Senior Amber Pinder has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for April 2022. Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, Pinder came to the U of A to study information systems. She recently completed her term as president of the Kappa Iota Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and she also served as the president of the U of A National Panhellenic Council.

"I became involved in these organizations because I saw the value in my positions not only for myself, but for my community," she said. "I have been provided with an outlet to grow as a leader and a person as a whole, which are values that I am able to utilize to make a real difference within my community."

Pinder believes the most important quality a leader should possess is selflessness and thinks "it's important to see the total picture not only from your own point of view." Her advice for other students is to keep wanting more for yourselves and others around you.

This drive for more will lead you to a greater place, Pinder said. "Your leadership is valued amongst many, and you never know how great your impact may be — just keep pushing."

Pinder would like to thank her mother for being such a great mentor to her.

"My mother has been my mentor from the start," Pinder said. "She constantly pushes me to be greater than I could imagine. She is the reason that I have a constant hunger for growth and passion for change. She is the reason that I am a leader today. Without her, I would not be where I am today."

Pinder's favorite leadership quote comes from the late, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

The Student Leader of the Month award, sponsored by New Student & Family Programs, recognizes U of A undergraduate students for their excellence in leadership through campus involvement, leadership activities or through volunteer and community service. More information about the award can be found here.