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!

Social Leaders: A Student Leadership Program

Social Leaders at Waubonsee Community College is an in-person, cohort-based leadership development program designed to enhance the leadership skills of students. This program is offered each semester by Student Life and is completely free of charge. 

The program focuses on developing the leadership abilities of participants through collaborative discussions, hands-on activities, and dynamic multimedia presentations. The concept of Social Impact is central to the program, defining the effect on people and communities that stems from actions, programs, projects, or policies. Over the course of nine weeks, participants will work with a select cohort to identify a campus-community need, create a project to address it, and develop a strategic plan to drive meaningful social impact and positive change. 

Space is limited and the program is by invitation only. To complete the program, participants must attend all weekly sessions and work collaboratively with the cohort to execute their social impact projects. Successful completion of the program will be recognized on the participant's 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.