Taking the LEAP

For Year 11 student Mia, a scholarship to attend the prestigious LEAP Leadership Program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) was more than just an exciting overseas opportunity — it was a life-changing experience.

Joining more than 400 students from around the world, including peers from Iona and Christ Church, Mia spent a week learning from internationally renowned entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators, while building friendships and connections that span the globe.

From networking with industry professionals to discovering a new perspective on leadership, Mia returned home inspired, motivated and ready to embrace every opportunity that comes her way. We caught up with Mia to hear about her unforgettable experience and the lessons she'll carry with her long after returning from Los Angeles.

1. Congratulations on receiving a scholarship to attend the LEAP Leadership Program at UCLA! What was your first reaction when you found out you'd been selected?
I was honestly shocked and so excited. It felt like all the effort I'd put into my application had paid off, and I knew it was going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The fact that LEAP is also based in LA at the UCLA campus made it even better, considering one of my goals has always been to visit the US!

2. What was the biggest lesson or takeaway from your time at the LEAP Leadership Program?
From being spoken to by so many incredible leaders and entrepreneurs such as Forbes Riley, Amy Adams, celebrity dentist Dr Bill Dorfman, Jonathan Sprinkles and many other inspiring speakers was an unforgettable experience. While every speaker shared valuable advice, the biggest lesson I took away was that connections are everything.

At LEAP we were constantly reminded to ABM -Always Be Marketing. Whether you're marketing yourself, your personal brand or your business, you should always be creating opportunities and building relationships. We learnt about the Law of 250 that every person knows around 250 people, and those 250 people each know another 250 people. That's over 62,000 potential connections from just one relationship. It completely changed the way I think about networking.

One piece of advice that has really stayed with me is that if you truly want something, don't give up after one "no." Don't just contact the manager contact the manager's friend, their colleague, their sister, their brother, or anyone who might help open a door. Send 50 messages if you have to, because it only takes one person to say yes. That mindset has shown me that opportunities don't just appear you create them through persistence and genuine connections.

Coming from Perth, one of the most isolated cities in the world, it never really occurred to me that the opportunities I dreamed about were actually within reach. LEAP taught me that the goals you set for yourself are possible if you're willing to do what others aren't. It's not just what you know it's who you know, and the effort you're willing to put into building those relationships.

3. What was it like learning alongside students from other schools, including Iona and Christ Church, as well as participants from around the world?
It was one of the best parts of the program. With over 400 students from different schools, countries and backgrounds, every conversation gave me a new perspective. Learning alongside students from Iona, Christ Church and around the world showed me how much you can grow by surrounding yourself with people who think differently from you. I also made worldwide friendships that I know will last a lifetime which I will forever be grateful for (my personal favourites where the southerners).

As an Australian attending a summer program in America for the first time, it was a huge culture shock in the best possible way. Spending a week living and learning with such a diverse group of people opened my eyes to experiences that were completely different from my own. Hearing their stories made me realise that everyone carries challenges we can't always see. The experience taught me to be more grateful, more open minded, and to never underestimate the value of learning from people whose lives are completely different from my own.

4. Was there a particular speaker, workshop or activity that had a lasting impact on you?
Without a doubt, the speaker who had the biggest impact on me was Forbes Riley, also known as the "Queen of Pitch." Forbes is best known for starring in one of the most successful infomercials of all time, selling the Power Juicer and generating over $1 billion in sales from a single product. She's worked with countless celebrities, including Kim Kardashian to promote her former clothing brand DASH, Serena Williams and many other influential figures. She has become someone I truly look up to.

What made Forbes so inspiring wasn't just her incredible success—it was her energy, authenticity and ability to captivate every person in the room. She stayed on campus with us for the entire week, which meant we had the opportunity to learn from her multiple times and get to know her on a more personal level. She taught us to never let someone else's opinion become our reality and reminded us that even the most successful people still face setbacks. The difference is that they choose to overcome them rather than let them define them.

One moment I'll never forget was when Forbes held a girls-only mindfulness session. Sitting in a room filled with young women from all around the world, sharing our experiences, supporting one another and simply being present, was incredibly powerful. It was such a special reminder of the strength that comes from connection, vulnerability and uplifting other women.

Another highlight was the Mentor Workshop on the final day. We dressed in business attire and took part in mock networking and interview sessions with professionals from a range of industries. Some students even walked away with internships, modelling contracts and other incredible opportunities—which just shows that in Los Angeles, anything really is possible.

During the workshop, I had the opportunity to speak with mentors of my choice and ask them about their careers, successes, failures and the lessons they had learnt along the way. One mentor who left a lasting impression on me was Aleesa Daley, a marketing executive at SKIMS. Speaking with someone working for one of the world's biggest fashion brands reinforced my passion for business and marketing. She encouraged me to keep building meaningful connections, stay curious and never be afraid to reach out to people, because you never know where one conversation might lead.

5. How has the experience changed the way you think about leadership, both at school and beyond?
LEAP completely changed the way I see leadership and, in many ways, the direction of my life. Everything happened so quickly that I'm still trying to take it all in. Before the program, I thought leadership was mainly about being the person in charge. Now I realise it's much more about the people around you building connections, supporting others, listening and creating opportunities.

The experience also changed the way I think about life in general. It showed me that the goals and dreams I once thought were impossible are actually achievable if you're willing to put yourself out there, make connections and work for them. Coming from Perth, it never really crossed my mind that opportunities like this were even possible.

I came home with a completely different mindset. I'm more confident to reach out to people, ask questions, take opportunities and back myself, because LEAP taught me that the worst someone can say is no and sometimes all it takes is one person saying yes to completely change your life.

6. What advice would you give to other St Mark's students who are considering applying for leadership opportunities like LEAP?
Apply 100% just do it. Truly was one of the best experiences of my life and I’m so grateful to Lisa Scaffidi for introducing me to the program and Dr Bill Dorfman for running LEAP and accepting me.