Women leaders in health and well-being programs share lessons of leadership
As the semester winds down, the pressure students feel to be prepared for the future ramps up. Whether saying farewell to campus as they pursue their next adventure or taking the next step toward graduation, Hokies are moving forward in lives of leadership and service.
Leaders in Virginia Tech's health and well-being programs prepared to celebrate their graduating interns by coming together to share their insights on the evolving landscape of leadership and to inspire any Hokie looking toward the next level.
Amy Epperley, senior director of Hokie Wellness
You don't need to have all the answers, but you need to know yourself — your strengths, your challenges, and how you impact those around you.
Great leaders don’t just talk. They listen with the intention of understanding.
If you remain open to learning — whether it’s from feedback, reflection, or new experiences — you’ll only grow stronger and more effective as a leader.
Rebecca Caldwell, director for Residential Well-being
Being a leader is not a solo operation, but the practice of a series of cultivated partnerships to move people toward a common goal.
Focus on gathering and supporting the growth of talented people and creating the conditions for them to succeed. Learn across all types of fields and environments and think about how those insights could be applied in your area.
You can take big risks, and even fail spectacularly along the way, if you are acting in transparency and integrity.
Kanitta Charoensiri, director of Schiffert Health Center
Know your own worth and don’t let others determine that for you or let any double standard affect how you lead.
You are in your position based on your own merits, and you shouldn’t believe otherwise.
Sarah Jones, director of Cook Counseling Center
It has been amazing to see far more women entering leadership than in the past.
There is a balance between being nimble as you respond to needs and not being reactive. To manage the needs of those you serve while staying true to yourself and the mission, hone in on the values that drive you to do your work.
Ali Cross, director of Recreational Sports
Connecting on a human level with team members tends to inspire loyalty and engagement. Emphasize empowering teams, supporting employee well-being, and developing relationships over top-down, command style leadership.
You can develop that kind of people-first leadership with strong communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
Rhonda Mitcham, associate director of finance for Schiffert Health Center
Leaders today are not defined as being apart from the group but instead they are a part of the group. This shift has created a more collaborative approach which tends to foster greater teamwork, innovation, and a happier workforce.
Be willing to recognize your own shortcomings and know that leadership is a never-ending journey. You will learn something new each day.