For the third year in a row, the Student Association at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) hosted the 2025 Emerging Leaders Retreat, the annual seminar series for student leaders. Held one week before the start of the fall semester, the four-segment nightly workshops offered strategies and skills to help student leaders throughout the academic year.
This year, the retreat focused on real-world leadership challenges. The series kicked off with “Delegation & Credibility: Leading Through Mistakes.” Then each successive night delved into a new topic: “An Unexpected Journey of Leadership,” “Decision Making for Student Leaders,” and finally, “Pathways to Leadership: Lessons from Those Who’ve Led.”
Reshma Jaigobin, Student Development and Leadership Coordinator and retreat organizer, explained the objective for the series.
“When planning the Emerging Leaders Retreat, I wanted the experience to feel real, and practical. Leadership isn’t just theory—it’s navigating mistakes, making difficult decisions, and figuring out your own voice and leadership style,” they said. “Every workshop and conversation was curated to give people space to reflect, connect, and grow into the kind of leader they aspire to be.”
The first three segments were hosted online by thought leaders from various sectors, who discussed different aspects of successful leadership. Speakers included Tim Paul Duffy, Electus Society; Nestor Melendez, Dean of Student Services Hillsborough Community College; and Deanne DeCrescenzo, Temple University.
The final night of the retreat featured a on-campus panel of alumni (pictured above) who had served as student leaders during their time at CUNY SPS. Panelists included Asantee Mitchell, (BA Disability Studies ‘23); Lennyn Jacob (BA Disability Studies ‘25); and Leonard Blades, (MS in Disability Services in Higher Education ‘20, Adv. Cert in Disability Studies ‘22, and MA in Disability Studies ’25). During the panel, the alumni shared their experiences in leadership roles and offered advice to the students in attendance.
In one highlight, Blades reflected upon the impact of his involvement with the student community. “Student leadership is a commitment, but at the same time, it's something that when you invest in it, when you put your time into it, when you put your heart into it—-it determines what you get out of it,” he said. “I've gotten so much out of student leadership, both professionally and personally, that I wish I would have said ‘Yes’ maybe a little bit more. But I love what I've done, everywhere and in all the spaces that I've had the chance to participate and be engaged with.”
Following the retreat, several student attendees shared their takeaways.
“One of the best aspects of the leadership retreat that was an ever-present theme across the sessions was learning from the experiences of others,” said Chance Nalley, a MA in Psychology student and current co-chair of the Student Association (at left). “Leaders don't need to ‘reinvent the wheel’ but rather should work to advance and build upon the progress of predecessors and mentors. Leaders are not islands, but part of a team; and I am especially grateful for the openness and collaboration from previous Student Association Presidents.”
Similarly, Human Relations student and Urban Male Scholars (UMS) peer mentor Shaindy Weichman (at right), also spoke about benefiting from the knowledge of leaders who have passed on the torch. “We're all on the same path, and leaders naturally have the same goals,” said Weichman. “Most of us have the same passion and enthusiasm, and when we consult with those who came before, it simply expands our ability to do great work.”
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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