Reflection from SUSI: Lessons for my YouthMappers Journey

When I reflect on my journey this year, I see two worlds converging: my leadership experience with YouthMappers and my participation in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) on Public Policy, under the Kansas Women's Leadership Institute (KWLI) at the University of Kansas. While SUSI was not focused specifically on mapping or geospatial data, it deeply shaped how I understand leadership and community impact. In many ways, my role in YouthMappers prepared me to fully embrace SUSI, and in turn, SUSI gave me new perspectives I now carry into my work with YouthMappers.

One of the most transformative lessons I encountered at SUSI was on adaptive leadership. I came to understand that leadership is not about standing in front and telling others what to do. Rather, it's about mobilizing people to face tough challenges and thrive together. This realization struck me because it was very different from what I had grown up believing in the old "leader vs. follower" model that often leaves people disengaged. I reflected on my own leadership style and realized that, at times, I wasn't quite doing it right. Leadership is about creating space for others to step up, and about working with those ready to engage rather than forcing everyone to move at the same pace.

Another powerful takeaway from SUSI was the role of women's voices in leadership and peacebuilding. I still remember Dr. Mary Banwart's words: "More women means more peace." This truth resonated deeply with me and reminded me of initiatives like the Everywhere She Maps campaign, which seeks to empower the girl child. After five weeks of engaging with incredible young women from around the world, I witnessed firsthand how transformative women's participation can be, not only in their personal growth but also in shaping more peaceful, inclusive societies. It made the campaign feel even closer to my heart and renewed my commitment to advocating for girls in spaces where they are often underrepresented.

I returned home with a spirit of openness: to learn, unlearn, and relearn. To practice patience and grace. To work alongside those who are willing, while understanding that not everyone will be ready at the same time. Most importantly, I came back more intentional about mentoring others, building people up, and striving to be the change I long to see.

Looking forward, even as my journey as a student comes to a close, I remain committed to my ongoing role with UNZA YouthMappers. I want to be intentional about mentoring the chapter, especially encouraging more young women to step into what is often seen as a "male-dominated field." I believe there is space for them to grow, shine, and lead with confidence. My hope is that, even as I transition into the next chapter of my life, I will continue to support and inspire the YouthMappers community to build not only maps, but people who are ready to change the world. Because we don't just build maps, we build mappers.

About the Author

Joy Unene is a final-year student pursuing a B.A. in Project Management with International Relations at the University of Zambia. She is President of the UNZA YouthMappers chapter and serves as a volunteer Southern Africa Regional YouthMappers Ambassador.