ELLIE REYNOLDS

What is one experience, relationship, or lesson from the program that has influenced your life or your career so far?

ELLIE REYNOLDS: When I look back at my time in the program so far, what really stands out to me is the underlying motto of cross-sector collaboration that the program embodies. This summer I’m currently in Arizona working with a team of Luther Hodges Scholars, and we’re working for the National Center of American Indian Enterprise Development. It’s been awesome to see the web of alumni and industry connections that the program has that really are a testament to this web of cross-sector collaboration and the program’s strength. Working for the center this summer has really taught me how to ask good questions and stay curious about how other people see solutions, which are both really fundamental to cross-sector collaboration. The Luther Hodges Scholars program has so far modeled how to be a strong collaborator, and it’s something I’m going to use the rest of my personal and professional life.

How has your understanding of leadership evolved since joining the program?

ELLIE REYNOLDS: I’ve had the opportunity to step into leadership roles both within and outside the program. I’m lucky to be one of the Class of 2028 representatives on the Leadership Council, and participating in this role has really helped me connect with the program leaders and my fellow scholars. The Luther Hodges Scholars program has helped me set strong goals for myself and cultivated the confidence and skill set that I really needed to pursue these leadership roles. If you’d asked me for a definition of leadership prior to joining the program, I would have given you a cookie-cutter answer focusing on public speaking and decision-making. But that answer has completely changed. Now I believe leadership really takes many forms and that there’s no single title that defines whether you’re a leader. It’s more about the choices that you make, choosing to listen to many voices and stakeholders, choosing to sit back and listen rather than speak first and ultimately choosing to lead with empathy.

How has the program shaped how you approach challenges, opportunities or decision-making in your professional life?

ELLIE REYNOLDS: I’m grateful because the program has really inspired me to choose a more nonlinear path. When I first came to Chapel Hill, I knew I wanted to make an impact, probably, more specifically, to pursue an interdisciplinary path between with a business and public policy double major. But I was worried that that meant I would not find my place on campus or the support that I needed. Instead, within the Luther Hodges Scholars program, I found a like-minded community that has encouraged me to take risks and pursue my own cross-sector internships, completely supporting my exploration across industries. And it’s really been fundamental to my development as both a scholar and a leader.

If you could share one message with current or future scholars, what would it be?

ELLIE REYNOLDS: Take risks. As a somewhat risk-averse person, I have to remind myself every day to push beyond what I think is possible. Ultimately, you never know unless you ask, and rejection is truly just redirection. The craziest opportunities can come from the smallest questions or connections, and I’ve really seen that here at the Luther Hodges Scholars program. And remember, there’s no one perfect outcome.

Complete this statement: “Because of this program, I …”

ELLIE REYNOLDS: Because of this program, I know what I value in work and life, and ultimately, I know myself better.

Interviewed by Phil Hardy. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.