1-Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally? 

I never saw myself as a leader. Throughout this process, I learned that the best leaders are those who serve with courage, humility, and genuine interest in those they lead. Once I reframed leadership as servanthood, I could then see myself as a leader. Accordingly, that is where advocacy comes in. Serving is advocating, because advocating is caring. As you will see in my reflection on how my faith relates to this competency, Christ is the ultimate servant leader, champion for social justice, and advocate. Moreover, leadership skills are developmental, and to develop, one needs to have experience leading. Being my CSI’s chapter secretary and then president afforded me the opportunity to lead through serving. Personally, I pray for my heart to break for what breaks God’s heart. Once the opportunity to advocate and serve trafficking survivors arrived, I said yes. For God breaks when people hurt people, and if I can be a catalyst for at least one soul to know they matter, I will continue to say yes.

2-Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation? 

As stated above, I learned I can be a leader. Honestly, I find it more comfortable to do what I am told. However, I do not feel compelled to support leaders who act out of selfish ambition. Thus, my strength lies in genuinely caring for those I lead, and I plan to continue saying yes to leadership opportunities that God presents to me.

3-Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area? 

As stated, my challenge was not seeing myself as a leader. My plan is to be open to opportunities and say yes when the endeavor is to serve and advocate through leadership. The best leaders are those who serve. Furthermore, I will notice those who do not see themselves as leaders and mentor them by providing leadership opportunities, thereby fostering skill development and encouragement.

4-Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency. 

Throughout this entire program, my verse was 2 Corinthians 3:5, which states, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God” (NKJV). Accordingly, as Jesus is the ultimate leader, servant, and advocate, I rely on Him to be and do what He calls me to. This is the competency that aligns with my faith the most, because God cares for the oppressed. Jesus, whose Spirit indwells those who believe in Him, said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” Luke 4:18 (NKJV). What a sacred honor we have!