Inside Aspects of Leadership: Developing Ethical Leaders at Prep for Prep

Aspects of Leadership reflects Prep for Prep’s belief that academic achievement alone is not enough to prepare students for the world they will inherit—and help shape. In a time defined by complex social challenges and urgent questions of equity, ethics, and impact, students must be equipped not only to succeed personally, but to lead with purpose and integrity.

That is why Aspects of Leadership is required for all Prep for Prep high school students. The program creates a shared foundation where students examine right and wrong, engage in challenging conversations, build community across difference, and develop the practical skills needed to turn values into action. By investing in leadership development early, we affirm what we know to be true: Prep for Prep students are not just future leaders—they are leaders now, with both the power and responsibility to contribute to the common good.

The Aspects of Leadership curriculum is offered three times each year, most recently last month. Over three days, Prep for Prep 10th, 11th, and 12th graders gathered at LREI in downtown Manhattan to read defining texts on leadership, analyze real-world case studies, and participate in role-play and simulation exercises.

The program opened with an address from Prep for Prep’s new CEO, Diahann Billings (VI/Grace Church, Poly Prep, Yale) Columbia. Drawing on her experience as a Prep student, alumna, and staff member, Diahann spoke about why leadership development is essential to Prep for Prep’s mission.

“We believe that this population—the primary Prep population—is one of the best places where we can develop leaders who are practical and effective,” she shared. “If we want a country and a world focused on the common good, we need leaders from this population who are both ethical and effective.”

Students also heard from featured speaker Sami Souid, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IHL Group, a global research and advisory firm serving the retail and hospitality industries. In conversation with Diahann, Sami shared his immigration story, reflected on building a business from the ground up, and discussed the ethical dilemmas he faced along the way.

In Aspects 1, students were introduced to foundational leadership concepts. Led by Prep for Prep alumni and supported by undergraduate teaching assistants, sessions explored the roles and attributes of leaders, The Social Contract, and the dynamics of power and authority. Aspects 2 focused on transactional versus transformational leadership, as well as identity and intersectionality. Students co-created a community dictionary to make leadership language more accessible and examined Prep for Prep’s core values—Excellence, Integrity, Commitment, and Courage. In Aspects 3, the program’s final module, students tackled complex themes including patriotism versus nationalism, rhetoric versus reality, and shared responsibility.

Day One concluded with a Speed Networking Career Fair, where students connected with Prep for Prep alumni to learn about a wide range of industries and professional pathways. The program concluded on Day Three with student-led sessions centered on issues that matter deeply to Prep for Prep students. More than a dozen workshops explored topics ranging from music and mental health, to the politics of presentation, social media and online hate, and the global consequences of thawing Arctic permafrost.

Through Aspects of Leadership, Prep for Prep students deepen their understanding of themselves, their communities, and their responsibilities as leaders—today and in the future.

We are grateful for the contribution of time and knowledge by the following individuals: 

Aspects 1: Vivian Cordon (XXXIII), Sushovit Khadka (XL), Emil Palacios (P9 XXXIII), and Joshua Noel Rivera (XXXII)

 

Aspects 2: Jameeiah Domercant (XXXIX), Sinai Cruz (XXX), Mathias Gazi (XXXVIII), and Bianca Morales (P9 XXXIII)

 

Aspects 3: Justin Burrell (XXXIX), Destiney Green (XXXIX), Angela Korentang (P9 XXXI), Isabel Lewis (P9 XXVII), and Michel Osei (XXXIII)

 

Clinicians: Dr. Sonia Banks, Shana Harris (P9 I), and Kareem Varlack

 

Counselors: Evelyn Adorno, Sophie Choi, Courney Dennis, Maya Jingles, Kasandra Pantoja, and Melinda Santiago 

 

Alumni Volunteers: 

Hana Abreha (XXXII)

Franklyn Arthur (III)

Daphne Ballesteros (P9 XXIX)

Shannon Brathwaite (P9 XX)

Vanessa Carvajal (XXV)

Tyler Clarke (XXX)

Christine Croasdaile (XXIX)

Diarra Edwards (XXV)

Ebieten Elmsoxogu (P9 V)

Lotoya Francis (XXXIV)

Olivia Harris (XXVII)

Gianni Latange (XXVIII)

Juan Lones (P9 XXV)

Amanda Martinez (XXXV)

Lauren Ng (XXVII)

Meet Patel (XXXI)

Isabel Velazquez-Acero  (XXX)

Thomas Yu (XXII)