by Heidi Happonen

This week, a panel of leaders from both Northeastern University and leading non-profits across Boston joined together to share challenges and opportunities in leadership to a rising group of young leaders. From how to tackle imposter syndrome, to managing through failure, to the importance of building a strong network of people who believe in you, these current leaders addressed a room of high school students with authenticity and intention.  

Representing diverse schools across the greater Boston area, students engaged with leaders as part of their own leadership program through Mothers for Justice and Equality, an organization built in response to the needs of many single mothers in our communities. Recognizing single mothers living in poverty endure poor mental health through social stresses such as health scares, job losses, homelessness, domestic violence, street and gun violence, and related issues, Mothers for Justice helps individuals of all ages to become empowered and ready for community involvement.   

Panelists included: 

• Dr. Earlene Avalon, Teaching Professor, Lowell Institute Director 

• Carl Barrows, Associate Director Operations, Training, Community Impact and Events – Center for the Study of Sport in Society 

• Simone Esteves, Director of New Teacher Development, Match Education 

• Chimel Idiokitas, Asst VP – City & Community Affairs City and Community 

• Dr. Ashley Porter, Deeper Learning Implementation Manager 

• Dr. Jalene Tamerat, Associate Director of Community Engaged Teaching and Research, Northeastern U. 

• Dr. Corliss Thompson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Graduate School of Education, Northeastern U. 

• Alda Witherspoon, Founder, CEO of the Witherspoon Institute, GET LIT! Book Band Tour 

One of the most powerful takeaways from the 1.5-hour conversation was the importance of self-talk. Alda Witherspoon of the Witherspoon Institute distributed a handout of affirmations to the room and after each panelist shared their own struggles with self-doubt and how they’ve integrated affirmations into their ongoing leadership practice, the students followed suit.  

In addition to the affirmations and the powerful vulnerability of the panelists and students, there were countless impactful statements that resonated in that room. Some of them are included below: 

“When you contribute positively, you will always win.” – Carl Barrows 

“Surround yourself with people who will push you and help you see your potential even when you can’t” – Earlene Avalon 

“Sometimes you have to bring your own energy into the room because the room doesn’t always have the energy to feed you.” – Alda Witherspoon 

“You have knowledge you may not yet value. Walk in confidence.” — Ashley Porter 

“It sometimes only takes one person who can see your potential to help you push through struggles to find your path forward.” – Corliss Thompson