Leadership Role in an Academic Organization - Academic Enrichment - 3 pts

 After completing my first year as a general body member of the Spelman College Speech and Debate team, I have been elected as the 2025-2026 Treasurer. This role encompasses the management of the team's finances, establishing vital relationships with the college, and brainstorming fundraising ideas to increase team revenue. I ran for this position through a campaign speech where I echoed the values of the team and how having a strong financial foundation will catapult our team to new heights. A strength that I have seen reflected in this experience is my ability to distinguish between the needs and wants of the team which prioritizes where our money is allocated. I have also been able to break down all the information I have digested from external meetings and present it to the e-board in a comprehensible manner. A weakness that I have faced is finding the necessary people to give me access to our account. It has been difficult to obtain the value of our current balance, but I am still talking with the proper individuals to gain the information needed. 

This experience has shown me the mechanics behind a successful organization and has given me the power to influence the path our team takes. This relates to the dynamic that is present in a company. I am being equipped with real world financial and leadership-based skills. The communication and promotional skills I have gained are transferable to any discipline and I intend to use them as I navigate internships and research opportunities. This role has shown me that although I do not want to pursue finance, I have and am gaining all the appropriate skills necessary to be financially literate in a collaborative job position. As I continue this year, I will further develop myself and the team by proposing more fundraising ideas and ways for us to develop our financial resources. 

Shelah Boyd