Prior to the start of their junior year, the Class of 2022 took part in Leadership Academy: Concepts and Models, an opportunity for Park Scholars to examine their leadership styles and those of their peers. For the first time ever, the full-day event took place over Zoom.
As part of the four-year Leadership Academy curriculum, the Concepts and Models session provides a framework for reflection on leadership styles and ways to work effectively in diverse environments. Prior to the session, participants solicited anonymous feedback from their peers, supervisors, and mentors about their leadership strengths and weaknesses, assessed their tolerance for ambiguity, completed a written assignment, and reviewed the leadership section of their plans for professional development.
The day included a panel and reception with four Park alumni, a leadership coaches panel followed by a series of small group meetings with the nine leadership coaches, and a two-hour segment on assessments and assignments to reflect on key takeaways from this experience.
The Park Scholarships program is grateful to the five Park alumni and eight volunteers who supported this event.
Park Alumni Panelists
- Jennifer Biggs ’11, CEO, Ampogee
- Warren Perry ’08, Physician and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Emory University
- Michele Tam ’00, Senior Expert and Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company
- Wilson White ’03, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations, Google
Leadership Coaches
- Katyna Borroto-Esoda, Managing Partner, KBE Consulting LLC; Member, Board of Visitors, NC State
- Tom Foster, Owner & President, Commissioning WorCx
- Representative Rosa Gill, District 33 Representative, North Carolina General Assembly
- Ravila Gupta, CEO, Bagchi Group
- Brian Harry, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft; Farmer, Minka Farm
- Vivian Howard, Restaurateur, Chef & The Farmer, Benny’s Big Time, Lenoir, Handy & Hot; Television Host, Somewhere South
- David Powers, Principal, Powers Strategies LLC; Member, Board of Governors, University of North Carolina
- Oliver Schabenberger, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Technology Officer, SAS Institute
- Barton Strawn ’10, Project Lead, Coel Studio