Illinois Tech Leadership Academy

IIT x NJIT Leadership Summit was a great inaugural event. Leaders from across the nation came together with a shared commitment to building bridges across institutions and
industries. With a keynote speaker, activities, and a panel of students and faculty, students from the Midwest and the East Coast were able to collaborate in real time. This is
only the beginning! Looking forward to seeing the partnerships and conversations sparked at this event continue to grow.

The Leadership Academy hit the trails together.
At Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, our scholars gathered for our spring scholar-only retreat. A day to slow down, reflect on the journey, and invest in each other. And a special shoutout to our seniors and soon to be senior scholars who stepped up to help plan and facilitate the day. This is leadership in action!
Walks, real conversations, fresh air, and a whole lot of well-earned appreciation. That’s what this community is about.

On February 21st, the Illinois Tech Leadership Academy Senior Scholars recently facilitated an impactful seminar titled “Leading from Within.”
The session focused on the importance of self-leadership as the foundation for effective leadership, exploring how purpose, empathy, and credibility influence the culture leaders create. Attendees engaged with practical frameworks such as the Mirror Principle, personal SWOT analysis, and the Pause Principle to strengthen clarity, confidence, and adaptability in their leadership approach.
Thank you to Karim Aboushabana, Gabriella Baltes, David Omieworio, Faisal Shethwala, and Saumya Sukhthankar for their leadership and commitment to fostering thoughtful, values-driven leadership within the Illinois Tech community.

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Illinois Tech Leadership Symposium! It was inspiring to meet so many driven prospective scholars and their families who are considering making Illinois Institute of Technology their future home. Your curiosity, ambition, and thoughtful questions reminded us exactly why this community is so special.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the weekend a success. From our dedicated scholars to the undergraduate admissions team who made it all possible. We can’t wait to see the next cohort of leaders on campus soon

Last semester was truly one for the books. 📖❤️

Looking back at the last few months, we packed a lot in. From a seminar led by our brilliant Senior Scholars and a retreat into nature, to game nights, dinner with the Provost, and the warmth of Scholargiving—we did it all.

But what stands out most isn’t just the events; it’s the feeling of family.

Thank you for making the Leadership Academy a true community. Thank you for showing up, for learning, and for simply being who you are.

If you are interested in joining our LA community, check out the link in our bio and apply today! Applications close on January 30th, 2026.

Gabriella has wrapped up an outstanding four-year career with the Illinois Tech women’s soccer program. A dominant presence on the field, her consistency and defensive excellence were recognized with three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year honors. Off the field, her dedication to academics earned her national recognition as a CSC Academic All-American First Team honoree. The Academy is incredibly proud of all that Gabriella has accomplished. Congratulations on an exceptional career, Gabriella!
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