What Great Minds Can Do: Amanda Neilsen

“I believe that a good leader should lead by example, with the utmost integrity, character,
and accountability.”

Amanda Neilsen is a student at the College of Education and Human Services, competitively
selected into the Buccino Leadership Institute at Seton Hall University. As a member
of the leadership cohort from the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts,
Ashley is part of the Buccino Leadership Institute’s first-year expansion into all
disciplines at Seton Hall. Ashley was very interested in the Leadership program as
many colleges and universities don’t offer leadership programs in her field of study. 
“I chose this program because I know that my success as a speech-language pathologist
will be enhanced by becoming a good teacher first.” 

Amanda was nominated by faculty members to serve as a student ambassador for the College
of Education and Human Services. In this role, she further develops her leadership
skills by speaking with prospective students and their families at open houses and
other events. She is also a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society,
the NJ Student Education Association, the National Student Speech Language Hearing
Association (NSSLHA), and the American Sign Language Club.

Amanda loves the sense of community that she feels at Seton Hall and is involved on
campus as a member of the Seton Hall Pep Band and the Seton Hall Concert Band. She
is also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, a sorority on campus whose core values are
based on scholarship, leadership, and friendship. “I believe strongly in these core
values and was also drawn to this sorority because of their philanthropy. Kappa helps
underserved children discover the joy of reading through a partnership with Reading
is Fundamental.” Amanda uses her leadership skills as a member of the Kappa Kappa
Gamma recruitment team.

Community service sparked Amanda’s passion for helping others. “My various experiences
working with children and seniors have made me realize that I want to make a difference
in peoples’ lives.” Amanda is excited to use her leadership and interpersonal skills
in her future career as a speech-language pathologist. She has a sincere desire to
help others and a compassionate and caring nature. ”I am thankful for the opportunity
to develop my leadership skills at the Buccino Leadership Institute. I have learned
that leadership is a way of life, and that good leaders listen as well as lead. As
a future leader, I hope to inspire others through my passion, commitment, and positive
attitude.”