The Leadership We Need in Challenging Times

Leadership is often associated with power, influence, and decision-making, but true leadership goes much deeper. It is about guiding people through challenges, standing firm in one’s values, and fostering unity in times of division. In today’s world, leaders face a variety of complex issues that test their strength, resilience, and moral compasses. On this National Leadership Day, February 20th, we recognize the immense impact leaders have on people’s lives and reflect on how we, too, can develop our own leadership qualities by leading through action, legacy, and people.

Leading Through Action: Addressing the Immediate Housing Insecurity Crisis

One of the most pressing complex issues facing communities today is housing insecurity. When people lose their homes, they can lose not only their security, but often their stability and even their dignity.

The rising number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness is not just a crisis of economics—it is a moral issue that requires bold leadership from those who recognize that housing is not a privilege, but a fundamental need. It requires long-term vision over short-term fixes, advocacy over apathy, and compassion over bureaucracy. It also calls for a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. These issues became exacerbated in LA with recent loss of housing due to the fires.

I have seen firsthand how calm and strategic problem-solving and tackling challenges head on through teamwork can create tangible change in urgent crisis areas like housing insecurity. Whether navigating budget constraints, advocating for policy reform, or addressing urgent needs, I believe the question that leaders at every level must ask themselves is: How am I using my position, influence, and voice to create real change for those in crisis?

Leading Through Legacy: Lessons from Leaders in Black History As the community has traditionally celebrated Black History and Ethnic Equality during their national observances in the month of February, we are reminded that leadership is deeply connected to the way we engage with diverse communities and advocate for change.

The resilience, courage, and determination of historical Black leaders–from Harriet Tubman to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.–have shaped history and continue to inspire generations. These leaders understood that their work was not about titles or positions, but about service, sacrifice, and being committed to making the world a better place. They led with a deep sense of purpose, even in the face of adversity, and their legacies teach us that leadership is not just about navigating the present, but about shaping the future.

Leading Through People: The Power of Bridging Human Connections This month is also National Human Relations Month, a time to celebrate and reflect upon those who have spent countless hours perfecting the craft of communicating with others. Much like an effective HR Representative must be, effective leaders are those who build connections, foster understanding, and inspire unity.

Strong leadership is about listening as much as speaking, learning as much as teaching, and bringing people together rather than deepening divides. I believe in meeting people where they are, understanding their experiences, and working collaboratively to find solutions. Leadership is not about having all the answers but about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to communicate and contribute.

The Leadership We Need Today On this National Leadership Day, the call to action is clear: We must cultivate leaders who are courageous, compassionate, and committed to justice. Whether in government, non-profits, business, education, or community service, we need leaders who:

• Know their values and stand firm in them, even in difficult times.
• Prioritize people over politics, ensuring that those in need—especially those facing housing insecurity—are not forgotten.
• Embrace and understand diversity, recognizing that progress comes from empowering all voices.
• Lead with empathy and authenticity, building trust and inspiring action.
• Communicate effectively, using words and actions to unify, educate, and create positive change.
• Learn from history and apply its lessons to today’s challenges.

Leadership is not reserved for those with titles or formal authority. It is a quality that exists in all of us. We lead in our families, in our communities, in our workplaces, and in our daily interactions. Every decision we make—whether to speak up or stay silent, to act or remain passive, to lead with courage or succumb to fear—shapes the world around us.

As a leader, your strength lies in your ability to navigate uncertainty with hope, solve problems with transparency, and inspire resilience in others. I believe that leadership is not about perfection, but about progress—about moving forward with integrity, courage, and the belief that no challenge is too great when approached with faith and determination.

Today and every day, let us commit to being the kind of leaders the world so desperately needs. Let us be the ones who advocate for justice, build bridges instead of walls, and use our leadership to leave a lasting impact on those who need it most.

Because in the end, leadership is not just about simply making a difference—it is about making a difference that matters.