As a turbulent year comes to an end, I find myself thinking about leadership and the impact it has on our daily lives and our communities.

The leadership I am reflecting on is not the title or position that comes with a defined position of perceived power, but rather the everyday leadership that often goes unnoticed. As chancellor of Iowa Valley Community College District, I have a defined leadership role and I am proud to lead Iowa Valley. But I am far more impressed with the leadership that happens because people care and want to make a difference. I am in awe of the leadership that does not require a business card or a formal reporting structure.

I watched this leadership when our student-athletes were some of the first to return to campus this fall and they set the standard for students wearing masks to support public health efforts. While they didn’t intend to be leaders, the reality is they were and the remaining students followed their lead. They made a difference.

This leadership was evident after the derecho when churches, social service agencies and businesses organized at a moment’s notice to help their neighbors and the community. Whether it was a neighbor with a chainsaw who coordinated others to quickly clear a street, or a church group or business that responded with meals for those in need. It all happened because someone stepped in to and led the effort. The impact was real and powerful.

And it is evident at this very moment when a group of bipartisan senators and representatives are bringing a COVID-19 proposal to the table in Washington D.C. to advance work on the pandemic response. These members are setting aside geographic and partisan concerns to try to impact the situation. While time will tell if they are successful, the lesson in leadership has already occurred.

Leadership is also on display in the volunteers who are raising money and awareness for our local United Way Campaign. And with the loyal group of community women who have found ways to continue to important work of 100 Women Who Care even in the COVID-19 socially distanced era. Or the bell-ringers participating in the Salvation Army and the Red Kettle campaign. People who care are leading important work.

As the year winds down and people celebrate the end of the “dreadful” 2020, I ask you to take a moment and celebrate the leaders among us who were beacons of positivity this year. And I challenge you to consider how you can lead in 2021.

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Dr. Kristie Fisher is Chancellor of

Iowa Valley Community College District