Julie Szamocki

About

What research topics are of greatest interest to you/what are your studies about? 

I am a scholar of social movements and organizational theory. More specifically, I am dedicated to utilizing community-engaged research to revitalize groups that are close to my heart. For example, I am currently working on my dissertation research, which explores individual motivations for anti-gun violence activism. I’m passionate about public sociology and doing scholarly research that can directly benefit the community. I also enjoy using geographic information systems to map social processes.  

Why are you interested in leadership and social/environmental justice?  

To me, leadership is a driving force of social change. Different types of leaders bring different experiences and strategies to obtain their goals. The most effective leaders are those that can understand and utilize a variety of strategies based on the skills and experiences of themselves and others. As all individuals have different identities and experiences, they too can bring different perspectives, skills, and abilities to the table. This, in turn, fosters creativity in choices and approaches to problem-solving. The greatest of leaders are those that recognize differences in perspective, skill, and experiences, acknowledging those backgrounds as a major strength in organizing towards social change.  

What do you hope to gain from the Gannon Graduate Leader program? 

I hope to develop a more intentional approach to my leadership style as well as understand the central tenets of my own authentic leadership. I want to improve my ability to balance leadership responsibilities and personal ambitions. I hope to gain more confidence in my abilities as a woman in academia, minimizing imposter’s syndrome, as well as develop concrete skills that showcase my dedication to justice, community, and interdisciplinarity. I also look forward to building connections with women leaders from a variety of disciplines within the university.