Starla A. T.’s Post

Leading with opportunity.

"If you build it/create it, they will come." This is an understatement for us as we have seen more and more students visiting and asking questions about how they can get involved in fraternities and sororities. We are excited for tomorrow as we celebrate the beginning of a new era at Florida International University with the ribbon cutting for the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Enrichment. FIU's Center of Fraternity & Sorority Enrichment intentionally concentrates our efforts utilizing learning outcomes to enrich the student learning and development. Our staff strive to navigate how our co-curricular experiences prepare students in the areas of leadership development, social responsibility, community impact, through service, philanthropy, and economic impact, and career preparedness/readiness. It’s why we aren’t the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life because our work should enrich chapters, members, campus, and the greater community. The main goals of the center as well as where FSL is headed in general for the future: (1) Provide co-curricular experiences in the areas of leadership development, social responsibility, community impact, and career preparedness/readiness; (2) Create structures to provide focused support for leadership coaching and chapter/council support; (3) Grow the fraternity and sorority community to at least 10% of the campus population; and (4) Develop a national benchmark for effective resources and staffing for fraternity and sorority communities. If you would like to attend, RSVP to go.fiu.edu/fslopenhouse. If you cannot attend, please consider giving a gift to go.fiu.edu/greekfund.

As the Summer Term approaches non-academic leaders from across the school work together to create memorable events for departing students and new families. These events range from grand prize-giving ceremonies to heartfelt farewells for departing students and warm welcomes for incoming families. The agenda is diverse and extensive, reflecting the rich tapestry of experiences offered by these institutions. Far more than mere ceremonies, these events serve as pivotal moments for the school community. They are not only opportunities to celebrate achievements but also powerful tools for retention and attraction. For existing families, they reinforce the bond with the school, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty. Meanwhile, for new families, they offer a glimpse into the school's ethos, culture, and community spirit, laying the groundwork for lasting connections. Beyond the immediate benefits, these occasions also sow the seeds for future alumni engagement. By creating memorable experiences and forging strong relationships, schools lay the foundation for lifelong connections with their former pupils. In essence, these end-of-term events are more than just calendar entries; they are vibrant expressions of the school's identity and values. They encapsulate the spirit of learning, growth, and community that defines the ethos of independent education in the UK. Talk to us about how we can help your school reach the very best talent who can create impact and growth in your school, email: Talk@schoolsleadership.com or message Kirsty Hassan. #summerterm #events #schoolsmarketing #schoolsleadership

HAPPY GCU DAY OF GIVING from GCU Women in Business! Our leadership team is so thankful for such an incredible network of industry professionals who pour into our club and devote not only their time but resources as well to support us! If you don’t know much about us, GCU Women in Business is a thriving student-led organization at GCU, dedicated to empowering female business students. Our club fosters networking, collaboration, and professional growth through events, mentorship programs, and connections with industry leaders. By supporting Women in Business on GCU Day of Giving, you're directly investing in the future of female business professionals. Your contribution will help us continue to offer valuable opportunities for our members, including: Mentorship: where upperclassmen are mentored by industry professionals as well as our peer-to-peer mentoring program for upperclassmen & underclassmen. Leadership Development: enhancing our club members' leadership skills through workshops and events that we can organize for them. Career Preparation: gain insights into the business world and the preparation/skills that we need as women in business to launch our careers. Events: these are the days that our club members are able to connect with industry professionals face-to-face and learn, grow, and develop new skills. Every contribution, whether financial or through active participation, makes a difference to us. To donate, follow the link and please follow the directions to give to the "Women in Business Club". https://lnkd.in/gMUkWEN7 Thank you for your support of Women in Business! If you are looking to get plugged into our club, please email us at ccobwomeninbusiness@gmail.com.

Today is #IUDay. It’s billed as a time to celebrate Indiana University and, oh by the way, send money. Someone at IU asked me to forward the university’s messages on social media. But if you’re my friend here, you know that I write my own stuff. I’m a Phi Beta Kappa IU graduate. I was on campus for the filming of “Breaking Away.” I served on my college’s alumni board for 15 years and chaired it for several. I’m an IU Foundation donor. My wife and I have created an endowed IU scholarship. IU is in my will. As a communications professional, I once created TV ads for IU, marketed some of its schools, and once co-authored the strategic plan for the IU Alumni Association. When I closed my ad/PR agency, I became an IU professor of practice, teaching at the place that taught me. Most important, I married a woman who worked at IU for 17 years. We met through the university. I’m forever grateful for that. In short, I care deeply about the place. But I’m not a fan of #IUDay. I’ve always felt the notion of “celebrating” is too vague and too difficult to measure. I’d prefer an “IU Day of Giving” like those employed by other universities I follow. It’s easier to track results in cash. This year, hyping #IUDay was complicated by what happened on the eve of #IUDay, when the faculty at our flagship campus rebuked the university president, provost and vice provost with overwhelming no-confidence votes. The IU Board of Trustees responded with a statement of support for the president. It said, in part, that we’re living through “a time in higher education where the status quo is not an option.” True. The president weighed in with a statement of her own. It said, in part, “We serve at a time when trust in higher education is at record lows, and expectations for our role as an economic and cultural driver are at record highs. Our self-concept of purpose and value often differs wildly from how we are viewed by lawmakers, civic leaders, industry and much of the general public. Such differences are not tenable forever.” Also true. But in such circumstances, leaders cannot simply say “times are changing; get over it” and expect others to follow. Leadership requires motivation, not mandates. It cries out for inspiration, not intimidation. Leadership that moves the status quo requires lots of listening and positive participation. You can’t get from point A to point B merely by dragging the masses kicking, screaming, and mistrusting the leaders. I’m in a mood this #IUDay. It won’t change my love for the institution. But it’s sure not what we’re accustomed to celebrating on #IUDay and every day.

Check out this fascinating research from Dr. Chen Ji, assistant professor in our Department of Non-Profit Administration!

Some hard truths and compelling insights from my friend and colleague Ian Symmonds. He reminds us that the mission of non-profits—schools specifically— is transformation, not profit. Impact, not growth for the sake of growth. An excellent read that should generate difficult and overdue conversations in schools. #independentschools #leadership #strategicplanning #payattention

Embark on a transformative journey with Wings to Fly, a beacon of hope in the educational landscape. Picture this – 48,009 bright minds soaring to new heights, courtesy of Equity Group Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation. This scholarship initiative doesn't just open doors to secondary education; it's a key that unlocks a future for top-performing students facing financial hurdles. But wait, there's more than just tuition fees covered here. Wings to Fly shape well-rounded individuals, providing not only academic support but also mentorship, back-to-school hampers, psychosocial care, and even medical assistance. It's not just about completing secondary school; it's about instilling values, fostering leadership, and creating a culture of giving back. Now, let's talk success rates – an impressive 97% of scholars complete secondary school, with 82% securing direct entry to universities, both locally and globally. And it doesn't end there. The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) unfolds, with 17,820 scholars stepping into universities, 7,482 benefiting from Equity Bank internships, and 3,262 flourishing in TVET colleges. Mentorship plays a pivotal role, led by university student mentors who were once in the shoes of these aspiring scholars. Imagine the impact when alumni return to guide and monitor academic progress. It's a full-circle experience that goes beyond education – it's about creating leaders who make a difference. But we're not done yet! The Wings to Fly community doesn't just stop at scholarships. Engaging forums, career talks, and giveback activities bring together parents, guardians, Equity Bank staff, and mentors. Picture an Annual Education and Leadership Congress – a week where cohorts unite, learning from society's trailblazers. It's not just education; it's a movement, a force that uplifts communities. Join the flight to success with Wings to Fly – where education meets empowerment, and every scholar is a testament to the transformative power of wings. https://lnkd.in/dsjk347K DM "Copywriting" #givingbacktothecommunity #linkedinghostwriter #equitycrowdfunding #copywriting #marketingdigital #linkedinbranding

This morning, I had the privilege of attending a Public School Forum of North Carolina work session at The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. I gained insights into the current trends in education across North Carolina. These trends are reflective of many other states in the US and have significant implications for nonprofits, philanthropic agencies, business partners, teachers, and policymakers. Here are some of the key takeaways: 1. Nonprofits and philanthropic agencies are seeking innovation in education but are also skeptical about it. The critical question is whether to fund incremental change or moonshots. 2. Business partners prioritize district partnerships that positively impact communities through internships, certifications, and other application-based approaches to learning. 3. Authentic leadership opportunities for teachers are essential for talent retention, and redefining traditional teacher roles is crucial to position talented people with students. 4. There may be a growing gap between communities in terms of literacy around the opportunities and risks of harnessing generative AI. Intentional stakeholder literacy and early-phase planning efforts can help modulate the tension between untested innovation and outlawing technology. 5. The need for bold, agile education policy seems perpendicular to the current legislative appetite. We must reinforce the expectation that elected officials 'meet in the middle' to lead much-needed change. These trends represent my synthesis of critical trends across North Carolina and the United States. I welcome you to share insights based on issues in your local community. Let's help one another uplift the adage that 'all politics are local' to address these global challenges. Advanced Learning Partnerships, Inc Mary Ann Wolf #EducationTrends #LocalPolitics #GlobalChallenges

Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize 2025 ($250,000 cash award) by University of Pennsylvania Category: Contest Entrepreneurs Grants Benefits Each year, the Lipman Family Prize selects three winners. The grand prize winning organization receives a $250,000 unrestricted cash award, and the two additional winning organizations each receive a $150,000 unrestricted cash award. In addition, all three winners receive the same non-monetary benefits including: 1.An ongoing partnership with the University dedicated to knowledge sharing and support of the organization, including opportunities for resources and relationships to help scale the work or improve organizational sustainability. 2. Promotion of their work and accomplishments to a large audience, and network development within the Lipman Prize community of winners, and the broader Penn network. 3.Access to tuition-free executive education programs at the Wharton Executive Educationand the Center for Social Impact Strategy, valued at approximately $15,000. 4.The exclusive Lipman Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship, given in partnership with the University’s School of Public Policy and Practice, valued at approximately $10,000. Application Link: https://lnkd.in/dRZv6adX Deadline: 26th of July 2024 #scholarshipbob #scholarshipopportunities #scholarships #grants #scholarship