Igniting Leadership Potential
IMPACT Leadership Program empowers the next gen of student leaders
Kindling campfires, constructing traditional shelters, and finding your way through a forest guided only by string: it might sound like an episode of Survivor, but these are just a few of the team-building activities that students can expect as part of the 2024-25 IMPACT Leadership Program.
Designed to empower the next generation of student leaders, IMPACT spans an entire academic year and includes on-campus workshops, volunteer placements, and a weekend retreat to Camp Kawartha titled “Tending Your Inner Fire”.
Anne Warigia Kitheka (Lady Eaton College), a 2023-24 IMPACT participant and soon-to-be program mentor, says IMPACT is a great opportunity for students who are interested in a nontraditional approach to leadership.
“IMPACT helps you understand your key values and how you can contribute to the community from a point of equality rather than dominance,” said Anne.
In addition to helping her develop interpersonal skills, Anne credits her IMPACT experience with reinvigorating her personal drive for success and inspiring her to get involved in Trent student life.
“As an international student especially, joining IMPACT created an opportunity for me to build friendships, which gave me the courage to get involved in more aspects of the university experience,” said Anne.
Anne currently works for the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), is a global ambassador and orientation leader for Trent International, and serves as president of the Trent Association of Black Students, Urithi Black Academic Mentorship Program, and Relay for Life.
Johanna Hart, IMPACT program coordinator, says that the structure of the program is intended to instill leadership values through a combination of community involvement (including a 20-hour volunteer placement with a local nonprofit) and personal reflection.
“Our program facilitators and guest speakers lead the group in a variety of activities to encourage reflection on their own passions, gifts, and interests,” said Hart. “The workshops and retreats are designed to build on and connect to each other.”
One of IMPACT’s marquee events is a two-day educational retreat to Camp Kawartha that aims to foster connections between participants and nature.
"One unforgettable experience was being blindfolded in the dark, all of us following a string and the sound of a drum,” Anne recalled. “It allowed me to silence my mind, fully trust myself in the silence, and surrender to the moment. It was inspiring how we all were successful.”