My name is Timsur Iliya, and I am from Kwanpe-Langtang North, Plateau State, Nigeria. I work for SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria as a Case Management Officer. I am passionate about the care and protection of orphan and vulnerable children and young people, ensuring they receive the quality care, protection, and support they need for their holistic development. A fun fact about me is that I used to play the keyboard for Chapter 5 Music, a rock band based in Jos, Nigeria. This experience, along with my passion for community sports, has enriched my personal and professional life by helping me build strong connections and teamwork skills.

The Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute aligns perfectly with my commitment to social change and community development. The program’s structured curriculum, coaching opportunities, and impactful projects excite me, as they will sharpen my leadership skills and amplify my ability to drive positive change. The emphasis on self-discovery and clarity of purpose, which I believe are essential for meaningful impact both personally and professionally, stands out for me. Additionally, the opportunity to network with global leaders and the Atlas Corps Community to forge lifelong connections dedicated to driving change motivated me to join the program.

Leadership is about guiding and motivating others to reach a common goal, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring everyone feels supported and valued. It means working together to achieve goals and making positive changes while caring for the team’s well-being and development.

The Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute is profoundly supporting my professional and leadership development through its well-structured and comprehensive curriculum. The program offers a range of engaging and practical content that is directly applicable to my work. The interactive and collaborative format encourages active participation and deepens my understanding of effective leadership practices. The program’s emphasis on self-discovery and clarity of purpose has been instrumental in helping me identify and harness my strengths while addressing areas for growth. This self-awareness is crucial for making a meaningful impact both personally and professionally. Additionally, the opportunity to network with global leaders and access valuable resources has equipped me with practical tools and strategies that are essential for driving positive change.

Participation in this institute is expected to significantly enhance my work in my organization. The advanced leadership skills, improved decision-making abilities, and refined stress management techniques that I am acquiring will enable me to address challenges more effectively and lead with greater confidence. The insights gained will directly contribute to the passion and mission of providing high-quality care, protection, and support for vulnerable children and young people, thereby improving our overall impact and effectiveness in the organization.

A memorable lesson from the Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute has been the importance of flexibility in leadership, adapting to diverse situations, and evolving through feedback and self-reflection. Recognizing and addressing thinking traps, practicing self-compassion, and understanding procrastination dynamics have significantly improved my decision-making and time management. Managing emotions amidst systemic oppression has highlighted the need for mental health and self-care. Additionally, balancing collaborative conflict management with assertiveness and connecting with global leaders has broadened my perspectives and inspired impactful change in my community.

To make the most of the Virtual Leadership Institute (VLI), actively participate in all sessions, connect with global leaders, and apply what you learn in your work. Seek feedback frequently, reflect on your progress, and remain flexible in your leadership style. Utilize the program’s resources, set clear goals, and collaborate effectively with others. It is crucial to avoid procrastination by managing your time effectively and making conscious efforts to complete assignments on schedule. Stay organized, create a structured plan for tackling tasks, and break down assignments into manageable steps. While it’s not required to complete all electives, each one offers valuable knowledge. I initially planned to do just a few, but I realized how beneficial all the electives are. Even though it is a lot of work, I am now determined to finish them all to get the most out of the program. By staying disciplined and proactive, you can maximize your learning experience and apply new insights to drive impactful change.