Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: A Collaborative Syllabus for Higher Education Leadership book cover with bright geometric shapes in background

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doi.org/10.36284/celelon.oa11

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de León-Zepeda, Dean at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas, has been profoundly influenced by the work of Gloria Anzaldúa throughout her career. Here, she describes how Anzaldúa’s work, especially the “iterative journey” contained in her concept of conocimiento, has shaped her leadership. Cultivating comunidad in her daily activities as a leader; practicing with testimonio as part of data gathering; centering the spirit in college activities; and enacting the “Coyolxauhqui imperative” by including personal and professional development in performance review are among the key ideas drawn from Anzaldúa that de León-Zepeda puts into her leadership practice. 

Discussion Questions

de León-Zepeda’s chapter vividly illustrates how she has personalized Gloria Anzaldúa’s work as a student, a scholar, and a leader. As you reflect on people who have informed what and how you’ve learned—authors; people whom you have encountered in your life such as mentors; family members—what ideas seem most vital as you consider moving into or through your role as a leader?