Leadership in Communication: A Shared Journey
In the dynamic environment of volunteering, communication is more than a tool; it is also the bridge that connects an organization to its members as well as to external audiences.
Three coordinators, Joana, Ana, and Diogo, successively led the department, each bringing unique approaches suited to their respective periods of leadership.
Joana’s Tenure (January to July 2023): Joana joined ESN Coimbra in 2022 and quickly became integral to the communication department. During her tenure, she introduced a structured approach by creating subteams for projects like Beyond Borders and the Survival Guide. Her leadership marked a shift from traditional event promotion to dynamic, creative content on Instagram, making it a key engagement platform.
Joana navigated challenges like the recruitment period and Welcome Month with help of the team and coordinator support. Reflecting on her leadership, Joana emphasized ESN’s lasting personal impact, advising future leaders to embrace the experience fully: “ESN is much more than a job; it’s an experience that lasts forever.”
Ana’s Leadership (July 2023 to July 2024): Ana succeeded Joana with a vision to redefine the department’s identity. Her leadership fostered closer, informal communication reflecting Coimbra’s essence to create authentic connections with international students. Ana introduced a functional structure with three subsections: content, reminders (Instagram stories promoting events), and photography. This setup encouraged collaboration and growth.
Challenges included managing a diverse team and promoting greater departmental independence. Ana stressed the importance of relationships: “Investing in the team and creating bonds of friendship makes work more fluid and light.”
Diogo’s Vision (July 2024 – Present): Diogo currently leads the department with a focus on evolving its structure and leveraging practical tools like Canva while balancing professional tools like Illustrator. Managing volunteer workloads remains a challenge but is seen as an opportunity for growth.
Diogo prioritizes new forms of communicating, such as TikTok, as a platform for maximizing the department’s communication impact, adapting content to stay relevant.
A Shared Legacy of Innovation: The department’s journey highlights its ability to adapt and innovate. Through their creative strategies, Joana, Ana, and Diogo have strengthened its impact, ensuring relevance and success. Their leadership reflects a commitment to effective communication and building lasting connections.
By Ana Catarina Soares Mendes
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