The I-LEAD Program (which stands for Ignatian Leaders Engaging in Action and Discernment),  launched on October 28th, with the first cohort of 20 students from 10 higher education Jesuit institutions across 6 countries.

The I-LEAD program is the first of its kind, hosted by the University Ministry at the University of San Francisco and offered to undergraduate students through the Global Jesuit Network, it’s mission is to form conscious, critical, competent, compassionate, and committed leaders, based on Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy, staying true to USF commitment of engaging in mutual and respectful collaboration with our international partners.

During their first meeting, the I-LEADers introduced themselves and explored their preoccupations and passions providing a broad perspective and creativity needed for the creation of a more humane and just world. The topics of interest of these young leaders varied from gender and equality to housing dignity and citizenship apathy, which they will continue to explore throughout the program.

The I-LEAD wouldn’t be possible without the long history of collaboration that the Arrupe Initiatives office (before the Arrupe Immersions) has with Jesuit institutions around the world, fostering meaningful partnerships that encourage the international engagement of faculty, librarians, staff, students, and alumni.