Unlocking Leadership Potential: Insights from iLead Session in Hope, Arkansas

by Daniela Kidd, Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Department Administrative Manager - May 6, 2024

Hope served as the backdrop for a transformative leadership experience during the fifth in-person iLead seminar held April 18-19. Hosted at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana and Southwest Research and Extension Center (SWREC) campuses, the event offered profound insights and practical learning opportunities for aspiring leaders.

Day One: Embracing Change

The journey commenced with a warm welcome at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana campus, setting the stage for a day filled with exploration and enlightenment. Dr. Julie Robinson and Dr. Steve Siegelin led an engaging session on "Leading Change," where participants delved into strategies to navigate and champion organizational transformations. Through lively discussions and interactive exercises, attendees gained invaluable tools to navigate the dynamic landscape of change management.

Later in the day, the Hempstead County Extension team led participants through a hands on strawberry jam-making demonstration. The day concluded with updates on leadership service projects, fostering a spirit of collaborative engagement and community impact.

Day Two: Harvesting Knowledge at SWREC

As day two dawned, participants made their way to SWREC for a day filled with agricultural insights. Dr. Daniel Rivera provided an overview of stocker cattle and offered insights into livestock management nuances.

Subsequent sessions unveiled a diverse tapestry of agricultural expertise, ranging from Dr. Jonathan Kubesch's forage research to Aaron Cato and Ryan Keiffer's vegetable production insights. Dr. Hannah Smith shed light on turfgrass management, while Amanda Greer provided a captivating tour of the Nematology Lab and Greenhouses, emphasizing the role of agricultural research in shaping sustainable futures.

Reflecting on Change, Shaping Futures

The concluding session served as a reflective nexus, consolidating learnings from the immersive journey. Participants engaged in spirited dialogue during the "Leading Change Wrap-Up," synthesizing key takeaways and charting pathways for future leadership endeavors.

With minds enriched and spirits invigorated, the iLead session adjourned, leaving an enduring imprint on each participant. As they dispersed, carrying the torch of leadership ignited in Hope, they embodied the spirit of transformative change-makers poised to shape the future.

To learn more information about the iLEAD program, please reach out to Julie Robinson at jrobinson@uada.edu or Lisa Davis at ldavis@uada.edu.