Name: Melissa Rivera

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Major: Sociology & FLHD with an emphasis on Family Services & Minor in Psychology

Engagement Track: Leadership

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Title of Project: Innovative Project

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Description of Project:

The Leadership Academy assignment is for participants to create a collaborative innovation proposal that will address a priority need within the organizations submitting the proposal. The proposal must represent a collaborative effort from at least two organizations. Grant proposals must include an executive letter and the proposal itself.

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Inspiration:

I currently work at the Cedar City Community Clinic as the office manager. I have staff to train all the time. Serving our community and patients is my main focus. The way I look at it, is that there needs to be properly trained staff to care for the patients. By coming up with this innovative idea, within my group, can help provide this patient-centered medical home.

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Challenges:

There were a few challenges when embarking on this project. The first included having to travel to Salt Lake City monthly and leaving my children for a few days. Another struggle included having to work in groups. It was only a struggle when we were not able to meet on a daily basis. Another challenge for me included the presentations. I do not like to present in large groups so it was a challenge I had to overcome. 

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Benefits to others:

This project has been very beneficial to many individuals. This innovative project idea to provide a need within the clinic has helped clinical staff, other community health centers, and most importantly our patients. Receiving the $10,000 grant has given the opportunity for our clinic to put this idea into action.

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Benefits for me:

One of the benefits I gained from their project included learning how to have more effective managerial skills. I also learned how to overcome in a small way my fear of public speaking. I also developed relationships with other community health center employees. I was also able to enhance my career resume by receiving a $10,000 grant which also helped me to learn how to write a grant proposal.

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Reflective Quotes:

"A team is a reflection of its leadership"

"A leader is anyone who is willing to help"

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