San Mateo County Community College District’s Post

Just wrapped up another transformative retreat hosted by Skyline College WMLA and Umoja and College of San Mateo Umoja programs. The Empowered to Lead retreat is a transformative, 2-day event designed to provide student leaders from six different SMCCCD programs respite from the busy-ness of school, life and work to engage in purposeful and intentional self-reflection, courageous conversations, healing-centered wellness activities, community building and leadership development. To be an effective leader, you must first know yourself. Professional development is more than just resume and networking workshops. Professional development includes caring for the whole self. The intentionality behind the programming that Danielle Powell and Brittney S. created a powerfully beautiful experience for students to engage in meaningful self-reflection, be vulnerable about their fears and desires, to be encouraged in their commitments and value, and to be poured into. Thank you to Dr.Thema Bryant, Angie Franklin, and William Dungee for your time, your intention, and most importantly your love for our students. One student shared with me “I felt so heavy when I came here, but now I’m leaving so much lighter.” If only all of our educational experiences would result in students leaving lighter, supported, and confident about their next steps.