One of my favorite aspects about NYU is the many opportunities it offers for students to grow in leadership and make an impact. With programs that build skills, foster creativity, give awards, and support positive change, students can find ways to succeed in any field. Whether you want to lead a club, start a business, or solve problems in your community, NYU has the resources to help you reach your goals.

My fellow Marketing and Recruitment Supervisors at our first leadership training
My fellow Marketing and Recruitment supervisors at our first training
The Center for Student Life: Your Launchpad to Leadership at NYU

The Center for Student Life helps students grow into effective leaders. Specifically, their programs teach important skills like clear communication, responsible behavior, and self-reflection.

Moreover, the Center for Student Life provides resources such as leadership training and workshops for over 300 student clubs. These programs help students gain the confidence they need to lead and create meaningful change in their communities.

Getting involved is easy! In fact, students can sign up for leadership workshops or join one of the many student organizations on campus. For example, the Center for Student Life greatly supported my role as president of the club Literacy Matters. Through this support, I developed the skills to manage events, organize teams, and communicate effectively with club members.

My fellow executive board members and I at our first December meeting
My fellow executive board members and I at our first December meeting
The Changemaker Center: Developing Global Leaders

The Changemaker Center develops leaders from all backgrounds passionate about solving global challenges. I highly recommend getting involved in their programming and award ceremonies, including the Changemaker Awards. These recognition programs celebrate students who make a significant impact through leadership and community service.

Furthermore, my experience with the Changemaker Center has been incredibly inspiring. I won the Changemaker Award in spring 2024 for founding a literacy nonprofit and engaging in meaningful literacy service work. This experience not only enhanced my leadership skills but also prepared me for future opportunities in both my career and personal life.

Changemaker Award Flyer
My award flyer, created by the Changemaker Center for MLK week!
NYU Elab: Launching Your Own Business or Startup

NYU’s Entrepreneurial Lab, or Elab, serves student entrepreneurs who want to create their businesses or startups. In particular, the Elab guides students with innovative ideas, helping them turn those ideas into reality.

Additionally, the Elab offers info sessions, workshops, financial awards, and access to professionals who mentor students as they develop and launch their businesses. These resources make it easier for students to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, from planning to execution.

For example, I started a medical scribe consulting business using the Elab’s resources, which brought my idea to life. As the Vice President of Marketing for the club Women Founders, I connect with entrepreneurs nationwide. By sharing their stories, I help link the NYU community to a wider network of inspiring leaders.

First women founders speaker event
Women Founders' first speaker event in the Elab

Elena Garcia is a senior studying English literature on the prelaw track with minors in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology and Social and Cultural Analysis. She is the president of NYU’s Literacy Advocacy Coalition and the founder of Barraz Genesis, a nonprofit organization with branches in Arizona, Texas, and NYC dedicated to increasing literacy rates in underrepresented school districts. Elena works extensively in immigration law, researching migratory patterns and the cultural structures present within the Latino community. When she is not giving tours with her fellow admissions ambassadors, she loves exploring New York City’s vibrant cultural scene, including Broadway shows, The Metropolitan Opera, art museums, and new dining spots.