Heather Darby and former MSCSA staff member Brian Axell at the 2009 Scholarship DinnerAre you involved currently in community or volunteer work? If so, what types of projects: Since graduating, I have continued my community involvement as the Alumni member of the MSCSA Scholarship Board, Salvation Army, Children's Miracle Network, as well as the Channel One Food Shelf. I also provide support to non- profits, including MSCSA, CMN, Shjon Podien Children's Foundation, Toys for Tots, Autism Speaks Foundation as well as Alex's Lemonade Stand (childhood cancer research).

Current job: I am currently a manager at Toys R Us and Babies R Us.

Where did you attend college? I attended college at Rochester Community and Technical College as well as Winona State University.

Major: RCTC - Liberal Arts and Business Management. Winona State University - Advertising

What position(s) did you hold while in MSCSA? I held multiple positions during my time with MSCSA including, President of the RCTC Senate, Southeast Regional Representative, Platform Committee Representative, the Election and Scholarship Committees, as well as serving on the University Center Rochester (UCR) Board.

What drew you to become involved in MSCSA? I attended freshman weekend my first year and had so much fun I wanted to be a Sophomore Leader. I would have to wait until the following Spring, so I did something I never thought I would do, ran for Student Senate. Through the Student Senate I attend MCCSA and MTCSA meetings and was thrown into the whirlwind of the consolidation process in which MSCSA was born. I was drawn in and the rest is history!

What did you learn from your experience in MSCSA that positioned you for future success? I credit the Student Senate and MSCSA with much of the success in my life. MSCSA, allowed me to be part of the bigger picture, a way to advocate for others. They helped me develop the strength and confidence I needed to accomplish many things I may have struggled with. MSCSA taught me not only how to be a better leader and person, but gave me the platform to share my knowledge and strengths as a leader with others!

What advice would you like to share with current/future members? Don't be timid or apprehensive. If you want to make a difference, step up to the plate. If you think you want to run for a position, do it! If I hadn't jumped in with my eyes closed, they would never have been opened to the bigger picture! The world of leadership can take you many places in life and sharing it with others leaves a great legacy behind.Heather Darby with former Chancellor Morris Anderson

Proudest MSCSA moment? I actually have two. The first one was in 2001, when I was regional representative: I helped coordinate over 250 students from RCTC to attend the MSCSA Rally Day at the capitol, the largest in school history. The second one was being nominated and selected by the governing council to be the first Alumni Member of the MSCSA Scholarship Board, 2 years after I served in MSCSA.

What leaders inspire you? Brett Holzhauser, my old store manager for Wal-mart, for sharing his leadership with me, leading by example, and encouraging me to go into Management. Steve Kereakos, former RCTC Director of Student Life, and Don Supalla, President of RCTC, for their guidance and unwavering support for student success. Also, the late Senator Paul Wellstone for his strength, care and compassion for education and the people of Minnesota. He wasn't a politician; he was a person of the people, for the people. Every day, I strive to be more like these people, and continue to pass on the leadership that they helped develop in me!