Empowering Student Leaders for Impact

Leadership is not just about titles; it is about action, influence, and the ability to inspire meaningful change. At TISA, we believe that every student has the potential to be a leader, making an impact through vision, motivation, and collaboration. By fostering student leadership, we not only enrich our school community but also empower students with invaluable skills in self confidence, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication—preparing them for success far beyond their school years.

A Defining Moment: The Student Council Executive Elections

On January 31st, 2025, anticipation was high as the TISA Student Council team participated in one of the most pivotal moments of the school year: the Student Council Executive Elections. Excitement and determination filled the air as students cast their votes, shaping the next generation of student leadership. After two days of eager anticipation, the results were announced, and the newly elected executive council took their places, ready to lead with vision and purpose.

Beyond Elections: A School Wide Commitment to Leadership

At TISA, leadership is not confined to elected positions. Every student has the opportunity—and responsibility—to lead in ways that align with their passions and strengths. This philosophy was at the heart of our Annual Student Leadership Retreat, held on February 17. The retreat brought together a dynamic cohort of student leaders from diverse organizations under the Student Leadership umbrella, including the TISA Action Network (TAN) for Primary, Middle, and High School, Changemakers (Expand Your Impact), Student Council, Community Gathering, Student Ambassador Program, TISA Media Team, and TISA Treasury. The energy was electric as these young leaders convened, ready to exchange ideas, collaborate, and elevate their leadership potential.

A Theme of Impactful Leadership

The 2025 retreat revolved around the theme of “Impactful Leadership,” prompting students to reflect on their leadership journeys and consider how they could harness their strengths to drive meaningful change. The day commenced with an engaging icebreaker activity, where students explored examples of leadership in action at TISA, discussed the qualities of exceptional leaders, and examined how individual talents can contribute to collective success. These thought-provoking discussions set the stage for a day of inspiration and strategic growth.

Wisdom from Visionary Leaders

A highlight of the retreat was the leadership panel featuring distinguished guest speakers from diverse professional backgrounds. Students had the unique opportunity to engage with Dr. Angela Romney, TISA Director; Collin Allan, Vice President of Finance at BP and TISA Board President; and Dr. Karen Engel, a Changemaker Consultant & Coach. Moderated by student leaders Minseo and Aga, the discussion explored essential leadership themes such as Defining Leadership for Impact, Overcoming Challenges & Resilience, and Taking Action & Making Change. With students leading the Q&A session, the conversation was rich with insight, sparking powerful takeaways and motivating students to step boldly into their leadership roles.

Passing the Torch: Student Leaders Supporting Student Leaders

Following a networking lunch, graduating student leaders facilitated an interactive panel discussion to mentor younger students stepping into leadership roles. The conversation delved into Leadership Growth & Lessons Learned, Building Teamwork & Navigating Setbacks, and Advice for Future Leaders. Students tackled real-world leadership challenges, brainstorming solutions to questions such as how to maintain team motivation during tough times, how to overcome project obstacles, and how to maximize their influence within TISA and beyond. It was inspiring to witness seasoned student leaders reflect on their journeys with honesty and humility, offering their peers practical strategies for success.

Turning Insights into Action

The retreat concluded with strategic planning sessions, ensuring a seamless transition between outgoing and incoming leaders. Each leadership group set concrete goals for the upcoming year, laying the groundwork for continued innovation and impact. The event was not just a celebration of student leadership but a transformational experience—one that equipped students with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to create lasting change.

With leadership at the core of TISA’s educational philosophy, the 2025 Student Leadership Retreat reaffirmed our commitment to empowering young leaders. As these students continue their journeys, they carry forward the lessons, connections, and passion ignited during this retreat, making a difference not only at TISA but in the wider world.