So, what exactly is a Student Leader?

When people hear the term “student leader,” they often think of class presidents, organization presidents, or the person speaking at campus events. But leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about taking initiative, inspiring change, and advocating for others.

A student leader is the person who organizes meetings to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. It’s the student who steps up when no one else will, the one who sees a problem on campus and works to fix it. Sometimes, student leadership is loud—marching, protesting, or speaking at events. Other times, it’s quiet—mentoring a first-year student, creating opportunities behind the scenes, or simply showing up as representation in spaces where we’re often absent.

For Black and minority students, leadership can also mean carrying the weight of representation. It means advocating for inclusion, pushing for change, and making sure the next generation has an easier path. But at its core, leadership is about impact—big or small, seen or unseen.

So, if you’ve ever spoken up, taken action, or helped pave the way for someone else, congratulations—you’re already a student leader. And this space is for you.