Gabriela Santiago-Romero of Detroit, MI to Represent University of Detroit Mercy in Student Leadership Program

2013 Dec 2

Gabriela Santiago-Romero of Detroit, MI was selected as a University of Detroit Mercy representitive to participate in the University Partners Detroit's 2013-2014 Student Leadership program. Santiago-Romero is one of four other UDM students to participate in the program and UDM is one of seven universities participating in the program.

The University Partners Detroit Student Leadership program (UP) is an initiative of Lawrence Technological University, Marygrove College, Oakland Univeristy, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Windsor, and Wayne State University, in conjunction with the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program was created to provide students the foundation needed for a lifelong commitment to social change and advocacy. Through the program, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn facilitation and communication skills, and establish a network of professionals in careers such as health care, education, arts and culture, business, and others.

UP students will be exposed to key issues that affect metropolitan Detroit (e.g. - education, politics, and economics) and will learn to challenge and build upon current solutions to bring about positive, long-term change in the community through informed leadership. In addition to learning about significant area issues at difficient locations across the region, participants will be introduced to leadership models and will create a leadership action plan as the culminating project of the eight-month program, October 2013 through May 2014.

The Chamber's Leadership Detroit alumni will provide mentoring to UP students. They will engage program participants in a deeper understanding and practice of leadership skills. Students will learn about their mentor's position, leadership style, and how one may become successful as a leader in Southeast Michigan. The mentorship relationship will serve as an invaluable resource for participants throughout the program.