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