By Jenny Loredo, business management senior, Collins College of Business
Last month, I attended the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., which focused on servant leadership principles inspired by Jesus of Nazareth. During the forum, I immersed myself in transformative discussions centered around themes such as identity, purpose, relationships, integrity, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Being surrounded by over 200 like-minded servant leaders in our nation’s capital was exhilarating!
A memorable highlight was our visit to the Capitol during the week of the 2024 election. Walking through those historic halls and sitting on the House floor while hearing from Republican Congressman Tracey Mann and former Democratic Rep. Jim Slattery was particularly inspiring given the division in our country. Their discussions on forgiveness and reconciliation emphasized unity – not just within our country, but among all people. The wisdom they shared left a lasting impression on me, reinforcing the idea that we can bridge divides with forgiveness, compassion, and understanding.
Throughout the weekend, I spent most of my time with my small group, which quickly became like family. Our breakout sessions fostered an environment of vulnerability that allowed us to share our stories freely and support one another in our journeys toward becoming better versions of ourselves.
I was also profoundly inspired by the remarkable lineup of speakers who shared their journeys with us. From congressmen to trauma therapists, life coaches, designers, and entrepreneurs, each speaker offered valuable insights drawn from their unique experiences. Two breakout sessions resonated deeply with me: Bec Heinrich’s passionate talk about slowing down in a fast-paced world full of busy people and Cathy Loerzel’s powerful message on healing generational trauma.
Heinrich highlighted that humility is not thinking of yourself as less but thinking about yourself less. This perspective has become a foundational principle for me as a leader. She also emphasized that we must “slow down to speed up,” reminding us that being busy can hinder our ability to connect with others. This insight encouraged me to prioritize self-care and emotional availability in my leadership approach.
Loerzel discussed the importance of addressing both “Big T” Trauma and “Little t” trauma as essential steps toward healing ourselves and the world around us. Her insights prompted me to reflect on how I can contribute to healing within my community.
Attending the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., was a valuable opportunity to connect with peers and leaders from across the country. In three days, I engaged in thought-provoking discussions, heard from influential speakers, and explored themes of service and character-driven leadership.
The forum emphasized fostering genuine connections and delving deeper into the principles that guide personal and professional growth. The environment encouraged open dialogue and challenged attendees to consider the role of faith and values in their leadership journey. Conversations were introspective yet constructive, focusing on how we can apply these ideas in our respective fields.
I am deeply grateful to The University of Tulsa for believing in me, supporting me, and investing in my future. This experience has equipped me with valuable tools and perspectives that I am eager to apply as I strive to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.