Leadership Plenty Training Empowers Northern Students with Essential Skills

Northern New Mexico College recently concluded its LeadershipPlenty Student Leadership Training, an intensive program designed to equip students with essential leadership and problem-solving skills. Held over five sessions in October and November 2024, the training brought together juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds to enhance their ability to work in teams, engage with their communities, and prepare for professional success.

Facilitated by Dr. Rudy Garcia, a seasoned leadership expert with over 27 years of experience in higher education and 25 years in the corporate and private sectors, the training focused on experiential learning. Students participated in interactive workshops that emphasized self-awareness, teamwork, strategic partnerships, conflict resolution, and effective communication.

Building Leaders from Within
The program kicked off with Finding Leaders Within, encouraging students to explore their unique leadership potential and reflect on their roles in the community. As the training progressed, participants delved into Identifying Community Assets and Managing Groups for Results, gaining insights into organizational dynamics and effective teamwork.

A key highlight was the session on Making Meetings Work, where students learned practical tools for organizing and leading productive discussions. They also tackled Managing Conflict, a crucial module that helped them understand the role of disagreements in decision-making and how to channel conflict into positive outcomes.

Student Senate's Vital Role
Members of the Student Senate played a significant role in the training, actively participating in discussions and workshops. Their leadership and engagement helped shape the sessions, fostering an environment of collaboration and mentorship for their peers. Their contributions were instrumental in making the program a success and inspiring other students to take on leadership roles within the college and beyond.

From Talk to Action
One of the standout aspects of the program was its focus on real-world applications. The Moving from Talk to Action module challenged students to develop and implement community action plans, applying their newly acquired soft skills to address real issues. The final sessions on Valuing Evaluation and Communicating for Change emphasized the importance of assessing impact and crafting messages that inspire action.

Participants received a LeadershipPlenty journal, a flash drive with training materials, and a Certificate of Completion. The in-person format allowed students to foster strong connections and build lasting partnerships with their peers.

Investing in the Future
"This training has been an invaluable experience for our students," said a representative from Northern New Mexico College. "It not only prepares them for their careers but also empowers them to be active, engaged members of their communities."

With leadership development being a critical component of career readiness, the LeadershipPlenty Training has once again demonstrated its impact by equipping students with the confidence and skills to lead effectively. As Northern continues to invest in student success, programs like this ensure that graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions in their professional and personal lives.