The Power of Panama

Posted by SWSG Blogging Corps Jun 6, 2013 Boston, International, Leaders, mentors, Panama, Panama City, Skills, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Sector, Strong blogging corps, umass boston

UMass Mentor & Chapter Director, Andreia, writes from Panama City, Panama where she is a participant in the Global Leadership Exchange Program (GLP). At GLP, Andreia is being equipped with resources and support needed to become a global leader.

Landing in Panama last Wednesday, I did not know what to expect for the coming month. I was chosen to join about twenty other students from around the world to study leadership in this beautiful country.  One thing I realized quickly is that I wouldn’t have reached this point in my life if it wasn’t for the strong presence of SWSG. As founding Chapter Director at UMass Boston, I have put my whole heart into building this chapter and trying to get a solid foundation. With help from countless people, including my wonderful Program Manager, Kenyora Johnson, we were able to do just that.

I was offered the opportunity to attend the Ashoka U Exchange about social entrepreneurship education in sunny San Diego this past February. This was the perfect time to talk about my SWSG story, and I was even asked to be interviewed to learn more about my SWSG director position! From that conference, I met with the Global Leadership Program (GLP) recruiter that wanted me to join them in Panama to help women in the community. I was overjoyed and jumped at the chance to expand my learning. Though it’s only the beginning, I have learned so much about myself, leadership and the strength of women.

We’ve done different activities to challenge every aspect of leadership & build confidence.  I cannot wait to go back to Boston & be able to train my UMass Chapter better and help us grow to reach more girls. These lessons that I am taking back will help our girls become better leaders as well. This month will be crucial to my development as a chapter director and I know I will stay strong through it! Much more to come from Panama in the next few weeks, stay tuned!

What do you think are the benefits of going to a different country to learn about leadership & study?

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Andreia is the founding Chapter Director for UMass Boston.  She resides in historic Boston, and she is constantly singing or listening to music.