“It was only through iLEAD Plus that I discovered my love for international policy… Partnering with my mentor is also an enriching experience. Establishing a network helps me to develop my leadership skills, identify professional development experiences, and interact with a community of young leaders in the world who are also passionate about positive social change. Such an opportunity would not have been available without iLEAD Plus.”
“Joining iLEAD Plus was one of the best decisions I made during my life at UON. Through iLEAD Plus, and the help of my mentor, I was able to focus on goals that could prepare me personally and professionally for a better future… I will forever cherish what iLEAD Plus has done for me and now it’s time for me to pay it forward.”
“iLEAD Plus has proven to me that, within ourselves, we are all great leaders and we need to nurture that and keep getting better at what we do first, in order to reach our goals and dreams as an individual.”
“iLEAD Plus has helped me to create meaningful goals for my future and introduced me to a wide interdisciplinary network of talented people. iLEAD Plus has taken me on a journey of self-actualisation, giving me the belief that my ideas are valued and confidence to take the lead towards positive change.”
"iLEAD Plus has provided me with numerous opportunities throughout my time at the University of Newcastle, most recently to attend the Youth 20 Dialogue in Berlin, Germany. This has allowed me to increase my cross-cultural communications skills, learn more about the world, and broaden my way of thinking.
"As employers increasingly look for candidates with soft skills developed outside of their studies, opportunities offered by iLEAD Plus are a great way to make yourself more employable whilst making new friends, seeing the world, and having an unforgettable time."
PhD Candidate (Gender and Health), Dr Tanmay Bagade, has been appointed as a UN Urban Scholar for the UN Global Compact - Cities Program (UNGCC) for 2018
"iLEAD Plus helped me develop the skills I needed for the position I hope to gain in the United Nations. I am a doctor - an obstetrician - and have worked in a few developing countries, such as Somalia. I wanted to go to the next level and implement whatever knowledge and experience I have related to policy development, project management, and technical support, which is needed. I wanted to be a part of iLEAD Plus and develop those transferable skills."
"A major highlight was meeting so many incredible women who were female champions of women in leadership. I’m particularly passionate about youth empowerment, and so I asked a lot of questions about how to empower youth to do more to have their voices heard. It was just incredible to be with [these leaders] and see them all in the same room, ask them questions directly, be able to communicate with them and pick their brains in such an informal, but also really professional setting. I really hope to be able to pass on the knowledge that I’ve learned to my fellow peers and also those on the sub-committees that I’m looking after."
"I signed up as an iLEAD Plus Mentor because I was keen to give back to up-and-coming students. I didn't realise how much I would also gain. Not only did the mentoring experience reignite my enthusiasm for lifelong learning, but it also introduced me to new concepts being taught through degree programs at the moment. I truly admire the additional effort that the student mentees have committed above their existing workload, and I hope I have had a positive impact."
"iLEAD Plus is a fantastic program which provides Newcastle-based alumni with an opportunity to give back in their field of interest. I have really enjoyed the program and look forward to seeing it evolve."
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.
