Tony Shi knows how to be a leader. After high school he went straight into the workforce, helping his parents greatly expand the family business.

Now that he’s pursuing his degree at age 27, though, Shi realizes that there is still more to learn. That’s why he was one of roughly 70 Delta College students who participated in an extensive series of leadership development workshops this semester.

“The biggest thing I took from this was the need for self-reflection,” Shi said. “A lot of the times you’re constantly pushing ideas and concepts into action, but at the same time becoming a better listener is probably much needed.

“There’s a lot to take away from this event,” Shi said. “I feel like it really benefits students.”

The series of seven workshops covered topics like conflict resolution, how to run a meeting and how to effectively communicate. Guest speakers included Superintendent/President Kathy Hart, Vice President of Instruction James Todd and Vice President of Student Services Lisa Cooper Wilkins, among many others.

Students had a chance not only to learn from top College administrators, but also to share any concerns they have. On top of that, students who finished the series earned leadership certificates which they can add to their resumes.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Director of Student Activities Shayla Walker, who modeled the series after a similar program at Sacramento State University. “The students have been coming up to me after every workshops saying, ‘Oh my gosh, this has been so helpful.”

The strong turnout just goes to show that students want to develop their professional skills, and welcome an opportunity to interact with College leaders, she said.

 “Students want this,” Walker said. “They want to advocate, they want to be able to have the skills to transition into any environment and display their leadership skills confidently.”