Sheila Trinh faced unusual challenges during her stint as president of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Enactus chapter in 2020-21. But the Lawrenceville, Georgia, native did not let the COVID-19 pandemic prevent her from stoking the passion of UNG's entrepreneurial and service club.
In a national competition, Trinh helped the team finish second in its division for a presentation about efforts to boost recycling opportunities in Hall County Schools. She sees leadership as an ability to collaborate successfully.
"You have to be a very good listener," Trinh said. "You realize it's not just you controlling everything. To be a leader is to be the voice of everyone, not just yourself."
That process involves learning what individuals enjoy doing, then giving them an avenue to use those skills to benefit the group. She said this approach shows that she understands how each person can contribute and not simply follow orders. She recognizes their potential and helps them see it, too.
"There's trust there," Trinh said. "They know that I believe in them and that I'm allowing them to become leaders."
She has also served as a student worker through math tutoring on subjects ranging from college algebra to Calculus II.
Trinh, who plans to graduate in fall 2023, said building relationships is essential for leaders to gain the credibility needed to accomplish tasks.
"You should connect with the people you're working with," Trinh said. "Respect is a major aspect of leading people. When there's no respect, leadership isn't possible."
Trinh sees leaders as people who help their colleagues in good times and bad.
"Leadership is being reliable, being the person who's there whenever someone needs something done," she said.
