AUT alumna to attend world-class conference
AUT business graduate, Langi Latu, is heading to the U.S to attend the Beta Gamma Sigma Global Leadership Summit later this week.
Beta Gamma Sigma (The International Business Honor Society) recognises the highest achieving students in AACSB accredited business programmes.
The four-day Global Leadership Summit, being held in Orlando, Florida, will host some of the finest business students from around the world.
It aims to take their leadership skills to the next level with real-world insight, hands-on experience and networking with thought leaders and other students from around the world.
After being inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma earlier this year, Langi decided to take up the opportunity to advance her leadership skills.
She says that when she feels comfortable, she needs to challenge herself.
“After being a Navigator for the AUT Oceanian Leadership Network, I feel I am too comfortable. You could ask me to talk in front of hundreds of students or run a training workshop and I wouldn’t hesitate,” says Langi, who graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Business in 2016.
“To me, leadership is bringing others on the journey with me. I can’t do that physically, but what is most important to me is to take what I will learn at this conference from these world-class leaders and bring it back, to teach our Oceanian Leadership Network Navigators and our students.”
The Oceanian Leadership Network, which is led by Navigators (student mentors), provides an opportunity for all AUT students to receive academic support, mentorship and leadership opportunities.
“Throughout the year we organise and facilitate different programmes, so providing leadership and personal growth development for Navigators and students is important.”
Agnes Naera, AUT’s Programme Director of Equity for Business programmes, was one of Langi’s mentors throughout her university studies. She oversees the inspiring Māori and Pacific Success (iMAPS) programme where Langi was a peer leader and says Langi enabled students to reimagine a future of full possibilities.
“Langi was a key information conduit. She would often share her experiences with students to ensure that their voice was seen and heard in the work that we did,” says Naera.
“This conference will give Langi the opportunity to make lasting connections with a network of peers from around the world and gain exposure to academic, corporate and non-profit thought leaders.”
This year, 73 graduates accepted the invitation to join Beta Gamma Sigma. Those invited to join the AUT Chapter are in the top 10% of the Bachelor of Business graduates, hold first class honours or distinction in a business master's programme, or have completed a PhD in a business-related field.