Leadership Rooted in Values: Reflections from the CWFL Fellowship
by Minhas Majeed Khan (Ph.D.), CWFL Fellow, 2015
Leadership, for me, has never been solely about authority or formal position. It is a responsibility shaped by values, ethical clarity, and the courage to act with integrity, especially when doing so is difficult. My experience as a fellow with the Center for Women, Faith and Leadership (CWFL) was transformative because it deepened this understanding and helped me more clearly connect faith, leadership, and social responsibility in both my professional and personal life.
Faith as a Foundation for Ethical Leadership
One of the most impactful aspects of the CWFL Fellowship was its thoughtful engagement with the relationship between faith and leadership. The program moved beyond viewing spirituality as a private matter and instead highlighted how faith traditions can actively inform inclusive leadership, peace building, and principled decision-making. The sessions encouraged reflection on how deeply held values influence not only professional choices, but also how leaders relate to others, particularly those with different beliefs and experiences.
Equally meaningful was the emphasis on interfaith dialogue and empathy. These discussions reshaped my understanding of leadership as an act of service rather than control. Leadership, I realized, is less about holding power and more about listening carefully, engaging respectfully, and creating spaces where differences are acknowledged rather than erased.
Bringing Values into Everyday Practice
Now, in retirement, I reflect on how the Fellowship has had a lasting influence on the way I approached leadership throughout my academic and mentoring journey. It reinforced my commitment to values-driven engagement with students and colleagues, where leadership was rooted in empathy, integrity, and accountability. Mentorship, for me, was never limited to academic achievement alone; it extended to nurturing ethical awareness, social responsibility, and moral courage in those I worked with.
On a personal level, the Fellowship encouraged me to develop a more intentional practice of mindfulness grounded in reflection and gratitude. This discipline became essential in navigating the pressures and responsibilities of academic life and leadership. Creating space to pause, reflect, and realign strengthened my resilience and allowed me to respond to challenges with greater calm and clarity. Looking back, the Fellowship helped bridge theory and practice in meaningful ways, enabling me not only to teach the principles of ethical leadership, but to live them consistently across my professional life.
Growing as an Inclusive and Courageous Leader
CWFL strengthened my leadership capacity by fostering self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal and institutional dynamics. Learning to listen actively to diverse voices has enhanced my ability to lead collaboratively and thoughtfully.
Most importantly, the Fellowship deepened my commitment to advocating for marginalized communities, particularly women. It reinforced my responsibility to use my academic, public, and community platforms to challenge systemic barriers and promote equity. True leadership, I have come to believe, is measured not by visibility or authority, but by one’s willingness to uplift those whose voices are often excluded from decision-making processes.
Resilience in the Face of Institutional Challenges
One of the most difficult setbacks I encountered involved advocating for female students who reported harassment by a faculty member. Despite written complaints and clear evidence presented to senior university authorities, institutional priorities favored protecting reputation over delivering justice. Speaking out came with personal and professional risks, including unfounded accusations directed at me for raising these concerns.
When institutional mechanisms failed, my faith became a source of strength and grounding. I relied on transparency, careful documentation, and the support of trusted colleagues and mentors. Equally important was prioritizing self-care and leaning on my personal support network. Although the experience exposed deep-rooted patriarchal norms and systemic weaknesses, it ultimately strengthened my resolve to practice ethical leadership and reaffirmed my belief that justice transcends flawed human systems.
Sustaining Balance Through Faith and Self-Care
Maintaining a healthy work–life balance is central to how I understand sustainable leadership. As a Muslim, regular prayer and moments of reflection help me remain grounded amid professional demands. Clear boundaries between work and personal life, along with time for family, physical activity, and rest, are essential to my well-being.
I view self-care not as optional, but as a responsibility. Caring for one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health is necessary to lead with consistency, compassion, and focus over the long term.
The Importance of a Connected Alumni Community
Looking forward, I see immense value in a strong and engaged CWFL alumni network. In conservative societies, meaningful social change requires sustained effort, peer learning, and mentorship. Expanding opportunities for alumni exchanges across regions such as South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East would further enrich cross-cultural understanding and leadership practice.
Continued institutional support for alumni as they work within their home contexts is equally important. Creating spaces for intergenerational dialogue, where previous fellows share experiences with new cohorts, can strengthen women’s leadership across generations and enhance the Fellowship’s long-term impact.
Giving Back and Continuing the Journey
As a CWFL alum, I hope to contribute by sharing insights from my experience in academia and peace building, mentoring emerging leaders, and supporting dialogue on integrating faith and leadership to address social challenges. I remain committed to supporting the alumni community in whatever capacity is needed.
I am deeply grateful for the CWFL Fellowship. It has expanded my horizons, strengthened my leadership journey, and connected me with an inspiring global network of women leaders. I look forward to continued engagement with CWFL and to contributing actively to its mission of empowering women leaders to create meaningful and lasting change.
Written by Minhas Majeed Khan (Ph.D.), CWFL Fellow, 2015
