What does it mean to be an inclusive leader?

How often do we really think about this topic in leadership? Do we surround ourselves by people who don't look, act or think like us? Are we certain we've included everyone at our tables of leadership? Why is this important? How can we change communities we don't understand? So, if we don't honestly understand the issues of everyone in our communities, aren't we missing out on incredible opportunities to change the world?

I think that as a real leader it is our responsibility to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. Not just heard, but valued.

How will I change the world with my vision?

Listening to different students share their visions with each other, I am continually amazed by not only the burning desire of college students to make a difference, but also their commitment, creativity and ingenuity in attempting to solve critical social issues. I can only smile when I think about this. You may say, why is that relevant to the question -- how will I change the world with my vision? Here's a hint (and don't tell anybody): inspiring college students in leadership and social change is my vision! That's how I am changing the world! As I watch young adults find their passion and become leaders with a purpose, I know that I am changing the world, one life at a time.

Theodore Hesburgh Quote...

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet."
- Theodore Hesburgh

I love this quote. I think that vision is everything in accomplishing your dreams. If you don't have vision, you're lost. Vision helps us to see exactly what we can be, long before we know it's really possible. We all have a vision -- just sometimes we don't know what it is.

What is your vision? Where will you take your life? How will you make a difference? If everyone spent a little time thinking about this, how would the world be different?

I am an architect of change...

It's really exciting to think about being an architect of change. In fact, it can be overwhelming. How do I define being an architect of change? Well, I define it by doing something proactively and positively to make a difference! And, I think deep down inside, we're all architects!

We generally don't think about all the ways that we make positive change everyday -- but in fact we do! How? Well, for me, it's all about making a difference to college students and helping them find the leaders inside them. I know that through my work I'll be sending young women and men out to improve their communities, create new and exciting opportunities for others less fortunate than them, lead with purpose and integrity and just plain make a difference.

I love thinking about being an architect of change. Architects create beautiful, significant structures for others -- so what will you create?

How will I discover my passions? What is my story?

So, how will I discover my passions? Every time I hear, read or watch someone talking about their passions -- I think about the same thing! (Maybe that's why I assigned this blog topic...) and since Tom Patterson talked to us about the importance of really knowing about ourselves and following our passions, I think it's a great time to think about what is really meaningful to us.

Everyday I am seeking out my passions, one of which is leadership. I discover this every single day through constant work with students and watching students "get it". For me, a major passion in my life is helping others find their passion. Seeing someone have an "aha" moment as they say, or discovering something new about themselves -- such as a quality, talent or skill is so exciting to me! Through my work in leadership, I get to witness that happen everyday.

I will continue to discover my passions by constantly educating myself and seeking out new information, resources and people. I hope that others will help me in this journey! I am so excited to work with the 2008-2009 Blueprints students to develop passions and create real social change.

You can change the world. You can be an architect of change.

It's that time....

This post is going to be short and to the point...

Blueprints Leadership Program applications are now available!

Pick one up in the Student Activities Office (2136 UC) or on our website: http://sao.umd.umich.edu/sao_blueprints/

If you're interested in applying, the deadline is Friday, September 19th at 5pm. If you've already been through the program, nominate or encourage another student!

I can't wait to start receiving applications! Contact me if you have any questions -- akaraban@umd.umich.edu

Getting ready for the fall semester...

August is always a very exciting time for me in the planning processes for UM-Dearborn Leadership Programs! I can't wait for 08-09 because I know the many great students who will be a part of our programs, and who can and will make such a difference to our community!

This week, I've been confirming a tour of Downtown Detroit for students who are accepted into the Blueprints Leadership Program. We'll be downtown led by our friends from Inside Detroit looking at historical landmarks like the Guardian Building, the Harmonie Park neighborhood, the theater and stadium district. What I'm most excited about, though, is that we're going to take a look at some of the work that regular people, just like you and me, have have done in the city from a vision they had to make something better - like the community garden, near the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. We'll travel around by bus and by foot to see some of the critical issues facing Metro Detroit, but also the incredible opportunities that we have, as citizens and leaders to make a difference. We will finish by sharing a dinner in the city. I simply cannot wait.

Even though I am in the city quite frequently, and I feel like have a grasp on it - I always learn, see or hear something new and exciting when I visit. I feel proud to be a part of this community and believe that it is the responsibility of each of us to care for not only each other - but our community.

I wonder... how will you make a difference?

Getting started on this new blog

So, an alum of the Blueprints Leadership Program and the University of Michigan-Dearborn (Adam Harris) gave me this idea to start having students in the leadership program blog about their experiences, their thoughts, and what they're learning. Since if I am going to ask them to do it, I figured I better start doing the same thing...

Leadership is a journey, not a destination - and throughout this year I'm really looking forward to exploring that journey with a new group of students, the 2008-2009 class of Blueprints! As the summer winds down, and everybody thinks about heading back to school, I am excited to be putting the finishing touches on the program and gearing up for yet another amazing year. This is going to be the best year yet! I can hardly believe it but... this is our fifth class in the program! I can't even believe it! I am so amazed when I reflect on the wonderful students who have been through the program and the incredible things they're doing. I wonder who will be with me on this journey in 08-09? You?

A friend of mine, on her blog, had a "wordle" picture. This is something I hadn't heard of before, but became immediately interested in. So, here is my Blueprints wordle... I hope to use it as inspiration for this year and I'm really excited about how it turned out! Let me know what you think!