Mount Mary faculty members have used the example of Shiza Shahid, co-founder of the Malala Fund, to lead their students into deep reflection on issues of leadership, social justice and courage. Ms. Shahid was the keynote speaker of Voices of Leadership 2017 at Mount Mary University.

Art Therapy: Expressing courage on canvas

Students explored the idea of leadership at the University’s open art therapy studio, the only one of its kind on a college campus. This center is staffed and facilitated by graduate students, who help participants connect the art-making experience to wellness, happiness and healing.

Communications: Creating social change

Malala’s personal crusade for education and equal rights became a worldwide movement, thanks in part to Shiza’s knowledge of business and organizational leadership. Using Shiza’s example, students in Marmy Clason’s Organizational Communications class analyzed how the Malala Fund grew strategically and channeled support.

Next, they tackled pressing social issues of today by researching social problems and identifying appropriate organizations that would need to be developed, modified or contacted to get the problem fixed.

Graphic Design: Bringing awareness through bold visuals

Hands reaching upward, toward symbols of freedom and empowerment, is a visual statement that communicates and connects Shiza’s message effectively without words. Printmaking students are creating large-scale murals for the sweeping, arched windows of Bergstrom Hall.

Community Support: Tapping the power of women

All over Milwaukee, women of all ages have engaged in purposeful action and discussion. Business leaders and sponsors have come together to view the documentary, “He Named Me Malala,” while students and members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame came together for discussion.On Wednesday, a group of Mount Mary faculty and students will participate in “Malalaland,” a fundraising day at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. Throughout Lent, students at DSHA are raising money to benefit the Malala Fund.

Sponsors contribute to leadership

We asked our sponsors about how courage applies to business leadership – from their vantage point as corporate and community leaders. Next, graphic design students turned their words of advice and inspiration into images.