Whether sharing stories of inspiring civil engineering research or finding meaningful ways to engage alumni, Lindsay Cashin’s pride for her community comes alive in her everyday work.
Now in her seventh year working at UBC, Lindsay first joined the university as a staff member in the Department of Civil Engineering and currently oversees special projects as a member of the Development and Alumni Engagement team at the Peter A. Allard School of Law.
Lindsay Cashin, Special Projects Lead in the Peter A. Allard School of Law.
In 2017, on the hunt for a professional development opportunity that could offer her greater connection to the community within and outside of the university, Lindsay enrolled in the UBC Community Leadership Program (CLP).
“I was intrigued by the opportunity to gain experience working with students and a community partner outside the university ‘bubble,’” says Lindsay.
Lindsay makes a point of giving back to the community from where she draws inspiration and community pride. “Students make UBC possible,” she says, “so I find it energizing and satisfying to give back to them in my own small way.”
CLP is an experiential learning program offered annually to graduate students, faculty and staff. Sponsored by Human Resources and the Centre for Community Engaged Learning, the program is designed in two phases with activities during the months of October to March.
In the first phase, participants take part in a series of concept-driven workshops. In the second phase, they apply their learning by collaborating with community organizations and undergraduate students through both the Reading Week program and the Student Leaders program. Together, participants spend three days implementing community initiatives in a school or non-profit organization in the Lower Mainland.
Lindsay encourages anyone who is curious about working with students, discovering community organizations beyond UBC, and developing themselves as a leader to consider CLP.
Reflecting on her experience in the program, Lindsay remarks that partnering with undergraduate students on a Reading Week project was a highlight. “I got to test-drive leadership skills while working with a brilliant student leader and five student volunteers on a film project for a really engaged and supportive community partner. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before at UBC.”
“It’s a great fit for those who are ready to throw themselves into something different from their day-to-day work and are prepared to invest in their own growth as a leader.”
Open to graduate students, faculty and staff with all degrees of leadership experience, CLP is one of the many leadership development opportunities that UBC offers to its community. The program supports Catalyst #2 (I can grow my career) of the Focus on People 2025 framework through fostering professional and personal growth. It also contributes to engagement in the workplace as it opens a space for people to connect both within UBC and beyond.
“It’s exciting to imagine what an experience with CLP might trigger for others – it could be a new perspective on UBC, a new passion for leadership in community, or even a new career path. The possibilities are many!” Lindsay concludes.