Student leadership is more than a title. It is how students communicate, make decisions, handle conflict, build community, and grow under pressure.

In this conversation, Hanan Allen, MPA, Assistant Director of Student Activities at the University of Rochester, shares what she has learned from advising student organizations and supporting student leaders. She discusses the behind-the-scenes work of student activities, the importance of cultural competence, how student organizations build belonging, and why educators must listen first before trying to fix everything.

Hanan also gives a powerful reminder for education leaders: first-generation students may be resilient, but even resilient students get tired. This episode is a valuable conversation for educators, student affairs professionals, TRIO/GEAR UP leaders, advisors, and anyone who wants to better support students as humans first.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Hanan’s journey into student activities and higher education
• The behind-the-scenes work of advising student organizations
• Why student organizations teach leadership skills students may not learn in the classroom
• How cultural organizations help students find belonging
• What students are carrying that education leaders may not always see
• Why first-generation students need support beyond the “resilience” label
• Communication and conflict resolution among student leaders
• Why students need advisors who listen, care, and ask better questions
• The balance between compassion and accountability
• How leaders who develop leaders can change the world

Key Takeaways

1. Student activities are leadership labs.
Students learn budgeting, event planning, teamwork, communication, delegation, and conflict resolution through student organizations.

2. Belonging requires more than words.
Students feel belonging when they have spaces where their culture, voice, leadership, and lived experience are valued.

3. Educators must see the person behind the behavior.
Sometimes leaders see the behavior, but they miss the burden behind the behavior.

4. First-generation students are carrying more than academics.
They may be navigating family expectations, financial pressure, trauma, lack of support, and the responsibility of breaking generational cycles.

5. Compassion needs structure.
Hanan shares that compassion is important, but advisors also need boundaries, deadlines, and accountability.

Memorable Quotes

“Sometimes leaders see the behavior, but they may not always see the burden behind the behavior.”

“Even resilient people get tired.”

“Students are human too.”

“Leaders who develop leaders will ultimately change the world for the better.”

“Listen first and ask questions later.”

Guest Contact

Hanan Allen
Website: hanangosglobal.com

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Today’s college students are carrying more than many education leaders realize.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Brittany Blackwell Broussard, Director of Culture and Climate and Psychology Instructor at Northwestern State University, to talk about culture, climate, belonging, empathy, and what it really means to help students feel safe, seen, supported, and valued.

Brittany shares how campus culture shows up in everyday student life, why empathy empowers students, and why education leaders must pay attention to what students are carrying before they assume laziness, attitude, or disinterest.

This conversation is for education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, advisors, and anyone committed to building campus environments where students can thrive.

In This Episode:

• What culture and climate mean in real life
• How empathy empowers students
• Why today’s college students are carrying more than many leaders realize
• How work, family responsibility, commuting, finances, and first-generation expectations affect students
• Why leaders should be careful not to misread overwhelm as laziness or disinterest
• How small moments help students feel seen and supported
• Why belonging must move beyond performative statements
• How educators can build trust through authenticity, personal outreach, and practical support
• Why students need to hear, “You belong here”

Key Takeaway:
Empathy empowers. When education leaders take time to understand what students are carrying, they are better equipped to build trust, create belonging, and support students before small challenges become bigger decisions.

Memorable Quote:
“Students want to be seen. They want to feel heard and actually feel valued.”

Knucklehead Decision Segment:
Brittany shares why a lack of communication and transparency can become a major leadership mistake. When something happens and leaders do not communicate clearly, students fill in the blanks, rumors grow, and trust can be damaged.

Best For:
Education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, academic advisors, culture and climate leaders, student support professionals, and anyone who wants to create stronger campus belonging.

Connect With Brittany Blackwell Broussard:
LinkedIn: Brittany Blackwell Broussard

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Community college is not the end of the road. For many students, it can be the beginning of a bigger academic journey.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Dr. Tiffany Paige, Director of the McNair Scholars Community College Program at Jackson State University, to talk about helping students move from simply trying to finish a semester to seeing themselves as scholars, researchers, and future graduate students.

Dr. Paige shares her own educational journey as a first-generation college student, the importance of exposure and early intervention, and how education leaders can help students connect today’s decisions to tomorrow’s opportunities.

This conversation is especially valuable for TRIO professionals, GEAR UP leaders, advisors, faculty, student support professionals, and anyone committed to helping students see and pursue bigger possibilities.

In This Episode

• Why community college can be a powerful stepping stone
• How leaders can help students build scholar identity earlier
• Why exposure matters for first-generation and transfer students
• The role of McNair Scholars programs in preparing students for research and graduate school
• How advisors and program leaders can help students prepare for bigger academic opportunities
• The myth that research is only for science students
• Why students must communicate early and stop waiting until the last minute
• How listening helps leaders guide students without forcing their own lived experience onto them

Key Quote

“Community college is not the end of the road. For many students, it can be the beginning of a bigger academic journey.”

Knucklehead Decision Segment

Dr. Paige shares why lack of communication is one of the biggest decisions that can cost students opportunities. Waiting until the last minute for recommendations, applications, funding, or graduate school preparation can make it harder for advisors and mentors to help.

Best Takeaway

Students are capable, but they need exposure, preparation, support, and leaders who will listen closely enough to connect them with the right opportunities.

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, share it with an educator, advisor, TRIO professional, community college student, or future graduate student who needs to hear that bigger academic opportunities are possible.

Connect With Dr. Tiffany Paige

LinkedIn: Tiffany R. Paige

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