Grace Nelson, 2025-26 Key Club International trustee from the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District, shares her inspiring leadership journey, from her start as a freshman class representative to service at the international level.
Key Club is the world’s largest student-led service organization, and we take pride in our leaders. From leading club service projects to connecting districts, the possibilities for action are endless!
I’ve served in many leadership positions throughout my Key Club journey, starting as a freshman class representative and ending as an international trustee.
A large part of holding leadership positions is being elected by your peers. Elections can be nerve-racking, but they also are amazing experiences to learn about your passions and driving forces.
The process begins far before the election itself. It includes showing others your character, your ideas and your passion. Go into elections with authenticity and confidence — two key traits that will take you far.
The best way to start and end is to ask yourself why: Why Key Club? Why lead? Why run for this position? The answers will help you understand your strengths and build a concrete campaign.
Opportunities for reflection
Sometimes elections don’t go your way. I ran for international trustee at the 2024 Key Club International convention and lost — but that loss was one of my most eye-opening experiences. Yes, it was fairly devastating at that moment. But it allowed me to reflect on my personal motivations and truly understand our members.
Even if you don’t win, the time and effort is not wasted. Instead, it can be one of the greatest opportunities to reflect on your values and grow: Why do I choose to be a leader? What drew me to this position? How can I continue to serve my community, district and Key Club? Considering these questions allowed me to understand what motivates me to be a leader and why specifically at Key Club.
A defined leadership position is merely a title. If you have a passion for something, do it. After losing the election for trustee, I stepped into the position of UNICEF Champion and district lieutenant governor.
As a UNICEF Champion, I channeled my energy into collaborating on ideas and reflecting on points of growth. At district board meetings as a lieutenant governor, I spent much of my time listening to the struggles of the district, voicing the needs of my clubs and working to strategize growth.
The most important thing to understand: Position titles provide you with resources and a guideline to serve. But you are the leader. You — not the title — are the reason others are inspired to make a difference.
And here I am now! From being a club treasurer and lieutenant governor to losing an international trustee election in 2024 to winning in 2025, I’ve had a long journey through Key Club leadership. Remember, if you care enough, you will make it happen. Be yourself and lead with your passion!