This semester, Workplace Learning & Professional Development kicked off their third cohort of APSPIRE, one of their signature programs designed for aspiring leaders. The latest cohort consists of 41 employees representing 25 different departments across campus with a variety of job roles, ranging from Horticulturist to Grants Administrator and Academic Advisor. Launched in 2019, ASPIRE is intended for all Georgia Tech employees who are interested in learning to lead from where they are regardless of position. Including the 2022 cohort, ASPIRE will have developed 146 aspiring leaders.
OUE met with Mariah Liggins, Pre-Health Advisor (Pre-Graduate & Pre-Professional Programs), to discuss why she wanted to be a part of the cohort.
Q: What inspired you to be a part of ASPIRE?
A: Throughout my professional career within Higher Education, I have always considered myself as a change agent within my field. Reflecting on my previous work experience I have worked independently to learn, grow, and evaluate myself with the desire to continue my professional growth long-term. What solidified my interest in the Aspire Program is the goals, values, and mission of the program. The Aspire Program advocate, develop and support the growth of professionals by designing a curriculum that will introduce individuals to develop a leadership mindset. I value the Aspire Program approach to creating a collaborative learning environment within the workplace and the direct encouragement to cultivate a leadership mindset. I consider myself a lifelong learner and the Aspire Program has reaffirmed my awareness of my own leadership capabilities and inspired me to continue to explore ways to maximize my opportunities to lead in my current position as a Pre-Health Advisor.
Q: How did you first learn about the program?
A: I have been a proud yellow Jacket for 2 years. Upon, my entry into Ga Tech in 2019 I immediately began my search for Ga Tech resources that would continue to foster my professional education. I have always had a motivated, ambitious, and resilient spirit which is something I am always looking to maintain and grow. My passion for creating opportunities for myself and seeking professional development continued to grow throughout my professional career at Tech within my first year. After speaking openly to a coworker about my interest an advisor within my department sent over an email recommending that I apply for the Aspire Program. After reading the program description I immediately knew the Aspire Program would be a parallel fit for me. Some of the direct connections that resonated with me the most about the program were the cross-collaborative approach to learning, support, and engagement with my supervisor to implement key learning outcomes and the ability to challenge me to transition outside of my comfort zone. The Aspire Program came highly recommended again to me from someone within OUE that I consider a mentor, coworker, and friend upon her completion of the program. From her recommendation and the support of my dynamic supervisor, I was able to move forward with confidence and submit my application for the program.
Q: What do you hope to learn and/or achieve by participating?
A: Although I am very pleased with my previous professional accomplishments and professional development I do understand and welcome growth within my professional journey. By completing the Aspire Program I am hoping to gain a better understanding of which direction I would like to pursue within my professional career surrounding the topic of leadership. I aim to learn how I can continue to contribute and uphold GA TECHs values through leadership within my current position and future professional opportunities. The Aspire program has expanded my knowledge, views, and opinions on how I define leadership which has created new areas of growth within my own professional exploration. I have developed new professional goals for 2022-2023 that now captivate my interest in creating leadership opportunities for myself daily and setting long-term professional goals that will elevate and support my interest. I believe that the Aspire Program offers a unique opportunity for GA TECH employees to explore innovative ways to navigate leadership in the workplace and how to redefine collaboration to ensure inclusivity. During the program, I also hope to make long-term professional connections with GA TECH staff members across several departments.
Q: Any other thoughts about the program?
A: Over the past few months, the Aspire Program has provided me with the opportunity to connect with other professionals working to achieve a common goal to continue to ignite leadership, collaboration, and professional acceleration within the workplace. I am so inspired by this program, and I am looking forward to continuing my professional development journey through Aspire. I am so thankful to my supervisor Fransico Castelan for his continued support and encouragement. Francisco is one of the most influential individuals that I value within my professional journey and I so grateful for the opportunity to learn an grow by being a professional working within the PGPP Team. I am thankful to GA TECH for providing this wonderful opportunity through Aspire for Staff to continue to learn and grow professionally.