Habeth Ortega is a second-year student in the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program (CLDP) who has found both personal and professional benefits to being a part of the program’s cohort. While pursuing a psychology degree specialized in forensic science, Ortega showcases unwavering dedication both in and out of the classroom. Whether tackling advanced coursework or managing a part-time job, she consistently goes above and beyond, prioritizing excellence in all endeavors.
What are your career aspirations?
“My major is Psychology with a Forensic Science minor, my career aspiration is to become a successful forensic psychologist and make a significant contribution for the organization I’m working for.”
What have you most enjoyed about being a part of the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program?
“The support and sense of family from such a small cohort. Having people to rely on for comfort and support you in ways that are beneficial to helping you grow as a leader and person.”
How has your understanding of leadership improved or strengthened in your time in CLDP?
“My understanding of leadership throughout my time in the Chancellor’s Leadership Development program has improved exponentially. Leadership is more than simply leading a team to meet a goal but instead it’s about building connections or understanding underlying motives, values, and morals to best exhibit a plan. Leadership comes with being uncomfortable and growing as a person who values input of others and is able to see their faults without personal feelings involved. Leadership is more than the big role you possess but instead what you do with the resources and team mates offered to achieve that goal in the most efficient way possible while including everyone’s input. Ultimately, my understanding of leadership has strengthened as its shifted from having a big role in a group, work place, etc., to really knowing how to adapt, to aspiring to learn and grow as well as remaining self aware of what values drive their leadership abilities while leading others.”
How do you feel you will apply or have already applied the leadership skills you have learned in CLDP to other leadership opportunities?
“I believe the leadership skills I have acquired from CLDP have been applied to my academic life in various aspects, however, these leadership skills would further be applied more to my future career as a forensic psychologist. Having the responsibility of collaborating with others to facilitate the achievement of a common goal in providing sufficient evidence to best support or deny the motive of offenders in question is crucial with proper teamwork. Leading with empathy, purpose, and confidence is essential in the psychology field. Having the ability to speak up and properly communicate is vital in making a change for clients.”