The LeaderShape Institute is an intensive, energizing, six-day educational experience designed to equip young adults to become extraordinary leaders. Each session of The LeaderShape Institute is comprised of approximately 60-70 students, ages 17-25, from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.  This year FIU actively participated in the Leadershape experience by sending four students to both the local session in Gainesville Florida and to the national session in Indiana. Anthony Farid, of Tau Kappa Epsilon, stated, “This has been one of the best leadership opportunities I’ve ever been a part of and I really want to take back what I learned to the FIU community and my groups.” Among the other participants who attended Leadershape were Louis Rodriguez, a member of the Alternative Breaks Program, Lisa Marie Young of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, and Ana Maria Silva, the current president of the Biscayne Bay Campus Student Government Council.

Angel Garcia a Coordinator from the Center for Leadership and Service was also selected as a Family Cluster Facilitator in the Florida Leadership Session. Angel explains how much of an impact Leadershape had for not only his personal development, but the impact it made for the students, “Leadershape is something that everyone should experience at least once in their professional career. Seeing our students go through Leadershape and focus on their vision is a very powerful experience. It was even more rewarding to me knowing that I helped play a part in that process.”