Student Highlights
iLead creates leaders like Chiara

When Master of Business Administration and Applied Finance student Chiara decided to participate in the University of Newcastle’s iLead program, her reason was pretty simple.

“To become the leader that I want to be,” she says.

The program supports outstanding students in developing the skills required to lead meaningful change.

Members of iLEAD progress through a specialised program that offers bespoke workshops, mentoring from leading alumni and the opportunity to lead and contribute to community projects that have impact.

Chiara says she hoped the program would help her gain “confidence in my capabilities, awareness of the impact that we can make on others, and the opportunity to build networking that helps us to share experiences.”

But perhaps the most significant lesson the program has taught her, is what truly makes a great leader.

“Working in multicultural groups with people from different backgrounds made me aware of those skills that we need to make it work – active listening, empathy, being open to new ideas, and being outside of your comfort zone.

“Everyone can be good in what we do, but we need to use these strengths as a whole to accomplish the same goal, especially when there is more than one leader,” she says.

An international student, Chiara says taking part in the iLead program has been an important step in in her personal and professional development.

“I had the experience to lead a team, and I want to have it again and make it better. I’ve had really good bosses in my life and I want to inspire people like they inspire me.

“Now with my masters and iLead program, I’m gaining the opportunity to develop those skills that I need to be a better professional,” she says.

Learn more about the iLEAD program

Chiara Quiroz Guzman

Chiara is becoming the leader she's always wanted to be, through the University of Newcastle's iLEAD program.