The #IlliniLeader's Digest
A digital space for ILC stakeholders to learn and voice their perspectives about leadership...

The Power of the Pause: Why the Best Leaders Start by Listening

by Miranda EstradaSep 25, 2026 3:00 pm | 2 Views

In her experience as a Corporate Affairs Chair for the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), Miranda learned the value of listening in leadership settings. This reflective piece expands on the trust, confidence, and comfort that can come from being truly heard and feeling seen. Leading a team starts by listening to them first.
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Ethical Promotion of Diversity Advocacy

by Isabella IgboSep 18, 2026 3:00 pm | 7 Views

Diversity advocacy is a key competency in becoming a compassionate, effective, intentional leader. Through storytelling and deconstructing misrepresentations, Isabella Igbo reveals how to promote inclusivity and representation in leadership. She highlights the importance of individuality and recognizing systemic disparities. Making decisions with cultural competence and empathy is imperative to maintain relationships in a team.
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Leadership as a Mindset, Not Just a Role

by Aditya SaraffSep 11, 2026 3:00 pm | 8 Views

In this post, Aditya shares his experiences as an ILC employee from his data analyst position and his outreach position, and his work in the (dis)ability Design Studio alongside Dr. Deana McDonagh. Through his involvement in these jobs, he's realized that leadership is less of a role and more a mindset. Leadership is awareness, honesty, and a willingness to connect with others.
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Rethinking “Good Intentions”: What We Say and What It Means

by Alina StetsukMay 1, 2026 11:00 am | 24 Views

This post by Graduate Assistant Alina Stetsuk, reflects on insights from 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say, emphasizing the gap between intent and impact in everyday communication. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, it explores how well-meaning comments can unintentionally create exclusion. Using a reflective lens, the post highlights the importance of self-awareness, listening, and continuous growth in developing cultural competency in higher education and beyond.
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Authenticity in Leadership

by Vaanathi ChonachalamApr 24, 2026 11:00 am | 14 Views

We often picture leaders as outspoken, charismatic, and larger than life. However, that isn't always the case. In this post, Vaanathi explores the need for authenticity in leadership, and how overcoming self-doubt helps you lead in the most impactful ways.
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In the Space Between: Redefining Leadership as Balance

by Sofia KandaApr 17, 2026 11:00 am | 32 Views

In this reflection for the “What is Leadership?” series, Sofia Kanda shares how her experience as a Podcast Intern at the Illinois Leadership Center reshaped her understanding of leadership. Rather than a formula or title, she defines leadership as balance - between listening and speaking, responsibility and empathy, confidence and humility, to action and reflection. Read on to explore how leadership lives in the space between tension and intention.
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Themes

Submit Your Own Post

If you are interested, we would love for you to create and submit a post! You can submit a written or video post.

To help you in the creation process, use this link to access resources to guide you in the process: https://go.illinois.edu/ilcblogresources

Within this folder, you will find a list of post prompts, a guide to creating a post outline, and tips for writing the actual post.

Click the link below to complete a form and submit your final post: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/2886037

Submissions will be reviewed and added to the platform by the ILC staff.

If you have any questions or need more guidance, please email Elise Heyde at eheyde2@illinois.edu.

What is Leadership Series

Contribute to the "What is Leadership?" Series by creating and submitting a post articulating your personal definition of leadership and what it looks like in action.

Define what the word means to you and give examples!

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The Power of the Pause: Why the Best Leaders Start by Listening

Ethical Promotion of Diversity Advocacy

Leadership as a Mindset, Not Just a Role

Rethinking “Good Intentions”: What We Say and What It Means

Authenticity in Leadership

In the Space Between: Redefining Leadership as Balance