Senior Emirra Harris has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for January 2024. Originally from Wilton, Arkansas, Emirra came to the University of Arkansas to study civil engineering. She serves as president of the National Society of Black Engineers, secretary for the UArk Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a member of the Black Student Association and an Engineering Career Awareness Program Scholar. She got involved in these organizations because she aims to uplift, encourage, and empower other underrepresented students. 

"By serving as a leader, I can inspire others to achieve more and be a supportive figure," Harris said. "By serving as a leader or member of these organizations, I have learned valuable skills such as communication, planning, and leadership, amongst many more. It has always been a goal of mine to be able to be a part of groups of like-minded individuals who also share a passion for not only bettering themselves but also the community surrounding them." 

Emirra believes some of the most vital qualities in a leader are being selfless, encouraging, motivational, determined, and supportive. 

"A leader should be able to communicate, be empathetic to, and lead others with good intentions no matter their background, skin color, or gender," she said. "A leader should lead with confidence and strength, but also not be afraid to show vulnerability and communicate when they need help to carry a load. A leader is resilient, respectful, positive, and has integrity. Each of these qualities is essential when it comes to guiding a group of individuals and fostering the relationships that are needed for them to effectively lead." 

She wants to encourage others to be themselves: "Be authentic to your values and be passionate. Lead by example. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Even the strongest of leaders have to take a step back at times and care for themself. Be humble and have a listening ear to those you are leading." 

She would like to thank her mother. 

"She is the embodiment of strength, resilience, and determination," Harris said. "Lord knows there have been days where I lacked motivation or felt like giving up, but she encourages me to keep going. Every day my mother gets up to go to a job where it is her duty to uplift and lead the youth, and I look up to her for that. She shows me that when you are capable and have a voice, use that to speak for those who aren't as fortunate. She teaches me to lead by example and as if someone is always looking because you never know who is looking up to you and who you may inspire." 

She would like to leave everyone with her favorite leadership quote, "People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together." — Michelle Obama 

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 volunteer and community service. More information about the award can be found here.