Exploring the LEAD Program and SLX: A Journey of Leadership and Innovation

IMSA has long been committed to fostering leadership skills in its students through the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program. Over the years, LEAD has evolved, adapting to changing needs while maintaining its core mission: giving the tools that students will need to become effective leaders in their respective fields. With the Student Leadership Exchange (SLX) event happening on Wednesday, April 30th, I had the opportunity to interview IMSA’s Student Leadership coordinator, Ms. Emma Wilson Parker. 

The Evolution of LEAD

When Ms. Emma, the current LEAD director, took over three years ago, the program was transitioning out of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had forced IMSA administration to shift to virtual learning. Since then, efforts have focused on strengthening the curriculum, integrating more leadership theory into the core program, and revitalizing in-person experiences like SLX.

One of the key goals of LEAD is to engage students in both learning and applying leadership concepts. Whether through core classes or elective tracks—EnAct, Impact, and Social Entrepreneurship (SocEnt)—students gain hands-on experience that often translates into real-world initiatives. Like Ms. Emma says, “many SocEnt participants go on to start businesses or nonprofits, while EnAct students frequently engage in policy work.” Impact, the newest elective, focuses on computer science and journalism, aligning with modern educational trends.

Continuous Improvement in LEAD

According to Ms. Emma, each year the LEAD Board, composed of student leaders, reviews and updates the previous year’s curriculum. “Facilitators will assess which activities worked, and which didn’t,” says Ms. Emma. This process is referred to as a “module review,” and it is “very rare” for modules to stay the same from year to year. 

SLX: A Launchpad for Leadership

SLX is a cornerstone of the LEAD program, offering sophomores unique opportunities to network with professionals in fields like entrepreneurship, policy, and technology, present projects and receive expert feedback, and attend the Hollister Lecture, a TED-style talk featuring leaders who share insights on work-life balance, self-reflection, and their personal leadership journeys.

This year, SLX has been restructured to maximize engagement, with the Hollister Lecture moved to the morning to keep energy high. Past SLX projects have even led to real-world impact—Jordan Henry’s (’25) Narcan education initiative that contributed to new legislation is one example Ms. Emma had brought to mind.

The Legacy of the Hollister Lecture

Named after Dr. Bernard Hollister, a founding IMSA faculty member, this lecture series honors his legacy by putting the spotlight on leaders who embody the program’s values. The Hollister family put together a fund to sponsor the event, and they continue to attend each year, connecting with students and celebrating the program’s enduring influence.

Final Message

LEAD and SLX are more than just programs. While it is true that they may sometimes feel like a chore for sophomores just arriving at IMSA, the LEAD Board and coordinators like Ms. Emma work hard to ensure that IMSA students can receive opportunities and resources that a typical high school would not have access to. Whether through classroom learning, hands-on projects, or networking with professionals, students will leave the LEAD program with skills that extend far beyond IMSA.

So, what is Ms. Emma’s message to all sophomores gearing up for SLX? Come with an open mind, engage fully, and seize every opportunity. You never know where your LEAD journey might take you!