Keys to creating change: Say yes (and no), learn to listen are Propel Ohio messages

The annual Propel Ohio student leadership summit draws together college students, engaging and inspiring them to make the state a better place in government and business, community-building and work environments. It starts at the grassroots level by creating change in individual campuses and communities.

That’s something junior Yaniah Powell already knows about.

This year, Yaniah, a psychology and criminology double major, was selected to represent Heidelberg at the Oct. 4 Propel Ohio summit, along with her professor and mentor, Dr. Sarah Lazzari, who nominated her to attend.

Kicking off the summit, held at the University of Dayton, students heard from Propel Ohio sponsor U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and his wife, Connie Schultz, a noted journalist.

Yaniah and Sarah noted that Brown, in his remarks, spoke about American-made products, the value of unions, and shared excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter From Birmingham Jail. One particular quote stood out:

“Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men [people] willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation.”

In that quote lies one of the themes that was a memorable takeaway from the conference: “It’s not enough to have hope. It really takes the activism piece,” Sarah said.

For Yaniah, that idea struck a chord as she reflected on her upbringing and desire to make change as well as Schultz’s message about the true meaning of privilege – that the people who have the most privilege, regardless of class, know how to navigate hardships to work hard toward their achievements. This reinforced Yaniah’s personal philosophy and the reason she is such a highly engaged student on campus.

“You have to be willing to listen to each other, even though viewpoints are different. You have to hear other people’s stories in order to make change,” she said. “From listening comes empathy.”

In addition to a push to encourage students to vote, Yaniah also heard the theme “say yes to opportunities” – something she’s already put into motion on campus as she prepares for a career in the legal field. At Heidelberg, Yaniah is involved with Student Senate, where she serves as the Diversity Ambassador, and is the president of the Black Student Union. She is an academic writing coach, conducts research with Sarah, and is about to launch a new community outreach program called CORE – Community Opportunities for Resource Engagement – with Sarah and HU Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Aaron Nelson. She’s a member of Alpha Phi Sigma and Psi Chi and is a member of the Student Prince women’s soccer team.

“We need to use skills we know we have and build on them and find skills we never knew we needed,” Yaniah said. “And also know when to say no.”

And knowing when to be a follower so others can shine. Mastering these qualities promotes strong leadership, she said.

The conference allowed Yaniah to connect with other participants and further put her knowledge to work on campus.