The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Student Section at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), in partnership with the 180 Degrees Consulting Club at NDU, recently hosted the eighth edition of the Students Leadership Training (SLT 8) on Friday, April 5th, 2024. This dynamic event featured four engaging talks by distinguished speakers, punctuated with breaks, a delectable early dinner, and a thrilling trivia game to cap off the day.
The first talk, "Leadership in Action," was led by Omar Sakr, president of the Lebanon Mountains Trailer Association and a faculty member at FBAE NDU. Sakr shared his wealth of leadership experiences and ongoing projects, offering invaluable insights into effective leadership and its accompanying responsibilities.
Dr. Christy Mady, an associate professor at NDU specializing in communication and gender studies, delivered a thought-provoking talk titled "Inclusive Leadership." She delved into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, especially within leadership roles. Dr. Mady also provided practical guidance on creating equal opportunities for all team members.
In her presentation, "Leading Under the Spotlight," Dr. Manal Abdel Samad, a tax expert, public policy advisor, and former minister of information, shared her personal journey and the challenges she faced. She highlighted the significance of perseverance and self-confidence, inspiring attendees to pursue their goals relentlessly.
The final talk, "Engineering Your Leadership: A Consultant’s Perspective," featured NDU alumni Sophie Khalil and Walid Faddoul. Sophie, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, shared her experiences in E-Mobility, manufacturing, and consulting, while Walid, with a Civil Engineering background, provided insights into his role as a management consultant. Together, they illuminated leadership dynamics in the consulting industry.
The event concluded with an exhilarating trivia game comprising three stages and 120 questions. ASME’s secretary, Patrick Eid, emerged as the victor, claiming a USD 50 prize.
With an impressive turnout of over 40 attendees, the event received widespread acclaim. Participants praised the informative talks, enjoyed the delectable food and refreshments, and reveled in the camaraderie during the trivia game.