For TCU students, leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about vision, connection, and the courage to make a difference. The LeaderShape Institute exemplifies this philosophy, offering a transformative experience that challenges students to think beyond their limitations and act with purpose.
Founded in 1986, the LeaderShape Institute has helped over 78,000 students develop the skills to lead with integrity and vision. This year, a winter storm interrupted the planned LeaderShape retreat, but rather than seeing this as a setback, TCU saw it as an opportunity to send a group of students to a national LeaderShape session in New Braunfels, Texas. There, they joined students from universities across the nation, including Yale, Tulane, and George Mason, all united by a shared commitment to leadership and change.
A Space for Generative Leadership
Dr. Estee Hernández, Assistant Director of Leadership and Experiential Learning, has been involved with LeaderShape since 2015. She describes the retreat as a place that fosters a mindset of possibility.
“In everyday life, we operate with limitations. We can’t do this, we don’t have time or money for that. LeaderShape is a place of possibility. Everything that we do in LeaderShape is generative. Once in that mindset, LeaderShape participants create visions toward a ‘just, caring, and thriving world.’ We recognize that once they leave LeaderShape, they go back to living with constraints. But because they spent time in that generative space, the goal is for them to sustain that energy in spite of constraints, to keep working toward their visions, because even if they fall short, they’ll still move the needle.”
The real magic, however, comes after the retreat when students return to their everyday lives. Dr. Hernández continues, “LeaderShape isn’t just about leadership; it’s about mindset. Once students leave the retreat, they continue to push forward, even in the face of challenges. They’re inspired to make a difference, no matter the constraints they face.”
Voices of Change
For students like BK Lehano, a junior studying Neuroscience, LeaderShape had a profound impact on how they view leadership.
“LeaderShape defined leadership as ‘the practice of co-creating a just, caring, and thriving world through living uniquely with integrity.’ That definition left a lasting impact on me, and it’s something I reflect on regularly, both in and outside of leadership roles. Although we only had a week together, the respectful and caring environment allowed for deep, impactful conversations, self-realization, and genuine ‘aha’ moments.”
Similarly, sophomore Computer Science major Delia Sanchez Juarez found the experience to be a turning point.
“What stood out to me is how easily LeaderShape creates and fosters a community despite the varying differences among its members. There are students from all walks of life and all areas of the United States, yet by the end of the week, there were tears shed among us. Although I struggled at first to make connections, eventually I started to become more confident in my differences, because anyone else could be feeling that same way. I even became great friends with someone from SMU, shocker.”
Looking Ahead: How to Get Involved
The LeaderShape retreat is not just a unique experience for students; it’s an opportunity for faculty and staff to get involved, too. Dr. Hernández is passionate about how the program encourages everyone to play a role in developing the next generation of leaders.
“I always look forward to welcoming new facilitators who want to be part of this transformative experience. It’s not just about leading the students—it’s about learning from them, too. Everyone who participates walks away feeling inspired, challenged, and ready to make a difference.”
If you know a student who could benefit from this leadership opportunity, or if you are a faculty or staff member interested in becoming a facilitator, reach out by email to leadership@tcu.edu. Together, we can continue to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders.
