On Friday, another Lead Lunch was held at the MLK Union from 12 to 1 p.m. with the Director of Academic Support Amber Webb.  

Lead Lunches are held around campus with different instructors discussing university leadership and even advice about college living. These events are served with free lunch as well.  

The Lead Lunch took place on the third floor of the MLK union in the Effingham room. To attend and fully participate, students must bring their panther cards; that goes for every lead lunch event. About 10 students were present and were welcomed with sub sandwiches, cookies and drinks.  

Alex Warrick is a second-year graduate student and an assistant in EIU leadership and engagement. He said Lead Lunch started last year and has improved as time has passed. 

 “We have about 10 to 15 students per usual and I think they have gained a lot of leadership skills,” he said. “It’s good to see students retaining the information that is given.” 

Webb started the lunch with an introduction, telling attendants that she is a first-generation college student that graduated first from Lake Land College before graduating twice from EIU.  

She said her husband and oldest son are EIU alums, and that her middle son will attend EIU in the fall. 

After her introduction, Webb then began to talk about leadership, more specifically inclusive leadership.  

“It actively welcomes diverse perspectives,” she said. “We honor other people’s experiences, and we also honor multiple types of identities.” 

Webb said that because she is a leader, it is her right that she wants to help people grow. To her it’s important to recognize personal biases in their gaps and knowledge.  

She then went on to explain different types of cultures and how to include everyone.  

Hearing Webb bring other cultures sparked those in attendance to explain their own opinions and experiences about diverse perspectives. All students in attendance were international students.  

Clinical counseling major Rahima Allahverdiyea said there were some great and positive experiences while being a student at EIU.  

“I feel like EIU is doing an excellent job supporting international students,” Allahverdiyea said. “They would even organize different events for us.” 

Webb said she was pleased that the students were sharing their experiences, and she shared some of her own.  

“I did not grow up in a diverse area, so that is something that will be a lifelong learning for me,” she said. “But I can acknowledge that I am going to be taking steps to be able to learn about that better.” 

Webb then went on to give students advice on what they can do to show leadership.  

“It’s important just to take that time to understand what their backgrounds are and their different identities to be able to engage,” she said.  

Throughout the lecture Webb said she felt very connected to the students when she shared her input, considering that connection, communication and leadership were the main goals for this event.  

Koria Downs can be reached at at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.