A group of people stands in a circle in a conference room, participating in an interactive activity. Some hold colorful sticks. Chairs are arranged along the walls, and the atmosphere appears lively and engaging.
Mark Kennedy Lectures

Geometry of a Leader Retreat: Summer Leadership Fellows 2023

October 12, 2023

The Summer Leadership Fellows (SLF) program provides Bennies and Johnnies opportunities to engage in 10-week summer internships with non-profit and government organizations. Internships are the main feature of the SLF program. However, before, during, and after engagement with sites, students conduct multiple trainings with professionals. One of those opportunities was the “Geometry of a Leader” training led by Joe Cavanaugh ’81, Jane Leyden, and Dan Schwartz of Youth Frontiers. Summer Leadership Fellows, Bonner Leaders, and McCarthy Center Staff were all in attendance.

The “Geometry of a Leader” or G.O.A.L. programming operated on the analogy of a triangle – the strongest geometric shape. “Presence,” the base of the triangle, allows for both “humility” and “courage” to act in unison and create the shape, Without one side of the triangle, the shape – or leader – loses its credibility.