Leaders are resilient — able to recover quickly from what life throws at them. Leadership is a skill, rather than a born trait, mastered through self-awareness, attention to detail, letting go of the past physically and mentally, and maintaining a positive outlook. 

Leaders are flexible. Plans rarely go as anticipated. It is important to be able to change your path. 

Leaders are strong communicators, not necessarily always saying the right word but in showing empathy. Speak with confidence and follow through on your promises.

Leaders are courageous — able to stand up and stand alone when necessary. They take charge of the situation when things are falling through the cracks. 

At Karam, we uplift, educate, and graduate Syria’s future leaders. The kids who walk into Karam as refugees, walk out as leaders.  It’s not about where you came from, but where you are going. 

This week, we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader we all strive to emulate. MLK dedicated his life to justice. His resilience, flexibility, eloquence, and courage played a pivotal role in the fight to end segregation and the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

Dr. King started college at age 15. A smart and gifted student, he skipped grades nine and twelve. Education opened doors for him as it does for every student. It plays a powerful role in fostering the qualities of a leader.

Dr. King once prompted, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” At Karam, we keep our focus on generosity. By empowering communities, we ignite a chain reaction. Once they are able, we see them give back to their communities as well

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What can you do today to start a chain reaction?