Page 27 - The EDGE Summer 2025

Finding the Leader in You

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greater equality in conversational turn-taking, women I have been led on a journey of self-
further enabling group members to be responsive discovery, relationship building, comradeship,
to one another and to make the best of the and have gained power, strength, and confidence
knowledge and skills of members." that I never knew I had. It was an opportunity to
share experiences, trials, and tribulations, to learn
I have, for a number of years, been very conscious techniques, and find resolutions and approaches
of being mindful and taking a mindful approach that work for us as individuals with the most
in my leadership style. I like to take time, even if sincere and caring group of women that I have
it's just for a few minutes, to reflect on my day: ever had the blessing and opportunity to engage
did I stop and engage myself in the conversation with. We convinced Jill Barragan and Nicole
at hand, did I foster a level of trust in my teams, Lance to create a continuation group at the end of
did they feel connected, valued, heard, and our course. This opportunity has been incredibly
important? What could or should I have done influential on both my professional and personal
differently today to maintain the level of trust life. It has given me clarity and a newfound
I foster not only amongst my immediate team passion to encourage others. Start your journey...
members but with my colleagues, and with other the leader in you is awaiting.
leaders and department members in my district?
A good leader should be respectful of their team Linda Virgil, Executive Director of Business
members, they should be able to trust their team, Services, Peoria Unified School District,
be open in their communication, and ensure their can be reached at: LVirgil@pusd11.net or
team members know that their input and opinions (623) 486-6076 or cell (623) 512-2236.
are important. It creates a mutual understanding
and tone of respect.

I consider myself a life-long learner and my
leadership journey is far from complete. I engage
myself in continuing to learn at every opportunity
and where better than our amazing AASBO
organization and community. Learning doesn't
just happen in a "classroom." It comes from
conversation with other individuals, observations
of others and their approach to leadership, and
from the networking opportunities that are
afforded to us.

I have been very fortunate to have had the
opportunity to engage in the AASBO Women's
Leadership Development Series. I was a member
of Cohort 1. Alongside an amazing group of

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