Alumni Essay 16

Leadership Through Listening

Leadership is usually mistaken as being the loudest voice in the room. Before participating in Youth Lead KC, I believed that leaders were naturally outgoing and unafraid to speak. As a person who is reserved and quiet, I always questioned whether I truly fit that role. Through this program, I discovered that leadership is not about volume, but mainly about service, listening, and bringing people together. Youth Lead KC helped me grow more confident in my voice and showed me that true leadership is about supporting others and creating an environment where everyone feels heard and understood.
One of the most impactful moments on my leadership journey came when I worked on a group project for class. During our first meeting, everything felt chaotic. Ideas were scattered, conversations overlapped, and many students hesitated to speak because they were afraid of saying the wrong thing. As our meetings continued, attendance began to decrease. Since roles had already been assigned, the absence of team members made it difficult to stay organized. The group leader grew frustrated, and instead of addressing the situation calmly, conflicts developed among members. Seeing that tension, I stepped in, heard everyone’s concerns, then shared my own thoughts. I made sure everyone felt heard and understood, helping the group move forward without arguing or frustration. This taught me that leadership is not about control, but about creating understanding. Although it may seem simple, learning to truly listen instead of just speaking was one of the most valuable skills I gained. Those skills have shaped not only how I lead in group settings, but also how I carry myself every day.
Those same skills that I developed through Youth Lead KC will guide me as I pursue a career in nursing. As a Black woman who will be entering this profession, I recognize the importance of representation within healthcare, especially for my community. It is widely known that women of color are not receiving the same level of care from their health providers. Leadership skills focused on empathy, and service with purpose will help build a responsive healthcare community by fostering trust, tackling systematic bias through education, and promoting transparent communication and consistent care. My goal is to provide compassionate, respectful care and to build trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. It’s one thing for women to learn to advocate for themselves, but I want to help build a healthcare community where no one goes unheard or overlooked or diminished.
Youth Lead KC has made me think about my legacy and for me, that’s not the awards, titles, or the recognition I receive. While I am very proud of what I’ve earned, I want to be remembered for who I am as a person and not just awards. I want to be remembered as authentic, positive, helpful, and uplifting to those around me. Another part of my legacy is the chance for younger students to see themselves represented in academic and professional pursuits. Regardless of their career interests, I want my own achievements to help pave the way for them as well. My goal in life is to make people feel comfortable, supported, and valued. If I can use my voice, career, and my actions to make that difference in people’s lives, then I will know that I have left a significant legacy. Youth Lead KC has helped shape the leader I am becoming, and I will continue to lead with empathy, serve with purpose, and remain authentically myself so that the impact I leave on others lasts far beyond any title or achievement.