Sydney Del Real (’22) is a Colorado State University graduate with a B.S. in human development and family studies with concentrations in prevention and intervention science and leadership entrepreneurial professions.
Completing internships with the Denver Rescue Mission, Del Real is passionate about the next generations of leaders. “This work with high school students, it’s the most invaluable work I will ever do and get to be part of,” she said.
Currently working as the executive director of Ignite Leaders, Del Real has five-plus years of youth leadership experience and is eager to make a tangible difference in the lives of high school students.
Her favorite word is “intentionality,” because that is the heart of how she lives: intentionally loving and serving those around her.
Learn more about Del Real in the Q and A below and for more info on Ignite Leaders, visit www.igniteleaders.org
Describe your current position and some of the responsibilities that come with it.
My current role as the executive director of Ignite Leaders, a 501(c)3 youth leadership development non-profit organization committed to igniting bold-hearted leaders in our world today, is a full-time executive management position. I am responsible for planning, programming, recruiting, fundraising, and the overall operations of Ignite Leaders. I am the chief operating officer of the organization and the chief spokesperson where I oversee and coordinate the management of the organization’s operating procedures designed to achieve the vision, mission, and goals of Ignite Leaders.
Why did you decide to pursue your current career path?
I decided to pursue my current career path because of my deep passion for youth and the next generation of leaders in our world. As a high school student, I had the incredible opportunity to go on a youth leadership development program and later had the opportunity in college during my time at CSU to intern with Ignite Leaders in their summer leadership opportunities for high school students. The trajectory of my life was changed after being a student and intern and walking through leadership development in my own life. I can’t believe I got to do this and believe that this is the most invaluable work I will ever do and be part of.
How have your education and experiences at CSU helped you in your career?
My higher education and experiences at CSU have impacted each day in my career. I studied Human Development and Family Studies and through being able to work as a helping professional with youth, my education and knowledge base has been extremely helpful not only in the operations of a non-profit but my direct work with high school students. I have always felt incredibly supported by my peers, professors, and advisors at CSU and all were instrumental in my overwhelmingly positive educational experiences at CSU. I was actively involved as a student as CSU in student organizations and service to my community in Fort Collins.
What advice do you have for students looking to join your field?
The best piece of advice I have for students looking to join as a helping professional in the non-profit sector is to listen louder than you speak and to ask great questions. Listening is one of the best gifts we can give another person and to make space for those around you. Having humility in a workplace is also overwhelmingly important because you don’t know what you don’t know. Additionally, I would recommend finding someone in the career field that you can ask questions to and learn from. I have had the opportunity to learn, glean, and grow from incredible mentors and business leaders in the non-profit sector.
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
