D'Angelo Olvera

Leadership became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at Ferris State University. I had the opportunity to help build and grow organizations, serve in multiple leadership positions, and work alongside students who shared a commitment to creating opportunities and community for others.

One of the experiences I am most proud of was helping establish Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity at Ferris State. As one of four founding members, I had the opportunity to serve as Vice President, President, and later Treasurer as our organization continued to grow. Our journey eventually led to becoming a fully chartered chapter. I am proud of what we accomplished, but I also recognize that none of it was accomplished alone. It took the commitment of my fellow founders, brothers, advisors, campus partners, and everyone who believed in what we were building.

My involvement extended beyond fraternity life. I served as President of the Hispanic Student Organization and Recruitment Chair for ALPFA, while also spending four years as a PROMESA Scholar. Through these organizations, I had opportunities to help bring people together, support events and initiatives, develop relationships, and contribute to a stronger sense of community on campus.

Throughout these experiences, I tried to lead through my five CliftonStrengths: Futuristic, Significance, Harmony, Analytical, and Consistency. Futuristic helped me focus on what an organization could become rather than only where it was at the moment. Significance pushed me to make the work meaningful. Harmony taught me to find common ground between different personalities and perspectives. Analytical helped me think through decisions instead of reacting immediately, while Consistency reminded me to hold myself accountable and treat people fairly.

I also try to approach leadership by being humble, hungry, and smart. To me, being humble means understanding that a title does not make someone more important than the people around them and being willing to learn from others. Being hungry means continuing to push for improvement even after reaching a goal. Being smart means understanding people, reading situations, communicating effectively, and knowing when to listen.

The greatest lesson leadership taught me is that meaningful accomplishments are rarely the work of one person. I was fortunate to work alongside talented people who challenged me, supported me, and brought their own strengths to everything we accomplished. I may have held leadership titles, but the organizations and communities we helped build were the result of a team.

Those experiences changed my understanding of leadership. I no longer view leadership as being the person in front. I view it as helping create an environment where people can work together, grow, and accomplish something that none of us could have accomplished alone.