Looking Within: Explore Your Strengths to Lead and Make an Impact (Frost 204)

In many educational environments, first-generation college students often encounter significant challenges in accessing empowering and affirming leadership opportunities. These challenges can stem from discriminatory and exclusionary practices that privilege students with the most privilege and cultural capital. To address this gap, the Kessler Scholars Collaborative Student Leadership Board offers a validating environment for first-generation students to seek support and guidance, advocate for first-gen students and develop their own voice and leadership capabilities.

During this interactive panel session, we invite you to look inward to explore and maximize your leadership potential. We will leverage Dr. Tara Yosso's (2005) Community Cultural Wealth Model to uncover the distinctive skills, knowledge, and attributes you contribute to your campuses as first-generation college students. By understanding and embracing this wealth of cultural assets, we will explore strategies for exercising agency, amplifying student voices, and effecting meaningful change as student leaders both on campus and beyond.