In an ecosystem of leadership, one seeks justice, mercy, dignity, empathy, and beauty. One listens and shares, partners and serves, and immerses oneself in the community. These were the themes — and the tangible advice — discussed by a slate of people who have dedicated their careers to doing good works at Cultivating Community Leaders: From the Local to the Global.
Moderator , William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Geography and former director of , asked the panelists to share their personal experiences and inspirations in building community locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. This was the second °IJʿ In Discussion event in honor of as the university’s 17th president.
Kraly also asked the panelists to share their perspectives on how to best cultivate and promote leadership on °IJʿ’s campus in the future.
“Push students to think deeply, to talk about their experiences and share it with someone else,” said Ayanna K. Williams ’08, a healthcare policy professional at The Lewin Group who noted that the foundation for her passion for public service was created at °IJʿ. “Why was it meaningful? How did it shape you?” Williams helped to write the selection criteria and charter for the National Abolition Hall of Fame in nearby Peterboro, N.Y., as an Upstate Institute Summer Fellow. She also traveled the world through study abroad, where she could engage with communities.
The other panelists included Roger Ferlo ’73, president of the Bexley Seabury Episcopal Center for Learning & Discipleship; Mark Golden H’14, CEO of Golden Artist Colors in nearby New Berlin, N.Y.; Peter A. Dunn, president of the Central New York Community Foundation; Katie Redford ’90, co-founder and director of EarthRights International; and Jo Kroes Randell ’91, director of development, Sustain for Life.
For complete coverage of Inauguration Week visit colgate.edu/inauguration.