Leading Uniquely, Together

I've always felt different, even beyond the fact that I was one of very few AAPI faces in any given room. It was the fact that I was AAPI and neurodivergent.

Leading, in the traditional sense, was not something that came naturally to me; despite having the passion and fight for advocacy work, I was often a wallflower, afraid to speak up, afraid to be misunderstood, and, frankly, afraid to lead. I could never speak with the same gusto as others, or command the attention of the room. 

Contrary to the status quo, there is no singular way to lead. In fact, we all lead uniquely. How could we not? With the diverse array of background and experiences that we have, how could we expect anyone to conform to one way of thinking, of doing? It was at LEAP that I first learned these valuable lessons.

Being part of the LEAP Emerge program as a summer intern was an incredible experience packed with so much knowledge and experience that shaped who I was on the road to become. I began to see just how impactful my quiet, strange way of leading was. But being part of the LEAP Team, sharing laughter, pain, pride, and community, was where I truly began to blossom into who I am now: somebody who is proud to lead in quiet confidence. 

Neurodivergency and my against-the-grain way of thinking and doing was once a pitfall, but with the LEAP Team, it's only been a strength. In the current sociopolitical climate, where conformity is encouraged, it's organizations like LEAP that champion authenticity and diversity. We need more spaces, more people, and places to encourage digging deep, finding what is uniquely ours, and sharing it with the world-- confidently and unapologetically. 

This AANHPI Heritage Month, I implore you to give towards not only a more inclusive future for the next generation of leaders, but also towards cultivating a space where established leaders can fearlessly be themselves-- where we all can feel empowered to be uniquely us. 

LEAP towards the future with us!