By Jayden Fernandez
TAMPA–A local community leader spoke to students about effective leadership and how to make a difference in their communities at an event at the Marshall Student Center at the University of South Florida.
Dr. Sarah Combs, the CEO of the University Area Community Development Coalition spoke about her program’s involvement in the community and the skills she uses in order to get the work done.
“Always know that you can make a difference — no effort on your part is small,” said Combs.
Combs came to USF to talk to students about her program’s involvement in the community and the skills she uses in order to get the work done. Combs grew up in a small town and realized that she was so used to getting to know everyone so personally and building those connections that she applied those practices within her work. She is part of a non-profit organization that works towards community redeveloping and sustainability of at-risk areas as well as serving at-risk kids.
“It all starts from a place of what’s your intention, people catch onto that,” she explained, “we need to build the trust to improve the community.”
Combs expressed that these practices are not only important for community building but also in all areas of leadership.
“No matter what you’re doing, meeting people where they are makes it easier for them to open up and do their part,” she stated.
When asked about the process of building engagement, Combs acknowledged that the development can be tedious but meaningful. “It’s progress, and it might be slow, but it’s important,” she expressed.
The event, held at the Marshall Student Center, had a crowd of about 40 people. Despite the small audience, they were engaged and asked questions throughout the presentation.
When asked what compelled her to attend the speaker event, Samantha Mutter, a frequent attendee of the Lunchtime Leadership series, said, “I started attending because free lunch was included, and it’s always amazing. But the events have been very engaging, and I have made great connections, so I continue to show up.”
Katelyn Powe, a first-time attendee of the speaker series, found the speech inspiring. “She gave me good ideas such as needing to listen to what the people want, personally building trust, and advocating for yourself,” she said.