Impact x The Intersection Podcast: The Impact of Institute for Leadership and Social Impact and How It Cultivates Servant Leaders

In this episode of the Impact x Intersection Podcast, Institute for Leadership and Social Impact members Terry Blum, faculty director, and Dori Pap, managing director, provide an in-depth look into the organization’s origin and the various programs offered.

The center is committed to nurturing leaders who drive social change and offers a range of initiatives and programs for students to focus on servant leadership, with the goal of developing leaders who create more just, caring, and sustainable organizations and institutions.

Blum shared the story behind the establishment of the center, which was founded when she transitioned from her role as dean of the Scheller College of Business. Recognizing the need for a designated space for leadership development, Blum emphasized, “Leadership is about creating an alternative future – imagining that and enabling it.” Pap dove into the foundations of these programs, explaining, “All of our programs show students the various roles they can play in their future lives to improve the human condition.” Blum and Pap discuss the Social Impact Fellowship, which is a partnership with community nonprofit organizations that arose from the needs identified during the Covid-19 pandemic. These organizations were left without their much-needed base of volunteers, while students were struggling to find internships and work experience that aligned with Georgia Tech's mission to improve the human condition. The center supports its partners by providing stipends for students to serve as interns for 10 weeks each semester. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, this fellowship offers an opportunity to learn about the issues these organizations address in the community. When discussing the Leadership for Social Good Study Abroad Program, Pap explained the uniqueness of this offering: “The program focuses on understanding how civil society operates both in the U.S. and globally. We travel to the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary to see how innovation differs in different political and historical contexts.”

Students have the chance to see how social issues are addressed in Atlanta and in cities around the world, allowing for experiential learning that highlights local practices and solutions.

They also emphasized the work done since the center's inauguration and the commitment of those involved to fostering servant leaders. Listen to learn more about these programs and others, including the MBA Pro Bono Consulting practicum and the Emerging Leaders Program, and discover how a focus on servant leadership can be applied to any future path.