Leadership
Philosophy
Hosted Chi Sigma Alpha Winter 2023 Recruitment Event with other sisters of the house
Taken at the UW vs UoO basketball game at Alaska Airlines Arena on February 2023
My leadership style is to lead from behind.
I understand when to step down or step in to help with any challenge that arises. I like when a leader gives space for individuals to grow together on their own while still being present with them so I try to replicate that. I can prompt questions and advice to get them thinking about their own experience or assist with what to say.
I understand that at the beginning of working with strangers can be hard to participate because we have to be willing to be vulnerable to foster connection with others. I am confident that I can get people talking and excited about the discussion or anything.
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As a leader, we have the responsibility to be extra excited or completely all in even though we do not feel like it. I do my best to make an effort to applaud people for their participation or recognize their efforts. By giving positive feedback, people know that you are present with them.
With my leadership style, I try to also meet the need by observing the different body or verbal clues. I am willing to be adaptive as there is issues that arise. A leader should be able to provide guidance to ensure that there is fast problem solving to keep the full experience enacted.
Having gained experience across various industries, including the food sector, housing, and disability services, I have been exposed to a diverse range of leadership styles. This exposure has enriched my understanding of effective leadership, allowing me to discern which approaches resonate with me and are most impactful within specific work environments.
I have been fortunate to learn from numerous mentors and supervisors who have generously shared their wealth of knowledge and insights with me. As time progresses, I recognize the importance of adapting to current trends and remaining attuned to the evolving needs and dynamics of the workplace and broader community.
Core Values
Community
To gather people to have the space to share, learn, and support each other.
Growing up, I did not have a strong community where I was excluded often. The absence of an older sibling figure combined with being surrounded by people that did not look like me, left me with a rocky foundation. Coming to UW, I discovered communities through engaging in student activities, gaining professional experience, and participating in dance. Through these communities, I grew my ambition to foster a space where diverse intersecting identities are celebrated, and where individuals are seen, heard, and valued. Thus, people have a community to call home away from home.
Creativity
To use imagination to bring concept to life with no limitations.
Crafting offers a unique avenue for self-expression, allowing me to communicate and connect with others in a different mode. I gravitate towards artistic endeavors such as scrapbooking, gift-giving, and dancing. Dance serves as a powerful platform for boosting self-confidence through the expressive language of movement. By immersing myself in the dance, I connect with my inner mind, body, and spirit, releasing unconscious thoughts and fully engaging in the performance. This experience serves as a poignant reminder that I can harness my creative outlets for the purpose of community healing. Simultaneously, focusing on and honing a new skill can be therapeutic, enabling me to expand my creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Challenge
To harness strengths and improve weakness to overcome a difficult task.
I firmly believe that facing challenges is essential in pushing boundaries and fostering personal growth. Throughout my involvement in various organizations, I have consistently sought opportunities to challenge myself by stepping into diverse leadership roles. From serving as an alumni chair to taking on the responsibilities of director of social media, each new role has provided me with invaluable insights and experiences. Embracing these challenges has not only allowed me to expand my skill set but also empowered me to become a more effective and empathetic leader within my community. By continuously pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, I strive to inspire positive change and contribute meaningfully to the organizations I am passionate about.
What, Why, How
Cheerful Coordinator Helper
Active Community Participant
I thoroughly enjoy event planning and immerse myself in the intricacies of event logistics. Recognized as the go-to planner within my circle of friends, I've orchestrated a variety of events ranging from Spring break trips to California and weekend getaways to attending festivals and entertaining things on weekends. My experience extends to coordinating diverse events, from weekly club meetings to large-scale conferences for up to 2,200 attendees. One of the most memorable events I've organized was a retreat for Unite UW, involving over 100 students. The retreat featured engaging activities like tug-of-war, a talent show, and a memorable bonfire to conclude the weekend.
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You'll consistently find me at the either at the beginning or end of any event, rolling up my sleeves to assist with anything and ensure everything is in order. I take pride in being attentive to the details and always strive to leave a space better than I found it. Whether it's arranging chairs, packing equipment or cleaning tables, I'm always eager to lend a hand and contribute to the smooth and efficient conclusion of any gathering. Collaborative effort often speeds up the clean-up process, allowing everyone to head home more quickly.
Kind Feedback Sponge
I hold great value in receiving feedback, recognizing its pivotal role in refining my workflow to better align with the needs and expectations of others. Even when feedback is challenging to digest, I embrace it as a source of invaluable insights into areas where I can improve. By acknowledging and addressing my weaknesses, I actively transform them into strengths, thereby bolstering my performance and adaptability.
This commitment to continuous improvement not only fosters my personal growth but also ensures that I contribute effectively to collaborative projects, meeting the diverse requirements of my team. I am dedicated to leveraging feedback as a powerful tool for ongoing development and success. Moreover, I approach every request or new task with a willingness to learn, striving to absorb as much knowledge as possible to become an invaluable asset in future endeavors.
I make it a point to participate in every event and activity we host—whether social, internal, or retreats—to fully immerse myself in the community experience. I am eager to offer assistance and, ultimately, to give back through leadership roles. I believe in using my experiences within the organization to contribute positively and support others. This active involvement not only enhances my own learning but also deepens my passion for the organization.
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I was involved in three cultural organizations, three career development groups, and three social student organizations. Through these groups, I had the opportunity to meet many people who have become friends. I make an effort to get to know the people I dance, play volleyball, and work with. Together, we collaborated on projects and enjoyed numerous group dinners and boba runs, fostering a strong sense of community.
My Why
I do it for the love of the community. I do it for the love of my friends. I do it for the love I have to be helpful. Through these endeavors, I have had the privilege of connecting with a diverse array of individuals across personal, professional, and academic spheres. Each encounter offers a unique opportunity to learn from others, to understand their experiences, their joys, and their challenges, enriching my own perspective along the way.
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How
I strive to maintain an authentic persona when working with others, valuing genuine interactions and fostering trust within my professional relationships. Looking ahead, I envision a future where I transition into an educator or mentor role. My goal is to share my knowledge and experiences to guide and inspire the next generation of event coordinators, helping them develop their skills and achieve their potential in this dynamic field.
"Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them."
- William Shakespeare
Teaching
Philosophy
Thursday Unite UW 2023 Leadership Team
Game Night Unite UW 2023
I am Heather Mei-Kai Leung, and my name, rich in cultural significance, has shaped my understanding of identity and belonging.
While my name has often been mispronounced or overlooked, it serves as a testament to my Chinese heritage and the complexities of navigating multiple cultures. My name connects me to my roots, reminding me of the importance of recognizing and respecting individual identities.I am breathing and whole to announce my existence as I am, Heather Mei-Kai Leung. To feel whole, is knowing that others are attempting to understand and say my name correctly. Despite all the issues, now I fully have a greater appreciation for my name. I correct or teach people to say my name correctly to bring justice to my ethnicity identity.
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I am committed to building meaningful connections within my workplace and the community I am invited to. Each individual comes from diverse backgrounds, and it is important to acknowledge and demonstrate respect by addressing them by their names. Using the correct name, the correct pronunciation, correct pronouns, and affirm their presence in the way they want to be addressed as is very important.
I aim to create a brave and inclusive space where young people can confidently share their experiences while embracing their unique identities. Fostering an environment characterized by support and empathy allows individuals to be their authentic selves without any apologies. They can address the genuine concern with sugar coating it by calling out certain groups of people. It is required to not only look within their own identities but peers, marginalized groups, and community members that make up their region.
I want them to bring their different identity into the conversation. Identities such as gender, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities or disabilities, education level, cultural background, language spoken, geographic location, hobbies and interests, and beyond.
Thus, it also creates a space for a greater appreciation of where they come from. I aspire to inspire young individuals to harness the power of their unique identities to promote positive societal transformations. By celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging self-expression, I aim to empower students to become advocates for social justice and equity in their communities and beyond.
Observe
Observing the space and understanding its dynamics to contribute effectively to the particular community it caters to.
Brave Space
Where individuals feel courageous to be their authentic true self in the presence of others.
Mentor
To learn and grow alongside a trusted mentor to become the best in the field of work.