student Affairs educators for our next cohort.
Evelyn Benitez | Program &Funding Advisor, Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement (SOLE)
Enrique Campos | Assistant Director, Bruin Resource Center
Vanessa Escobar | Senior Analyst, Student Affairs Information & Research Office (SAIRO)
Minnie Esquivel Gopar | Program Coordinator, LGBTQ Campus Resource Center
Tony Ferrari | Assistive Technology Specialist, Center for Accessible Education
Nancy Gianni | Assistant Director, Campus Life
Priscilla Gomez | Confidential Advocate, CARE
Flor Guerrero | Special Assistant, Dean of Students
Aranza Guzmán | Advisor, Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement (SOLE)
Sandy Lai | Program Director, Ashe Center
Wyatt Matern | Resident Director, Residential Life
Trisha Mazumder | Assistant Director, Graduate Student Resource Center
Sarah Molitoris | Associate Director, Transfer Student Center
Mandy Muenzer | Program Manager, Recreation and Wellbeing
Michelle Nagler | Disability Specialist, Center for Accessible Education
Tina Nguyen | Associate Director, Dashew Center
Francisco Rodriguez | Assistant Registrar, Registrar's Office
Andrew Segura | Assistant Director, Student Development and Health
Hillary Thomas | Case Manager, Case Management Services
Patty Violi | Associate Director, Center for Accessible Education
Rachel Wong | Program Coordinator, Student Affairs Administration