Student Affairs Leads Illinois
What’s Your Superpower?
Everyone in Student Affairs has something valuable to contribute. Leadership happens at every level. And when we combine our individual superpowers, Student Affairs Leads Illinois.
Each of us brings unique skills, perspectives, and strengths to our work. Those are our superpowers—the things we do exceptionally well, the strengths others count on us for, and the ways we make a difference for our teams, our students, and the University of Illinois.
Across Student Affairs, our colleagues are:
- Problem-solvers
- Relationship-builders
- Innovators and strategists
- Advocates and caregivers
- Organizers and creators
- Truth-tellers
- Calm voices in moments of crisis
- People who see possibilities where others see barriers
- People who help students and colleagues know they belong
We need all of those superpowers.
Recognizing Our Belonging Heroes
One of the most powerful superpowers we have in Student Affairs is the ability to create belonging. Throughout September, we will recognize Student Affairs Belonging Heroes—employees who go above and beyond to help students or colleagues feel seen, welcomed, valued, and connected.
We want to hear from you! From September 1-24 nominate a colleague whose superpower is creating a stronger sense of belonging. Nominees will be featured in the Student Affairs Digest and directly below on this webpage.
Congratulations to our Belonging Heroes:
Each was nominated by their colleagues for the ways they help foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Representing areas across Student Affairs, these people make a difference through the ways they welcome, support, connect, and value others.
Esmeralda Valerio • Destiny Reinoehl • Luis Aleman • Susan Sanchez • Stephanie Huerta • Patricia Philiph • Kimberly Alexander-Brown • January Boten • Un Yeong Park • Rob Flowers • Dan DiMio • Kelly Sanders • Sarah Miller.
Leadership Happens at Every Level
Leadership is not defined by your title, your position, or how many people report to you. It is about how you show up, how you serve others, the decisions you make, and your willingness to use your strengths to move our collective work forward.
This year, we are challenging every Student Affairs colleague to do three things:
1. Know your superpower.
Recognize the skills and strengths you uniquely bring to your work.
2. Use your superpower.
Look for opportunities to put those strengths into action—for your colleagues, your unit, our students, and the university.
3. Share your superpower.
Use what you do well to help others, strengthen our teams, and advance our shared work.
Just as importantly, recognize the superpowers in the people around you. Celebrate them. Create space for others to lead. Ask for help when someone else’s strength is exactly what the moment requires.
No one person and no one unit can do this work alone. Our greatest strength comes from bringing our talents together around a shared purpose: helping every Illinois student thrive.
Celebrating Our Superpowers
Throughout the year, we will celebrate the people and superpowers that make Student Affairs extraordinary.
Watch the Student Affairs Digest and this webpage for stories, features, and opportunities to recognize the many ways Student Affairs colleagues lead Illinois.
We’ll also highlight drawings and other content created during Kickoff as part of the celebration. If you prefer that your Kickoff drawing or other information not be shared with the division, please contact Sarah Miller at semiller@illinois.edu.
Together, We Lead Illinois
Let’s carry the energy of Kickoff throughout the year. Let’s lead with courage, support one another, embrace innovation, use the resources around us, make thoughtful decisions, and never underestimate the difference we can make when we work together.
You have a superpower.
Our team has superpowers.
And together, Student Affairs Leads Illinois.
I-L-L!
