Amanda Rodriguez, Graduate Coordinator

My Name is Amanda Rodriguez. I am proud to be the Inaugural Graduate Assistant for the Office of Student Life and Leadership located at the Paul Robeson Campus Center in Rutgers Newark. Working alongside Dean Walton has awarded me with several amazing opportunities. One of them being the Global Leadership Exchange.

During my time as a Graduate Assistant, I was able to coordinate guest lectures for the Student Leadership Course as well as work one on one with students to teach lesson plans. The Student Leadership Course laid the foundation for first the Domestic Leadership Exchange and then the Global Leadership Exchange. The Domestic Leadership Exchange was held at Rutgers Newark and hosted student leaders from both Rutgers Newark and Penn State University. These students engaged in leadership workshops, and met with prominent community leaders.

The very first Global Leadership Exchange continued the success of the Domestic Leadership Exchange and broadened it. Students Leaders traveled to the country of Senegal, where they were able to explore the culture, and practice their civic engagement. This trip proved to be a historical opportunity as a trip of this magnitude had never occurred.

In essence, being the Inaugural Graduate Assistant of the Global Leadership Exchange not only allowed to me discover my talents but has profoundly driven the course of my career. I currently work in Broadcast and Commercial Television. I have Associated Directed several sporting events for CBS Sports and have produced digital commercial content for brands such as Ally Bank. Working with Dean Walton and being a part of the very first Global Leadership Exchange, fostered my professionalism while introducing me to new parts of the world. I will forever be grateful for such a unique experience and look forward to the influence this opportunity will have on future participants.

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