MC Learn, Empower, Act, Discover and Serve (MC LEADS) is a student leadership organization sponsored by the College’s Office of Student Life.

MC LEADS, founded in 2013 by Student Life Specialist Jane Ssemanda, strives to develop the leadership skills of members, educate the community on current social issues, and bring the student body together.

Typically, groups of two or more students will present once a month on the many facets and characteristics of good leadership.  This month, in deference to Nelson Mandela’s recent passing – two LEADS members, Sophomores Kobina Arthur and Dominic Lyon, presented leadership lessons from the former South African President’s life.

Dominic Lyon gave an impassioned presentation on the social climate in South Africa and the fight Mandela – affectionately nicknamed Mabida by his countrymen, fought for racial equality and voting rights.  Chronicling Mandela’s incarceration, Lyon tied his early life lessons into his success as President after being released from prison in 1990.

Kobina Arthur then took over, explaining the leadership techniques Mandela utilized to piece together the country, replete with factions and unrest, he had been charged with leading.  Arthur recounted anecdotes and quotations from Mandela’s life such as “Courage is not the absence of fear – it’s inspiring others to move beyond it” and “Quitting can be Leading, too.”