Throughout the last century, Xavier University of Louisiana has prepared its students to go above and beyond in their academic journeys and the pursuit of their goals and careers. The accomplishments of current Xavierites lay the foundations for the university’s next century of service as it approaches its historic centennial celebration. One such Xavierite, Chloe Sims, is carrying on this tradition of excellence Xavier instills in its students through her recognition with the American Chemical Society (ACS) Leadership Development Award.

“I love to teach kids and young adults about how fun and engaging science can be,” shared Sims, vice president of the ACS-sponsored Chemistry Club at Xavier. “Inspiring them to pursue a career in stem is something I am passionate about. Reaching out to younger students is a common theme in my service work that I look forward to continuing.”

Sims was one of several undergraduates who demonstrated leadership skills in their respective student chapters and were selected for the opportunity to attend the ASC Leadership Institute in Atlanta for free from January 26^th-28^th. There, awardees could take leadership development courses, learn about resources, and make valuable connections with the ACS Board of Directors. During the symposium, students and other members of the ACS could convene, learn, and promote what they could do to make their communities more robust in science and chemistry programming and engagement.

Founded in 1876, the ACS is one of the world’s largest scientific organizations, with more than 200,000 members across 140 countries. The mission of the ACS is to improve the lives of all people through the transforming power of chemistry and advance the broader chemistry enterprise to do so. The ACS publishes peer-reviewed research and empowers its members to elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, and collaborate globally to build scientific, solution-oriented communities. The ACS offers a range of opportunities and awards to recognize those in their communities who are progressing toward the organization’s goals. Its Leadership Development Award is one such award that allows students on the undergraduate level to connect more fully with the ACS and others who share their passion for positively impacting their communities.

“[The ACS Leadership Institute] was a place for all the leaders not only to acknowledge that we’re all leaders under the same concentration but also, because of that, we could all help each other,” Sims said. “It was broken down into two main things: networking and workshops. These were for everyone, no matter which level of leader you were. You were able to talk to people from all different backgrounds about how you can become a better leader.”

Sims is a junior double major in Chemistry and Pre-Pharmacy. Her career aspiration is to become a pharmacist specializing in research on issues that more often affect underrepresented communities so that these communities can have more trust in their healthcare providers. At Xavier, she participates in community service through the Rosalind Hale Rites of Passage, mentoring Black middle school girls to become entrepreneurs. She also works with Xavier’s Mobile Outreach for Laboratory Enrichment (MOLE), visiting different high schools and teaching laboratory protocols. Through Xavier’s Chemistry Club, Sims helps execute fun science experiences for younger kids at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Her experiences working with young aspiring students in STEM supported her application for the ACS Leadership Award, and she was elated to have been awarded the opportunity to go to the Leadership Institute.

 “They were very supportive,” said Sims while recounting her experiences at the “It was not, ‘Hey, this is who you should aspire to be.’ It was more like, ‘We’re all leaders. We’re here to lift you up as well. We’re very excited to see what you can bring.’”

Although Chloe is still a university student, her recognition with the ACS Leadership Award and attending the ACS Leadership Institute has made her realize that she is no longer an “aspiring leader.” She is a leader, and she is poised to use her leadership to inspire positive change in underrepresented communities so that one day, these populations may not be as underrepresented as they currently are.

“I think that was the most astounding thing. It made me feel very included like I was prepared to be a leader where I am now. I don’t have to wait until I have [doctorate] or have all of this experience. I can be a leader now because I want to be a leader,” said Sims. “We don’t see how we’re a leader in our everyday lives, and I think this was a great way for me to recognize what I do even without noticing.”