The CUNY Malave Leadership Academy is shaping our students from 25 CUNY campuses and creating a generation of changemakers by being a dynamic center for learning and collaboration. This eight-month program emphasizes collaboration, shared power, and social justice and offers a seamless blend of theoretical insights and hands-on experiences to explore the nuances of leadership. Students learn about the collaborative nature of leadership, emotional intelligence, critical thinking skills, social and individual values, and their ability to create positive change.
At the heart of their curriculum Social Change Model lies with its a set of seven fundamental values that permeate the academy’s ethos: Consciousness of Self, Congruence, and Commitment at the individual level; Collaboration, Common Purpose, and Controversy with Civility at the group level; and Citizenship and Change at the community level. These values are not merely abstract concepts; they are the driving force behind the academy’s experiential learning environment, transforming students into active participants in shaping their leadership journeys. This model equips students with the essential skills and values required to navigate the intricate challenges of the modern world and emerge as influential leaders who drive positive transformations.
Building Connections Beyond Classrooms
Students engage in collaborative projects, grapple with challenging ethical dilemmas, and harness the power of diversity to generate creative solutions.
Malave also plans events to foster community building, creating a supportive network where students can share experiences, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from one another. One of these events was on November 10, 2023; the academy hosted a potluck event. In the middle of the delicious aromas of diverse cuisines, students developed new connections, engaged themselves in the rich history of the United Nations, and learned its complex workings before their visit to the UN. Students embark on an enlightening tour during each cohort given by an expert at the UN building who explains the UN’s structure, functions, and significant role in addressing global issues. This immersive experience deepens their understanding of global governance and inspires them to envision their potential contributions to shaping a better world.
Another enriching event was conducted last December in collaboration with Intercultural Student Engagement and Dialogue services by Ahmed Osman and Sophia Mcgee at the CUNY Office of Student Affairs and focused on the importance of multicultural competence in today’s interconnected world. The event included a breakfast session that provided a platform for students to further develop their understanding of multiculturalism; fostered a supportive network; and allowed students to share experiences, exchange ideas, draw inspiration from one another, and appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives in their own community.
Cross-cultural Collaboration and Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Student leaders at Malave actively participate in the 2024 IREX Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge. This initiative unites community college and university students from the US with technical college and university students from Iraq and Jordan to address global challenges in their communities.
This collaboration catalyzes the improvement of global citizenship, enhances problem-solving skills, fosters lasting connections, and boosts students’ job skills through virtual collaboration. The Global Solutions initiative is made possible through the support of the Stevens Initiative, sponsored by the US Department of State with funding from the U.S. Government and administered by the Aspen Institute. Additional support comes from the Bezos Family Foundation, and the governments of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration offers a transformative experience, fostering cross-cultural connections, international perspectives, and intercultural understanding.
Students gain hands-on experience in sustainable development projects, contributing to implementing real-world solutions. This collaboration aims to have a tangible impact on global communities and provides a meaningful platform for students to apply their leadership skills to drive real change, aligning with the academy’s values.
During the 2024 cohort, in eight weeks, students from Malave and Soran University in Iraq accomplished an impressive feat by working together to find innovative solutions to global challenges. Their efforts culminated in earning the prestigious second-place prize in the challenge, a testament to their dedication and ingenuity. As they ideated and prototyped their revolutionary device aimed at reducing food waste, students and their Iraqi peers seamlessly blended their unique perspectives.
Mission to Make a Difference
In a world of challenges, Malave Leadership Academy is a lighthouse of hope, nurturing a new generation of leaders trained to make a difference. The academy’s relentless commitment to the Social Change Model is a testament to its mission of empowering students to become agents of positive change, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities. If your campus student life coordinators nominate you, take advantage of the opportunity to be part of the academy to unleash your potential as a change agent and begin your transformational leadership development journey.
As they conclude this program in May, students from the 2024 cohort will celebrate eight months of leadership growth and achievement, by receiving their well-deserved certificates.
