Mallory Rodriguez spends her days teaching University of North Georgia (UNG) students about leadership and mentoring them as they take on various roles on campus.
UNG's director of student leadership sees leadership as a chance to change the world for the better.
"Leadership is an opportunity to work toward positive social change in communities," Rodriguez said. "It's about people coming together to make good things happen, make a difference and leverage the strengths of our teams to build off one another."
Rodriguez has experienced the lessons gained via formal training such as Leadership Lumpkin and the Gallup Accelerated Strengths Coaching course, guiding students from across the University System of Georgia (USG) through the Leaving a Legacy of Leadership, and through daily experience. Those elements add up to an understanding that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all mentality.
"Leadership is personal. There is not just one right way to lead," Rodriguez said. "Everybody has the capability to lead if they invest in developing themselves, if they feel stirred to make change."
She understands influence can come through a position, but she reminds her students they can make an impact wherever they are.
"Leadership shouldn't be a scary thing," Rodriguez said. "It's a part of our everyday lives where we can make small impacts and changes that make a big difference."
A particular instance in which she guided students to see their own potential was the unification of Student Government Association (SGA). In fall 2020, SGA enacted a system with a single president and campus vice presidents for the first time. It was an in-depth process where collaboration made something new possible.
"What I loved about that journey with our students was helping them see a vision that they'd never dreamed of before," Rodriguez said. "It's easy to get into a routine and feel like there's no other way."
