Page 7 - Leadership 20-1

Tonya Daniels - Chair - Humanities, Foreign Language, Philosophy, Communications, Volunteer State Community College, USA

Where do you get the confdence to know that you are ready for what tomorrow may bring?
My confdence stems from the experiences that I have had in the past and what I have learned from them. Tese
experiences include my education background, family upbringing and support, my faith, and situations I deal with
on a daily basis.
How is your Academy experience preparing you for the future - personally and professionally?
Te Academy experience has been instrumental in teaching me that my strengths and my character are an essential
part of my team, school, and community. It has demonstrated that strengths are not always packaged the same way or
come in a certain form. My sense of calm and peacefulness is valued as well. It has also given me the opportunity to
connect with a wonderful mentor who is guiding me in my professional career. I am using that courage in my strengths to take some steps I may
not have taken before.
What is one thing you would recommend to colleagues to help better equip them - individually and collectively - for the challenges they will face in post-secondary education?
I would recommend that they really know themselves and their values. It will shape how they handle each situation and will help them understand
any emotions they may face while tackling challenges.

Scott A. Mandia - Professor - Physical Sciences, Asst. Chair, Suffolk County Community College, USA
Where do you get the confdence to know that you are ready for what tomorrow may bring?
I am a scientist so my brain is wired to be analytical, which means I am comfortable synthesizing data in order to make
decisions. Tis has served me well in the past so I have confdence it will do so in the future. I also have a very strong
support network with family at home and at work with my team. Mistakes are a part of life so it is comforting to know I
have support when it happens.
How is your Academy experience preparing you for the future - personally and professionally?
Academy training has shown me how to focus on my strengths while also recognizing the strengths of others, which
may difer from my own. I have become better at communicating information with diverse groups which has served me
particularly well with my climate change communication eforts.
What is one thing you would recommend to colleagues to help better equip them - individually and collectively - for the challenges they will face in post-secondary education?
Ditch Te Golden Rule (Treat others as you wish to be treated) and embrace Te Platinum Rule (Treat others in the manner they wish to be treated).
I found the DiSC® training to be most valuable in this respect. Most of us are aware of our own behavior but DiSC® allows us to understand the
behavior of others while also revealing how our behavior is perceived by others. What I may perceive as confdence (positive behavior) others may
perceive as arrogance (negative behavior).

Eva Aboagye, Ph.D - Senior Researcher, Institute for Global Citizenship and Equity, Centennial College, USA
Where do you get the confdence to know that you are ready for what tomorrow may bring?
I get the confdence through embracing continuous learning; we are in a rapidly changing world and it is important to
be constantly acquiring new skills. Secondly, I gain that confdence from my colleagues and the fact that they will be
there to support me.
How is your Academy experience preparing you for the future - personally and professionally?
Personally, the Academy experience has made me more refective about my life and my values and this has empowered
me to make positive changes for the future. Professionally, the experience has made me more self-aware and has given
me critical leadership tools that I will use.
What is one thing you would recommend to colleagues to help better equip them - individually and collectively - for the challenges they will face in post-secondary education?
I recommend that they get a mentor who is willing to share their knowledge and experiences with them.

Charlotte Cepeda - Director, School of Education, Northern Marianas College, Northern Marianas Islands, USA
Where do you get the confdence to know that you are ready for what tomorrow may bring?
Confdence comes from within. With faith and family, all things are possible.
How is your Academy experience preparing you for the future - personally and professionally?
Te Chair Academy has increased my level of confdence in my abilities to become a transformational leader. I have
become self-aware and am able to take my strengths and skills and utilize them to make a diference in my quest to
impact lives.
What is one thing you would recommend to colleagues to help better equip them - individually and collectively - for the challenges they will
face in post-secondary education?
My piece of advice is also my personal mission statement, “Commit to moving ahead while doing the right thing.”
Te right thing will always lead to amazing results.

LEADERSHIP Vol. 20.1 Spring/Summer 2014 5

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