Jennifer Black Farinella


UCF Class of 2012

“The LEAD Scholars program simultaneously provided me with a foundation in my development, and a spring board to my future. The program and community is designed to assist individuals in cultivating their leadership abilities and talents, while also serving as a catalyst for students to pursue further opportunities on- and off-campus. LEAD Scholars equipped me with leadership training, confidence and support. LEAD Scholars became an organization that continually allowed me to explore passions and opened new doors of opportunity, including encouraging me to attain a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. The opportunity for a career in Student Affairs was a relatively unknown option to me at the age of 18; however, due to sincere relationships with mentors, encouragement to pursue dynamic education and involvement, and the supportive community, I quickly discovered this would be my career path and life’s work.  LEAD Scholars assisted me beyond a two-year program– to this day I still find support from the mentors of the program and through connections among LEAD Alumni.”

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