Launch into Leadership scholarship
Launch into Leadership scholarship receipents are SDSU students who provide services, programs and resources necessary for positive leadership growth and development of SDSU student organizations and other on-campus student groups. The purpose of the team is to develop and promote leadership to SDSU students.
The Launch into Leadership scholars present leadership workshops on a variety of topics. These workshops can be tailored for student organization meetings. For more information, please visit the Leadership Workshop page.
Interested in being a launch into leadership scholar?
Join the next cohort of Launch Into Leadership students! This year-long immersive leadership program will help you build leadership skills. In addition to presenting an array of leadership workshops, you will be required to attend one large-scale leadership event per month. There is also a scholarship opportunity available to those who are in the program!
more about launch into leadership
Launch into Leadership scholars:
- Present leadership workshops aimed at both students and student organization leaders.
- Provide a variety of educational experiences and services to students, faculty/staff advisors and student organizations.
- Serve as an involvement resource for all SDSU students.
- Serve as a resource for students in organizations to consult, discuss and brainstorm how to create positive change in their group.
- Strive to enable other students to be successful leaders in their individual organizations.
- Advocate and volunteer at the SDSU Leadership Summit conference and other signature leadership events.
- Serve as liaisons and student representatives for the Glazer Center for Leadership & Service.
What skills are required of Launch into Leadership scholars?
Our student consultants are dynamic, energetic individuals who possess the ability to engage actively with their peers in learning settings. These individuals have a variety of leadership experiences to draw upon; however, targeted training is provided in order to assist Launch into Leadership members in furthering their own leadership skills.
As a part of training, students learn how to improve public speaking skills, how to lead both small and large groups, and gain the facilitation skills needed to effectively conduct a great program. Launch into Leadership students are trained to present on such topics as goal setting, personality, and communication styles. Not only will consultants be able to present on these topics, but in the process will become very knowledgeable about the topics themselves.
The PLC's practicing various ice-breakers
Individual Consultations
The Peer Leadership Consultants offer individualized consultations to help SDSU students get involved within the SDSU community. The consultations are geared toward students that want to get involved, but don’t know where to start. With specialized training in student involvement, PLC’s will help students find organizations, volunteer opportunities, and leadership experiences that interest the student. You can find the Peer Leadership Consultants in the Student Life & Leadership office, Aztec Student Union, room 210.
Student Organization Consultation
The Peer Leadership Consultants will sit down with individual students or entire student organization executive boards to discuss organizational goals, provide institutional resources, assess the health of your student organization, offer involvement opportunities, or just help brainstorm ideas on a particular topic. Peer Leadership Consultants have been trained to offer guidance on a number of issues including:
- Goal setting for your organization
- Successful event planning
- Motivating your members
- Team building activities
- Communication techniques
- Conflict resolution
- Officer transition
Who are Peer Leadership Consultants?
Peer Leadership Consultants are SDSU student leaders who engage the campus in peer education. Consultants are trained and given the resources needed to facilitate leadership workshops and team building programs that are customized to meet the needs of student organizations and other on-campus student groups.
Many PLCs are recipients of the Rising Star Scholarship and the Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) Leadership Scholarship.
Past Peer Leadership Consultants:
Abbey
Major: Business Administration Marketing and English
Minor: Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hi everyone! I am majoring in Business Administration Marketing and English with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies . On campus, I am involved with the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. Off campus, I work with a small self-publishing company helping with its expansion plans and marketing. Having been a PLC going on 3 years, there are many aspects and workshops that I enjoy, my favorite being the Conflict Styles workshop because I think that learning how you personally handle conflict is essential to being able to successfully manage conflict, something that is integral to all aspects of life. As we all go throughout our college years, my advice for becoming a leader on campus is to always say yes to yourself. It can be easy to convince yourself that you may not be qualified for a position or say that you may not like something and don't want to commit. Don't do this. Just say yes and take a chance on yourself.
Liana
Major: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Minor: Leadership and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hi everyone! I am an Industrial/Organizational Psychology major with a double minor in Leadership and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. I am a Peer Leadership Consultant and the Chapter President for Alpha Gamma Delta. I am also involved in Active Minds, Counseling and Psychological Services, and work at the Prospective Student Center as a Student Admissions Representative. Off-campus, I am a volleyball coach for the youth in my community and I am actively involved in fighting food insecurity at local food banks such as Feeding San Diego.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” - Brené Brown
Shannon
Major: Hospitality & Tourism Management
Minor: Leadership and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hi everyone! I am proud to be a fourth year student majoring in Hospitality & Tourism Management with an emphasis in Meetings & Events and minors in Leadership and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. On-campus, I am a founding member of a new organization called SCREAM, which stands for Students Creating Rides, Entertainment, Attractions and Memories. I am also a Conference Services Operations Assistant and am looking forward to graduating in December.
“Good leaders must first become good servants.” - Robert K. Greenleaf
Mariana
Major: Journalism Media Studies Minor: Leadership
Hi! I am a third year with a Journalism Media Studies major and a minor in Leadership. On-campus, I am the community service coordinator for SDSU’s Womxn’s Outreach Association, a recipient of the Vice President for Student Affairs Leadership Scholarship, and I work as a front desk assistant for the office of Student Life & Leadership. Off-campus, I like to volunteer at adoption events for organizations like Tragic to Magic and California Labradors, Retrievers & More. These organizations rescue animals and care for them until they are ready to be adopted into their forever homes.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”- Mother Teresa
Katrina
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Leadership and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hello! I am a third year . I have always had a strong interest in science and mathematics. I am proud to be a recipient of the Vice President for Student Affairs Leadership Scholarship and I am excited to continue my journey as a Peer Leadership Consultant, and also as the Vice President of Member Development of Pi Beta Phi. I look forward to continuing with the role of a Justice on the Judicial Affairs Council in Associated Students. I enjoy strengthening my leadership skills, building strong relationships, and helping others.
“Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.” - Oprah Winfrey
Bryan
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Leadership
Hello everyone! I am a second year pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Leadership. I am currently a member of M.E.Ch.A and a Vice President for Student Affairs Leadership Scholarship. Before graduating high school, I was part of an organization called Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI), which helps low-income first-generation students pursue a college career. At BLCI, I was president of Circulo de Hombres where I helped young men break the stereotypes of masculinity. I was also a member of the CEO-Leadership Council at BLCI where I learned the importance of a good and well-rounded leader. Now as an alumnus of BLCI, I volunteer in many ways, such as mentoring or tutoring, to provide support and encouragement towards the next first-generation students.
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” - John F. Kennedy
Eva
Major: Urban Studies
Minor: Sustainability and
Leadership
I am an Urban Studies major with an emphasis in planning, design, and management, and am double minoring in Sustainability and Leadership. On-campus I am involved with SDSU’s Climbing Club, am an active member of Green Love, and serve a Peer Leadership Consultant. I am also a recipient of the Vice President for Student Affairs Leadership Scholarship. Off-campus, I volunteer regularly at Urban Angels and participate in many beach clean ups.
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” - Peter F. Drucker
Natalie
Major: Psychology
Minor: Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Leadership.
Hi! I’m a first year student from Sparks, Nevada and will be majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Leadership. I have over 1,000 hours of volunteer experience working with kids and adults who have a special need, and have worked with organizations including RAVE Family Foundation, TOPSoccer, and the Arc of San Diego. I also founded The Hygiene Drive for Homeless Youth, a community service project that has provided over 1,300 hygiene kits to Homeless Youth in the Reno/Sparks community over the past two years. I am excited to continue to grow my volunteer experience here in San Diego and am hoping to expand the Hygiene Drive to a campus wide project.
“I feel like it's actually everybody's responsibility to use whatever platform they have to do good in the world, and to try to make our society better, whether you're an accountant or an activist or an athlete or whatever it is. I think it's everybody's responsibility.” - Megan Rapinoe
Austin
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Leadership
Hi everybody! I am a first year majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Leadership. I am excited to get involved in many of the opportunities on campus, including Associated Students and Fraternity & Sorority Life. I also want to become involved in clubs such as the Sports Business Initiative. I am a proud recipient of the Vice President of Student Affairs Leadership Scholarship. I enjoy exhibiting leadership through acts of service and have participated in various community service organizations in the Orange County area.
“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.” -Arnold Glasow
Josh
Major: Statistics and Economics
Minor: Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hello everybody! I am a senior double majoring in Statistics and Economics with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. On-campus, I am involved with the SDSU Ambassadors, College of Sciences Student Success Center, Rotaract of SDSU, Tijuana Home Build, Mortar Board, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Society of Statisticians and Actuaries. I also spend time working in the Prospective Student Center as a Student Admissions Representative. Off-campus, you will find me devoting time to serve with the International Rescue Committee, San Diego Rescue Mission, Miracle League of San Diego, Casas de Luz, and Rotary International.
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” - Ronald Reagan
Julia
Major: Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Minor: Psychology
Hi SDSU! I am a senior majoring in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Psychology. During my time on campus, I have been a Resident Adviser, and am currently involved in Best Buddies, the ChiLD3 Language Research Lab, and Rotaract of SDSU. Additionally, I am the B3 Coffee Director where I organize a pop-up coffee stand run by adults with disabilities to teach them marketable job skills and help break down stigma around disability. Off-campus, I volunteer with Rotaract and am hoping to get an internship at a nonprofit.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Meade
Adam
Major: International Business with an emphasis in Spanish and Latin America
I am a sophomore studying International Business with an emphasis in Spanish and Latin America. On-campus, I participate in the Democratic Club and a variety of civic engagement volunteer opportunities. I also serve as a Peer Leadership Consultant and am a recipient of the Rising Star scholarship. I'm looking forward to becoming more involved on campus. Off-campus, I volunteer at local high schools helping prepare students for college and for Alliance San Diego as a political canvasser in favor of the SDSU West proposition. I also help at a variety of organizations such as LINKS, where I worked one-on-one with students with disabilities tutoring them and helping engage them socially.
“True leadership stems from individuality that is honestly and sometimes imperfectly expressed... Leaders should strive for authenticity over perfection.” - Sheryl Sandberg
Abbey
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hey! I am a sophomore majoring in Business Administration - Marketing with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. I am a proud member of the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. I am also involved with Associated Student's Green Love and am hoping to take on some leadership roles within that organization. I am looking to get as involved on campus as possible and I'm interested in getting more involved with business-themed organizations.
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader." - Dolly Parton
Chidera
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Minor: Cultural
Proficiency
Hey SDSU! I am a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Public Health, African American Studies and Criminal Justice, and a minor in Cultural Proficiency. I served as Secretary and Event Coordinator Campus Curlz, a service based, all-inclusive natural hair organization that brings knowledge to hair of the kinkier and curly hair texture. I also served as an executive member and choreographer on our African dance team called Afrique, and am a general member on the SDSU Aztec Diamonds. In addition, I helped to start the Cultural Proficiency minor, and serve on the PR marketing team for the minor committee on campus. I also served on the Aztec Student Union Board, where I helped plan various student activities on campus within our student union. I also work at the Aztec Recreation Center and with the Harambee Scholars Program.
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” - Maya Angelou
Courtney
Major: Foods and Nutrition
in the Didactic Program
of Dietetics
Hello everyone! I am a Foods and Nutrition major in the Didactic Program of Dietetics. On-campus, I am a member of the Student Nutrition Organization, the Student Veteran Organization, and Tau Sigma National Honors Society. Off-campus, I volunteer at Jacobs Cushman Food Bank, Mamas Kitchen, The American Red Cross, Surfrider Foundation, and WIC.
"Take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space." - Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
Hailey
Majro: International Business
Minor: Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hello! I am currently studying International Business with a focus in Spanish and Latin America and minoring in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. I am also involved in the Black Business Society, International Business Society, Model United Nations, and intramural volleyball. Off-campus I’m looking forward to getting more involved in serving the San Diego community.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
JR
Major: Industrial Organizational Psychology
Minor: Leadership
Hello SDSU! I am a third year majoring in Industrial Organizational Psychology with a minor in Leadership. I share a strong passion for service and leadership. On-campus, I serve as the Vice President of Social Affairs for Rotaract of SDSU, Psi Chi & Psychology Club's Director of Public Relations, and Andrés Bonifacio Samahan's Student Adviser. I am also one of the Associated Students University Council Representatives and am a part of the College of Sciences Student Council executive board. I like to continue to follow my passions for service through volunteering in other organizations such as the San Diego County Foster Youth & Homeless Education Services as a tutor, and the Tijuana Home Build initiative which raises funds to build houses for families in Tijuana, Mexico. I've found that as I help others reach their goals, I grow and better myself along the way.
"I learned to always take on things I'd never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist." - Ginni Rometty
Julianna
Master’s: Rehabilitation Counseling with specialties in Psychiatric and Cognitive
Rehabilitation
Hello fellow students! I am a third year graduate student completing my Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling with dual specialties in Psychiatric and Cognitive Rehabilitation. I am the president of the Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association. I have completed the Leadership Certificate and the Evidence-Based Teaching Certificate, and am an intern with SDSU’s Student Ability Success Center. I believe that learning and leadership are lifetime tasks — we never stop learning, and there will always be opportunities for leadership. I greatly value the opportunities I have within the community to increase inclusivity for individuals who may be facing physical, psychological or cognitive challenges. Off-campus, I lead a group sponsored by University Christian Church called “A.B.L.E!” which is an acronym for “Always Believing in Life Empowered!”
“We gather here today because we are choosing hope over fear.” - Barack Obama
Lauryn
Major: Speech, Language, and Hearing Science
Minor: Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Hey everyone! I’m a graduating senior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science with a double minor in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. I served as a Harambee Scholars mentor and will be serving as the President of Campus Curlz, Director of Entertainment for Dance Marathon, and as a Member Services Representative for the Aquaplex. I love to give back and volunteer with the Speech Language Clinic, Aztec Unity Project, AS Food Bank, International Rescue Committee, and the 61st Street Church of Christ. During my last year of undergrad I want to continue to make more memorable moments, engage in experiences that teach me about myself/others, and challenge my peers to be beyond what is expected of us.
“The highest human act is to inspire.” - Ermias Joseph Asghedom (Nipsey Hussle)
Maria
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Minor: Real Estate and Entrepreneurship
Hey SDSU! I am originally from Mexicali, Mexico. I am a second year majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies, specializing in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Communication and Psychology, and am double minoring Real Estate and Entrepreneurship. I am also pursuing the Leadership Certificate. I am proud to be President for the Tribal Gaming Student Association, as well as an active member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, and the Lodging Management Student Association. My off-campus involvement consists of mentoring and motivating high school students to pursue their career goals involving higher education. I am excited about expanding my leadership skills while giving back to the community.
“To grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership.” - Ronald Reagan
Mariah
Major: Journalism - Public Relations
Minor: Leadership
Each and every day is exciting on our beautiful campus! I am majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations with a minor in Leadership. For the last three years, I've performed with the Aztec Color Guard for our home football games and winter guard competitions; the team has grounded my school pride from each home game to the winter guard world championships. As of Fall 2018, I worked as a mentor for Sophomore Surge and as an assistant for our Dean of Students -- so much of my time is spent in Student Life & Leadership! I also attend All Peoples Church, a religious and social organization.
"When you've worked hard and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it behind you." - Michelle Obama
Matt
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies - Anthropology, Communications, and Journalism &
Media Studies
Howdy, I’m a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Anthropology, Communications, and Journalism & Media Studies. I plan on pursuing a master's degree in either Graphic Design or Television, Radio, and Film Production. On campus I work in Student Life & Leadership, and in my free time I love to read, write, and draw. As a hopeful in the entertainment industry, my goal is to help bring people’s thoughts and ideas to a shareable medium.
“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” -Hunter S. Thompson
Melissa
Major: International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR)
Minor: Sustainability
Hello! I am going into my fourth year majoring in International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR) and minoring in Sustainability. I am also in the process of obtaining my TESL/TEFL Certificate and Leadership Certificate. I'm on the executive board for the ISCOR Student Society and a Lead EcoRep for the Sustainability department on campus. Some of my favorite experiences I've had at SDSU so far was studying abroad in Tbilisi, Georgia and serving as a Resident Advisor. I primarily volunteer at the AS Food Pantry on campus, and I will be tutoring English this upcoming school year at an elementary school in San Diego.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
Raechel
Major: Business Management
Mino: Marketing
Hi everyone! I am a senior majoring in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. I am a Peer Leadership Consultant with Student Life & Leadership, and am also involved in other organizations on campus. I have volunteered many places in the San Diego community, including the humane society and a local mobile food pantry. I enjoy helping out around campus and the community, and am constantly looking for opportunities to do so.
"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude" - John Maxwell
Rachel
Major: Psychology
Minor: Leadership Development, Cultural Proficiency
Hey there! I am a first-generation college student and a senior at SDSU. Some of my interests include organizational behavior, positive psychology and mindfulness in the workplace. The past few years have brought me closer to part of my culture that I was previously somewhat unfamiliar with, and that is in large part because of my involvement with the Black Student Science Organization. I served as their Alumni Liaison for the 2018-2019, and this year I am their College of Sciences Student Council Representative. During my mindfulness study abroad experience in Amsterdam, I met people who inspired me to pursue a life that brings balance, happiness and fulfillment to both myself and others, so now I seek to build meaningful relationships with others and to appreciate every moment.
"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen." - Brené Brown
Sarah
Major: Biology
and Psychology
Hello everyone! I'm a fifth year double . On-campus, I am heavily involved with the study abroad office due to my study abroad experience, and am a recipient of the Benjamin A Gilman and Louise & Raymond Clark Endowed Scholarship. I'm also involved with Med Life, Andrea O'Donnell Womyn's Outreach Association and Commuter life. I work as a front desk assistant in Student Life & Leadership and as the event staff for Viejas Arena and OAT. Off-campus, I like to volunteer with SharpHospice Care in hospice homes as well was inpatient homes. I also volunteer with Volunteers in Medicine, a free mobile clinic in El Cajon.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou