As I reflect on the year that has passed since I completed the Catholic Leadership Program at University of Notre Dame, I want to share how this experience has personally impacted and transformed me. The program was not just a professional development opportunity; it was a journey of profound personal growth.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. The “Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” session with Eve Kelly opened my eyes to the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued. This has become a personal mission for me—to always be mindful of different perspectives and ensure support for everyone with which I work.
Philanthropy was another important aspect of the program. Pete Hlabse's session on the grace of giving and the common good taught me the importance of securing resources for educational development that are consistent with Catholic values. I learned to see each donor not just as a source of funding but as a partner who shares our vision and mission.
Security in the university environment is particularly important to us in Ukraine. Keri Kei Shibata's presentation on building an effective safety and security program highlighted the importance of having well-defined policies and working with other institutions to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
I began to see leadership not just as management or governance, but as an opportunity to influence the community, inspire others, and embody Catholic values in everyday life.
The role of Catholic universities in the global context, as discussed by Fr. Friedrich Bechina, was another eye-opening topic. This session reminded me that as a university we have a mission that extends beyond our local context to the global stage—to promote peace and justice, as well as to foster international dialogue and cooperation.
The insights and skills I gained from the program were invaluable in the accreditation process of our bachelor`s program in law in 2024. The emphasis on inclusion, ethical leadership, and global standards helped us structure our program to meet the rigorous accreditation criteria. Implementing these principles ensured that our program was not only academically robust but also aligned with our Catholic values and was responsive to contemporary global challenges.
One session that had a profound impact on me was led by Kara Palmer. Her discussion on leadership and personal development emphasized the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Kara's insights into how leaders can create a supportive and motivating environment were particularly relevant to my role at UCU. Her emphasis on empathy, active listening, and the personal development of team members resonated with me and reinforced the importance of these qualities in fostering a positive and productive academic environment.
But the most valuable part of the program was the people I met. We became not just participants in a short course, but true friends. Now, a year later, we continue to support each other, share experiences, and help each other through professional and personal challenges. These relationships, based on shared values and aspirations, have become a source of inspiration and support for me.
The year following my participation in the Catholic Leadership Program at Notre Dame has been a period of significant change in my life. I have become more aware of the importance of inclusion, philanthropy, security, and the global mission of education. This experience has not only strengthened my professional skills but has also made me a more responsible and compassionate person. Before participating in this program, I must admit that I had never really considered the concept of leadership and its unique role within a Catholic academic community. However, thanks to the program, these once familiar terms were redefined and took on a new meaning for me. I began to see leadership not just as management or governance, but as an opportunity to influence the community, inspire others, and embody Catholic values in everyday life.
Yuliia Navrotska is an associate professor in the Theory of Law and Human Rights Department and director of the LL.M Program at Ukrainian Catholic University Law School.