Lead From Where You Stand

Applying for anything is commonly tinged with a touch of anxious energy. For Tara, she’s made a conscious effort to say yes to new opportunities, even if they are a little scary. Applying for ELI fit that bill, but she’s not one to turn down an opportunity for professional growth. After reaching out to program graduates in her network, every conversation reinforced the value of the experience, and each person encouraged her to apply.
 

“My professional background is in public education, so the chance to grow in a different area and learn from others with varied experiences really appealed to me,” Tara shared. “I remember questioning why I would be selected over someone with more formal leadership experience, but I’m so happy I pushed myself to apply.”

While Tara may not have felt like the 'traditional' candidate in a new career field, being selected reminded her that leadership can be informal. It doesn’t always have to come from titles or years of experience. During the nearly year-long program, the cohort had the opportunity to meet with business owners, nonprofit leaders, public servants, and community advocates who are all working to make Rapid City better for future generations.

Above all, the most rewarding part of the experience for Tara was the relationships and connections she’s built with her classmates. From her perspective, learning alongside people with completely different backgrounds and experiences was one of the most valuable aspects of the program, broadening the way she thinks about leadership. They’ve built such tight bonds that they plan to continue meeting monthly after graduation.
 

“One of the coolest parts of ELI was our cohort’s diversity with people from different industries, backgrounds, experiences, and life stages,” Tara explained. “During our time together, we built a sense of community and shared understanding about the place we live and work.”

One of ELI’s biggest focuses is servant leadership. To emphasize this concept, Tara’s cohort was split into three groups, each responsible for coordinating a service project. This allowed the group to pack boxes and make connections at Feeding South Dakota, make ‘magic blankets’ for children arriving at the Children’s Home Society, and create a Zen Den at the Youth & Family Services Kids Fair. Each experience allowed the group to be hands-on leaders in the community.

Some other standout activities for Tara included attending the Day at the Legislature in Pierre to understand the importance of policy at all levels, panels with local leaders, Q&As with the mayor and police chief, and a book study with her cohort.
 

“I’ve always loved learning alongside other professionals,” Tara shared. “Being able to participate with people from such diverse backgrounds and experiences reinforced the learning and made it applicable across different areas.”

If you’re on the fence about applying, this is your sign from Tara to do the uncomfortable thing. From the relationships built to the behind-the-scenes opportunities throughout the community to the growth of her leadership skills outside her normal work environment, Tara has nothing but amazing things to say about her 9-month ELI experience.
 

“If you’re questioning whether you belong, you 100% do,” Tara said. “This experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best ways. I’d encourage anyone considering it to take the leap!”