Ascending the Ranks: Our Executive President

​In a student-led robotics team, what does effective leadership look like, and how does it grow? To answer this question, we interviewed 1072’s Executive President, Brenna Ren. Ascending to executive presidency in her senior year, Brenna continues the long-running pattern of female executive presidents on the team.  She began her leadership journey early, beginning as a software lead during her freshman year and becoming a director by the middle of her sophomore year. She explained that although her motivation to ascend the ranks came partly from necessity, it also stemmed from a personal desire to understand how the team functioned at a broader level. “I was ready to take on a larger role,” she said, adding that she wanted to see how decisions were made across subteams, how different parts of the team worked together, and whether there were better ways to improve inter-team communication and collaboration.

Reflecting on 1072’s environment, she pointed to the friendliness and passion that define our team’s culture. Because membership is voluntary, she noted, everybody participates out of genuine interest in robotics, which reduces pressure and creates a community built on shared enthusiasm. “Everyone in leadership is basically your friend. It's really nice,” she says, referring to how accessible  leadership feels and how it helps the team overate as a cohesive, collaborative group rather than a strictly hierarchical structure. She also emphasized the importance of diversity—across grades, perspectives, and gender—in shaping this environment: “We try to have leadership across grade levels...it's a lot of different perspectives. Even newer members get to share their opinions.” 

​Ultimately, Brenna’s journey and insights attest to the importance of diversity in both culture and leadership. The range of viewpoints on our team contribute to thoughtful decision-making and fosters an inclusive environment: one that grows with each additional member and becomes a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions, thoughts, and ideas. It is this supportive environment and sense of community that continue to shape 1072’s identity as a team.