Senior Joanna Resendez has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for August 2023. Originally from Richardson, Texas, Resendez came to the U of A to study political science with minors in English and legal studies.

She is currently the Senior Resident Assistant of Maple Hill West and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service organization that builds leadership and community through service and fellowship to all. Additionally, she is an advisoe for Lead More, which empowers upperclassmen in the development of their personal leadership styles through various initiatives throughout the year. She is also a member of the Pre-Law Society and works at the Young Law library. 

Resendez said she got involved in these organizations, specifically becoming a Senior Resident Assistant of Maple Hill West, because of her experience throughout 2020.

"I started here at the U of A in fall of 2020, when things were still virtual, and I was living in the residence halls, where not a lot of interactions were happening," Resendez said. "I didn't have anything that I felt a part of until I applied for and got offered the resident assistant position. I had the privilege of fostering an environment where individuals could find where they belonged and have a safe space to adjust to their first year of college. Fostering that space has been immensely powerful for me; in that first year as an RA, I thrust myself into getting involved. I made it my mission to help others find their place while I was simultaneously finding mine. I feel like the RA position was the catalyst for much of the personal growth that I've experienced today." 

Resendez believes each leader has to be authentic, passionate and an advocate.  

"I was raised to be my authentic self, no matter the situation, and I strive to keep it as real as possible," Resendez said. "Authenticity as a leader is important because how can others feel comfortable being themselves if the leader only brings a certain part of themselves to the table? Authenticity provides connection on a human level and is helpful in building a rapport with a team.

"Passion is important because there is a purpose behind everything. I am a firm believer in having a 'why' and carrying that with you throughout daily life. Why do we wake up every morning and choose to do the things we do? Holding on to that is important, especially when challenges arise, or morale gets low.," she said. "Sharing that 'why' and encouraging others to delve into their own can be transformational in their personal journeys.

"A leader can ultimately be the biggest advocate of any particular group," she said. "Listening to the needs of the group and communicating to the proper channels when something is unclear or simply not working is crucial to creating success as a team. Advocating for others can also be crucial in motivating an individual to advocate for their own needs in their own lives."

Her advice to other student leaders is to be confident in your ability to lead.

"You know what you bring to the table, and those things are worthy. With that, continue to discover and develop your leadership style."

She would like to thank former University Housing staff member Natalia Frolov-Nickels.

"Natalia Frolov-Nickels has been a crucial mentor to me. She has pushed me in directions I didn't think I could go and encouraged me to go for opportunities that I have doubted I deserved. I have seen my own potential because she has believed in me." 

Her favorite leadership quote is from Michelle Obama: "You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own." 

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. Learn more about the award.