Written by Hailey Marie Mangrum, lead facilitator at 2023 LDI

 

Hey, you!

 

I’m so glad we met and had the incredible opportunity to spend time together this summer at LDI. From creating a handshake with someone, to being brave enough to be vulnerable and learning to have the audacity to take up space. I don’t know about you, but I certainly learned a lot from you, facilitators and other members of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

 

I want to share 3 key things to leadership that stuck with me and will keep me feeling empowered on the hard days, if that’s okay with you?! I hope so because I wrote them anyway. 😉

 

1.  It’s okay to feel the feelings. We are human and we have feelings and feeling the feelings is one-thousand times better than hiding or masking them. Because you’re brave enough to essentially be human, who else gets to be inspired, empowered, or encouraged to be vulnerable?!

2. It’s not jusssst about me. Sure, I may have a vision or a goal in mind of how to enact change… but truth is… leadership, confidence and sisterhood are team sports. If not done together, it falls apart. Because you’re confident enough to know that you can’t do it alone, who else gets an opportunity, a chance or a role?

3.  If not you, then who?! You’re here for a reason. Remember that quote: “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” Because you’re bold enough to challenge the process, think about something a lil different, or simply elevate the influence you have in this world. Who gets to believe in themselves as a result?!

 

Listen, the world needs your voice, your unique skills and, most importantly, your authenticity. In everything that makes you who you are. In all of your imperfections. Your existence matters, friend. Your presence matters, and I’m so glad I got to witness just some of that this summer at LDI.

 

Know that I’m rooting for you and so are hundreds of other Alpha Sigma Alphas across the country!

 

You. Got. This.