Six Trent University students demonstrated their understanding of what it takes to be an effective leader to win first place among five teams at the 2025 Canadian Regional Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC), Trent's first-ever CLC championship title.
Winners of the Canadian Collegiate Leadership Competition from Trent University. Back row (left to right): Swastika Bansal, Zainab Chiya, Gurleen Chambal. Front row (left to right): Lovina Sydney-Berment, Aiden O'Garro, Isabella Kutrowski.
Based on their outstanding performance at the Canadian competition, the team earned fourth place overall among 22 teams from across North America.
"This experience completely shifted my perception of leadership, for the better," said Lovina Sydney-Berment, second-year Forensic Science and Philosophy student (Otonabee College). "I used to think being an effective leader meant being the most dominant voice, but I learned that real leadership is not about control, it's about open-mindedness and trust and being able to apply strategies that support others and fit the appropriate scenario."
The team made up of students from various disciplines - including Business, Forensic Science, Computer Science, Philosophy, Molecular Biology, and Biomedical Science - put leadership theory like SOLVE (setting roles, outlining the problem, listing multiple strategies, veering toward consensus and evaluating results) into practice through a series of team-based challenges that tested their problem-solving, conflict resolution, and stress management skills.
"The CLC curriculum, built on structured acronyms, provided a clear and practical approach to leadership that I have already been able to apply in real-world situations," said Gurleen Chambal, second-year Biomedical Science student (Gzowski College). "While volunteering in the cancer care department at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, I found myself using the principles of prioritizing relationships' and listening and engaging others' to contribute effectively to patient care while working closely with diverse healthcare professionals."
The CLC is an Otonabee College tradition and one of the many co-curricular opportunities offered through the Colleges of Trent that enrich the academic experience through meaningful engagement that fosters self-discovery and connection.
"Putting yourself out there can be intimidating, but university is a unique privilege where you can connect with like-minded peers and nurture your intellectual and creative passions," added Lovina. "I will never forget this experience."
"Every year, I am amazed at how much growth happens over the course of only a few months. Seeing students step out of their comfort zone, make strategic decisions under pressure, and embrace new ways of thinking is astounding," said Dr. Stephanie Muehlethaler, Trent's long-time CLC coach and principal of Otonabee College. "Participating in this competition year-after-year has fundamentally changed the way I show up as a leader, and I'm thrilled to know these students will be able to go into the world with a skill set that makes them stronger facilitators and teammates."
Learn more about the many traditions and annual events offered through the Colleges of Trent and be sure to follow each
