Costa Rica/Panama Trip Video 5

I often lecture on LeaderShape - the act of shaping tomorrow's leaders.  One of the critical character traits that every emerging leader should work on developing is "Enabling Others to Act." 

We do not lead in a vacuum, nothing truly great occurs without the support, cooperation and collaboration of many.  Fulfilling a higher purpose in life requires that we work together to elimate those barriers that keep others from leading.  While I was president of my Alumni organization the Latino Leadership Alumni Association, I raised funds in order send my daughter Veronica to Costa Rica and Panama on an experiential learning experience to provide free oral healthcare to indigent orphans, and families in these two Latin American countries.  Although, I realized that my daughter would benefit from this life changing experience, my main motivation was to help my fellow Latinos who lack the access to medical resources and where therefore suffering from oral disease.  My proudest moment as an emerging leader was to not only raise the funds for my daughter to participate in this experience, but to also raise enough funds to send much need supplies to both Costa Rica and Panama. 

I personally donated 288 toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss. I was also able to convince Crest and Oral-B to match my donation doubling the total to 576.  With the help and generosity of my Alumni group we were able to send over much needed supplies and the only Latina dental student on this trip to serve as interpreter.  We "enable" her to act, to provide these services.  That is what servant leadership is all about.  Enjoy the clip on their amazing trip.  Ask yourself, what legacy will you leave?