How has ASDA helped you build your leadership skills?
ASDA leadership has challenged me to grow personally and professionally in many ways. From practicing discipline, empowering team members, resolving conflict and developing situational awareness. The skill most foreign to me is “learning to follow.” A great leader yields control when appropriate; learning to keep an open mind and trusting team members’ expertise will often lead to event success if you are not versed on the subject matter.
What do you think is the most vital quality in a leader?
Emotional intelligence is the most vital quality in a successful leader, which includes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Leading with emotional intelligence precedes other vital qualities, therefore, setting a foundation for critical thinking, while building camaraderie and trust among team members.
Why should members get involved with ASDA leadership positions?
ASDA is a premier student organization providing invaluable experiences developing one’s personal and professional growth. ASDA is arguably the most impactful student organization among all professional programs facilitating events such as, vendor fairs, business symposiums, wellness, advocacy and service events. ASDA truly covers all pillars of dental medicine and remains a hallmark of student-organized dentistry.
What future leadership roles in organized denstiry interest you and why?
American Dental Political Action Committee (ADPAC) leadership roles interest me because involvement would grant my constituents and I a voice on Capitol Hill, which influences legislation impacting our profession and the patient populations we serve. Seeking policy change in my quickly declining neighborhood in Philadelphia, influenced me to induce change as a Volunteer Youth Voter Outreach Correspondent at a Campaign Office and now fueling my interest in ADPAC advocacy. I witnessed firsthand the impact of advocacy when I spearheaded the coordination of youth voter retention strategies, which led to the recruitment of 180 voter registrants and new legislation in my housing district. I was able to communicate the policy to the community while canvassing door-to-door helping to elect Jared Solomon, 202nd Legislative District State Representative.