Leadership Development

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." — John C. Maxwell

Leadership skills are meaningful no matter where your career journey takes you. In almost any role, you can contribute to improved productivity and positive culture in your organization.

At Waubonsee, you can gain leadership experience as an active member of a student organization, through participation in service events, and by taking on responsibilities related to events and activities on campus.

We also have several programs specific to leadership development: the Engaging Leaders Program, Leadership Summit, Leadership Speakers and the National Society for Leadership and Success. Come in and chat with the Student Life staff to find a leadership opportunity that works for you!

Engaging Leaders: A Student Leadership Program

The Engaging Leaders Program helps students develop and strengthen their leadership skills. Whether you have past leadership experience or are looking for new opportunities, the Engaging Leaders Program will meet your individual needs. Participants will learn from weekly guest facilitators as well as from their peers' experiences. The program is designed to reinforce leadership concepts in the sessions through collaborative conversations, activities and experiential learning, video clips and more. 

Participants will move through the program as a cohort and must attend all components in order to complete the program. As a participant, one will learn about the five practices of Exemplary Leadership (Kouzes and Posner), Servant Leadership, leadership experiences from campus and community leaders, and walk away with a personal leadership philosophy.

Acceptance is competitive and space is limited. The program will be offered each semester. Participants must be available on Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. for the semester they participate. The program is free for Waubonsee students who are accepted and those who complete the program will receive recognition on their co-curricular transcript.

Leadership Speakers

The National Society for Leadership and Success hosts various speakers each semester, with a live broadcast to Waubonsee. The events are open to all students and feature compelling leadership lessons, stories, inspiration and more from some of today's most interesting leaders. Past speakers have included Sir Richard Branson, Simon Sinek, Jesse Eisenberg, Trevor Noah, Barbara Corcoran and more. If you're unable to attend an event in person, all speaker events are rebroadcast; check out the calendar for this semester's speaker lineup.

National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS)

NSLS is an organization that helps people discover and achieve their goals. NSLS offers life-changing lectures from the nation's leading presenters, and a community where like-minded, success-oriented individuals come together and help one another succeed. NSLS also serves as a powerful force for good in the greater community by encouraging and organizing action to better the world. 

Annual Leadership Summit 

Join your peers for an opportunity to engage, reflect and grow as a student, professional, and leader. The Summit is a free, one-day conference that we offer to students every spring semester with the goal of integrating leadership into their personal and professional lives.

During this one-day conference, you will be able to experience inspiring sessions and learn from a diverse group of experts who will share their wisdom and knowledge to best support you in your journey to grow as a leader.