The participants of the 2014-2015 Professional Leadership Program would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for inspiring us to learn more, dream more, and become more. EXECUTIVE SUPPORTERS: Judy Barnes • Juan Becerra • Peter Benoit • Dave Forney • Vinny Grosso • Brendan Keegan • David Klein Kevin Krolik • Damian Morabito • Dr. Tom Morgan • Donald Nigbor • René Peters Amanda Rogers • Josh Seldin • Armand Shapiro • Paul Wilhelm • Mike Webb • Sodexo Catering Staff SPECIAL THANKS TO Catherine Persoon • Kathleen Flynn • Jerin Li • Sandra Madigan • Jonathan Go • Kevin Chen
Transcript
The participants of the 2014-2015 Professional
Leadership Program would like to extend a heartfelt
thank you for inspiring us to learn more, dream more,
and become more.
executive supporters:
Judy Barnes • Juan Becerra • Peter Benoit • Dave Forney • Vinny Grosso • Brendan Keegan • David Klein
Kevin Krolik • Damian Morabito • Dr. Tom Morgan • Donald Nigbor • René Peters
Amanda Rogers • Josh Seldin • Armand Shapiro • Paul Wilhelm • Mike Webb • Sodexo Catering Staff
special thanks to
Catherine Persoon • Kathleen Flynn • Jerin Li • Sandra Madigan • Jonathan Go • Kevin Chen
TRENT DEVERTERMechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Good communication opens up doors to all groups no matter the size, age, or differences amongst the group.
Ambition Statement: To leave an impact on everyone I meet.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Music
CARLOS J. FELIX VELEZArchitecture2017
Leadership Philosophy:Listen to the people around you; their thoughts and ideas are valuable. As a leader, I make sure everybody has the opportunity to contribute, and I enjoy seeing other people’s enthusiasm, because that makes me all the more motivated towards whichever goals we set as a team.
Ambition Statement:I’m passionate about innovations in materiality, science, and technology that can be applicable to architecture, and I want to work in research and development of technologies that can improve buildings, deal with the energy crisis, and protect the environment.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Playing guitar and writing music.
ERIC DOMINGUEZChemistry2016
Leadership Philosophy:Work with the unique individual, get them involved, and challenge them.
Ambition Statement:Work in an industry that deals with advance materials (polymers, plastics, etc.) or fuel cells (polymer membrane).
Defining Interest or Hobby:Reading, rugby, and leadership.
DIEGO J. CARRASQUILLOAeronautical & Mechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy: Trust and honesty.
Ambition Statement: Become an engineer, become a professor for a college in Puerto Rico, and make more than one million dollars in one year. Complete a Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Learning and staying healthy by weight training.
PATRICK COLEMANAeronautical & Mechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:I lead by setting measurable and achievable goals and sticking to them. I also focus on leading by example.
Ambition Statement:I put focus, hard work, and determination into everything I do.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Flying. I’m currently training to get my Private Pilot’s License.
NIYATI DESAIElectrical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Nobody is too big or too small for a job. We are all equal and capable.
Ambition Statement:I wish to one day travel around the world to not only learn about different cultures, but to also step beyond boundaries and see how we can help each other and develop together.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Playing guitar and piano.
SORAYA FOULADIElectrical EngineeringMinor in Music2016
Leadership Philosophy:Inclusiveness: Open minds, open doors, open hearts. Never shut an idea down right away. Show appreciation for those within your group/organization.
Ambition Statement:To accelerate positive change in this world.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Music Performance
OLIVIA FRYTCognitive Science Science, Technology, and Society2016
Leadership Philosophy:Leadership is about recognizing the greatness that exists in each individual, providing an environment for growth, inspiring others, and walking hand in hand with your colleagues as you experience the challenge.
Ambition Statement:I hope to go to graduate school for foreign affairs and eventually work in the field of government intelligence.
Defining Interest or Hobby:I will be running my first marathon in November of 2014.
KELLY GATSLICKNuclear & Mechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:I believe that an effective leader does not always need to feel comfortable in the situation that they are in, but need to be able to rise above their insecurity and take charge as need be.
Ambition Statement:I would one day love to be the Chief Nuclear Officer at a nuclear facility.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Any chance I get I’m out on the ice playing hockey.
SHIVANI GINDEBusiness Management 2015
Leadership Philosophy:Humility and being able to give and receive feedback is a major component of being a good leader. It takes confidence in one’s ability to take a step back and listen to what others have to say.
Ambition Statement:I want to make a positive difference in the world - not only through my work, but also through charity and volunteer work.
Defining Interest or Hobby:I love to learn. I like to read books that make me think outside the box or challenge me in some way.
Ambition Statement: “Far and away the best prize life has to offer is to work hard at work worth doing.” ~Teddy Roosevelt
Defining Interest or Hobby:Outside of research in the lab I love exploring outdoors!
VIJAY JANIBiology2016
Leadership Philosophy:A leader has a delusional commitment to an organization’s cause and remains confident in the cause even after great setbacks. In this way, a leader also leads by example and keeps individuals around him or her motivated.
Ambition Statement:My goal is to become a surgeon and give world class healthcare to people around the world that do not have easy access to things I take for granted, like medicine and state of the art hospitals. I would love to work for an organization bent on effectively serving and permanently increasing the standard of living for impoverished populations around the world.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Playing basketball and playing the drums.
HUGH COLLIN KELLEIGHIndustrial and Management Engineering2015
Leadership Philosophy:Inspiring real and powerful motivation towards a common goal.
Ambition Statement:I will own at least one airplane by the time I reach 30, and it will be used to help others.
Defining Interest or Hobby:FAA Certified Commercial Pilot
ADAM KLICHMS in Mechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Lead by example.
Ambition Statement:I will launch a successful tech start-up within the next 3 years.
Defining Interest or Hobby:I truly enjoy hiking. It gives me an opportunity to get my thoughts in order while challenging myself physically and enjoying beautiful scenery.
MICHAEL LESZCZYNSKIIndustrial and Management Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:The job of a great leader is never truly finished. I believe in advocating for constant improvement. True magic happens when leaders and followers join together, operate under the highest of performance standards, motivate one another to achieve success, and refuse to stop once they get there.
Ambition Statement:Initiate a commitment to bringing high-quality musical instruments and recording equipment to less fortunate, but equally deserving individuals.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Designer and builder of electric guitars.
DONNA LICivil EngineeringDecember 2015
Leadership Philosophy:Communicating effectively is the key to success.
Ambition Statement:My dream is to be able to build one big house and live with my whole family.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Playing Airsoft
BRENT MEIXELLMechanical EngineeringDecember 2015
Leadership Philosophy:Servant Leadership.
Ambition Statement:To go on a long canoe expedition.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Everything outdoors.
JOSHUA MILLERAerospace Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:A strong leader is the backbone of a successful group or organization. It takes great communication skills, strategic forward thinking, and the courage to do whatever is necessary to make the ultimate goal a success.
Ambition Statement:As a passionate competitor and ambitious triathlete, my ultimate goal is to compete and complete the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Triathlon is my defining hobby. I spend most of my free time committed to training my mind and my body to being able to endure my grueling races.
NICOLE MOWDERMechanical Engineering Minor in Professional Writing2016
Leadership Philosophy:The ultimate leader is a servant leader.
Ambition Statement:My goal is to work on a team to solve engineering problems, either in a missions work setting or a setting that allows me to reach and impact a large number of people.
Defining Interest or Hobby:I play on the Varsity Women’s Soccer Team and am on the Leadership Team for RPI Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
JOSEPH MOOTZElectrical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Being aware of your teams strengths and weaknesses and have the ability to leverage those for the good of the group.
Ambition Statement:I would like to have my own consulting career.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Ultimate Frisbee
LUCY NASLASAeronautical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Be confident, but still humble in your opinions.
Ambition Statement: I want to go heli-skiing in Alaska.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Ballet
CHRISTOPHER PARADISInformation Technology and Web Science2016
Leadership Philosophy: Truly listening is the key to leading.
Ambition Statement: I want to start a successful technology venture.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Playing just about any sport under the sun on a daily basis.
BENJAMIN PEACOCKMechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Lead by example.
Ambition Statement:My goal is to put my kids through college.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Formula Hybrid Engineering Design Team. I like to build racecars.
EMILY PEARSONMechanical Engineering Design, Innovation, and Society2016
Leadership Philosophy:A leader must take an active role in the projects they are in charge of and engage their followers by setting a great example of responsibility and creativity.
Ambition Statement:I want to help create interesting, user friendly products which make a positive difference in the world.
Defining Interest or Hobby:I’m a founding officer of Design for America Club at Rensselaer.
ASHISH RAOBiomedical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:A leader must strive to better his or herself every day, grasp the present moment, and treat each and every individual equally.
Ambition Statement:To eventually create a small business and live a humble lifestyle in which I can explore the world and donate a significant amount to charity.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Playing baseball and going on hikes.
ZACKARY REEDMechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Lead by effective communication and activeness.
Ambition Statement:To become an engineer for Disney or Universal Studios theme parks on the rides.
Defining Interest or Hobby: Music, especially playing drums.
Ambition Statement:To bravely make a difference solving important problems.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Programming and economics
MORGAN SCHWEITZERMechanical Engineering2o16
Leadership Philosophy:Leadership is the ability to bring people together to accomplish something extraordinary that the individual could not. It’s about faith in people, passion at work, and inspiration for others. It’s about putting first things first and never letting up no matter the obstacle.
Ambition Statement:To create and foster a quality life and meaningful relationships while contributing to worldwide improvement.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Traveling and Photography
MATTHEW ROSEChemical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Strong leaders must be adaptable to changes in circumstances.
Ambition Statement:To apply creative insight from my own life to ameliorate the lives of others.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Water Polo
SEAN RUDOWSKYChemical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Lead by example.
Ambition Statement:To experience building a cabin from the ground up.
Defining Interest or Hobby:The Outdoors
MARSHAL SHEMTOBEconomicsMinors in Finance and Accounting 2015
Leadership Philosophy:If you don’t know, do not get scared, but learn.
Ambition Statement:Learn from the masses and then teach them.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Financial markets and regulation, politics, and impressionism.
JESSIE SODOLOInformation Technology & Web Science2016
Leadership Philosophy:“He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.” ~Aristotle
Ambition Statement:Get into the financial industry to learn how money
changes; then start my own company, and a long way down the line become an adjunct professor and a
motivational speaker.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Writing poems.
WILLIAM STEINBERGERNuclear Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:Lead from the front, by example, and as a team.
Ambition Statement:“History will be kind to me; for I intend to write it.” ~Winston Churchill
Defining Interest or Hobby:Research and Development
MORGAN TENEYCKBusiness Management2016
Leadership Philosophy:To effectively lead we must focus on the unique needs and abilities of people at both a group and individual level.
Ambition Statement:My goal is to use my management background as well as my strong analytical and problem solving skills to become an effective project manager and team member within an organization.
Defining Interest or Hobby:RPI Varsity Softball
CHRIS WARMANNChemical Engineering2015
Leadership Philosophy:Empower everyone you’re working with to reach their full potential and be the best they can be.
Ambition Statement:I want to help bring clean water and electricity to least developed countries.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Traveling
WILLIAM WESTMechanical Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:I believe in leading by example, truthfulness, and in listening to everyone.
Ambition Statement:My passion is in energy and the development of electrical generation systems. My career goal is to be part of the engineering process to design systems that produce cleaner, cheaper, and more accessible electricity.
Defining Interest or Hobby:I am very interested in leadership, planning programs, soccer and chess.
SHAMUS WHEELERIndustrial and Management Engineering2016
Leadership Philosophy:I am a leader that believes in self-awareness and a strengths-based philosophy.
Ambition Statement:I hope to one day start a successful start up.
Defining Interest or Hobby:Whitewater rafting and dog-sledding.
