Katherine E. Noble
Leadership Portfolio
About Me
Hello! My name is Katie, and I am a graduating senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During my time at UNC, I pursued a double major in Public Policy and History with a concentration in Politics, Law, and Economics and a minor in Classical Humanities. I am passionate about public service and hope to one day be the head of a foundation. In the meantime, after graduating, I will be stepping into the role of a Chancellor's Fellow at UNC, where I will have the opportunity to work in higher education policy and administration. I hope to continue growing and learning as a leader in this position, building off of the incredible skills the NC Fellows Program at UNC has given me. So, without further ado, I am happy to share below who I am as a leader now and my aspirations for the future!
Leadership Philosophy
I define leadership as more than just guiding a group toward a common goal; it is about fostering growth, both individually and collectively. I believe in leading by example and empowering others to reach their full potential to do well and do good. I believe doing well involves encouraging individuals to grow not only as professionals but also as human beings, and doing good means actively contributing to the betterment of society. As someone deeply committed to public service, my leadership style is heavily influenced by my dedication to improving the world around me. Specifically, I am driven by a passion for helping marginalized women and increasing educational opportunities and political engagement among underrepresented youths. In terms of my leadership style, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected. I believe in fostering an environment where people can be their authentic selves and feel comfortable taking risks and exploring new ideas. Additionally, I am committed to empowering others to become leaders in their own right. This means providing them with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to step up and take charge. Ultimately, I aspire to be a leader who not only leads but also serves. I want to lead by example, inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. By embodying the values of empathy, passion, and resilience, I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment and social change.
Empathy
Empathy, to me, means understanding where people are coming from and being able to feel for them. It involves putting oneself in another's shoes and genuinely caring about their emotions and experiences. Prioritizing empathy allows me to connect with and better understand others. When I struggle, I want someone to listen and truly hear and feel me. Because of this, I want to do the same for others. Empathy is a fundamental part of who I am because I deeply value human connections and other people's emotions. As a leader, I believe it's crucial to be there for others, to support them, and to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood. Working with team members experiencing loss or needing a mental break, I have practiced empathy by listening attentively, offering support without judgment, and providing resources or assistance as needed. Additionally, in my interactions with peers and colleagues, I strive to empathize with their perspectives and emotions, even in challenging situations. To deepen my understanding of empathy, I will actively seek opportunities for learning and growth, such as reading literature on empathy, attending seminars focused on emotional intelligence and communication skills, and engaging in reflective practices to understand my emotions and biases better.
Passion
My understanding of passion is that it is when you care so deeply about something that it becomes a driving force in your life. It is about having an unwavering commitment and dedication to pursuing what you love and finding joy and fulfillment in it. My passion for public service propels me forward. Passion is deeply ingrained in who I am because I put my heart and soul into the things I care about. It is what gives me purpose and drives me to make a positive impact in the world. I care deeply about the issues and causes that matter to me, and my passion is what motivates me to take action and make change. I have practiced my passion in various ways, including starting three new public service organizations aimed at addressing social issues women face. Additionally, I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone, such as participating in the UNC DC Honors Seminar in Public Policy and Global Affairs, because I knew it would deepen my understanding of the issues I care about and allow me to contribute meaningfully to them. To continue learning and cultivating my passion, I will seek more opportunities to express it and make a difference. Whether it is through volunteering, advocacy work, or pursuing further education in areas related to my passions, I will actively engage with what drives me. Additionally, I will remind myself why I care about what I do, rekindling my enthusiasm and commitment to my chosen path.
Resilience
To me, resilience means pushing through and always trying, even in the face of adversity. It is about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than allowing them to defeat or define you. Resilience resonates with me because I always try to persevere and thrive despite challenges and setbacks. This value has shaped my outlook on life and instilled in me a belief that I can overcome adversity and thrive in the face of challenges. I have practiced resilience in numerous situations, including making it through challenging semesters when things got hard academically or personally. Instead of giving up or succumbing to stress, I persisted and found ways to adapt and overcome obstacles. Additionally, I have faced setbacks and failures in my personal and professional life, but each time, I have used resilience to bounce back stronger and more determined than before. To continue learning and strengthening my resilience, I will actively seek out opportunities to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. Additionally, I will work on habits and practices that promote resilience, such as practicing self-care and building a strong support network.
Leadership Influences
In terms of major influences on my leadership style, my family members have played significant roles in shaping me. My mom has taught me the importance of being selfless and willing to put the needs of others before my own. From my dad, I have learned the value of balancing hard work with enjoying life, recognizing that success is not solely defined by professional achievements but also by personal fulfillment and happiness. My brother has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges, pushing me to expand my horizons and discover my potential. Drawing from these influences, I aspire to emulate their qualities of selflessness, work-life balance, and willingness to take risks in my own leadership journey. I believe my family's guidance has allowed me to impact others by creating opportunities for them to step into leadership roles and fostering a sense of community within the organizations I have founded. By providing a space for individuals to lead, collaborate, and contribute, I believe I have empowered others to develop their skills, pursue their passions, and make a meaningful impact. Through cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment, I strive to inspire and uplift others, enabling them to thrive as leaders in their own right.
Personal Development Plan
1
Plan
~ Continue growing as a leader by staying deeply connected to my core values of empathy, passion, and resilience.
~ Stay open to constructive feedback about my leadership style.
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2
Goals
~ Learning how to become more comfortable with failure and change.
~ Continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone and trying new things.
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3
Future
~ Learn how to effectively navigate the complexities of leadership in dynamic public service environments.
~ Be confident in myself as a person and a leader.