The skies the limit for this alum on a mission
We love hearing from our alumni about how their Summit experience strengthened their leadership, which is why we were delighted to hear from Alison I., a 2017 alum of our Leadership Summit at Harvard. Alison has taken what she learned at her Summit and used it to give back to communities locally and internationally and to pursue leadership and mentorship roles in the United States Air Force Auxiliary. We’re proud to share her story below.
Ambassador Leaders: Tell our readers about the leadership lessons you learned when you attended the Ambassador Leadership Summit at Harvard in 2017.
My main objective for attending the Summit was to get a taste of what university life would be like, but I got so much more! I learned that leadership is about affecting positive change and about striving to improve the lives of those around you and those in your community. Getting involved in what matters is the first and most important step. The other aspects of leadership naturally evolve from having the right focus, setting clear goals and putting in the work consistently.
Ambassador Leaders: What skills did you learn at your Summit that you still use today?
Before the Summit, you could count on me to be the quiet one in the corner, but my Summit gave me the tools and motivation I needed to find my voice, be the best version of myself and serve as a leader to others.
During the Summit, I learned that while speaking up can feel nerve-racking at first, it’s also necessary to do if you’re committed to making a difference for the people and issues you care about. I still use that skill today.
Ambassador Leaders: How do you continue to serve as a leader today?
Each year, my brother and I collect donations from our local community to bring to Colombia for children in need. We gather donations of clothing, toys and toiletries from friends, classmates, neighbors and relatives to bring to Colombian orphanages and charities. Year by year, our initiative has grown, and I’m looking forward to creating a foundation or non-profit so we can continue to expand our efforts and help more children. This type of service gives me the most satisfaction.
Because I also wanted to help my local community, I started volunteering at my neighborhood food pantry. In my work with the panty, I collect donations from nearby supermarkets to distribute to the members of my community experiencing food insecurity and hunger.
I am also an active member of the United States Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) where I am a Cadet Senior Master Sergeant and mentor a group of 40 cadets.
Ambassador Leaders: What advice do you have for other young leaders?
I would say get involved, give back and never be afraid to stand up for what you know is right.
By Alison Illidge
Alison is a 2017 Ambassador Leaders alum. When she isn’t going to school, volunteering at her local food pantry or mentoring her fellow cadets, she serves as the captain of her cross country team and works as a snowboarding instructor.