From O-Week to Venture Capital: Lessons in Leadership at Rice University

What does it mean to lead your peers, preserve a strong community, and still make space for change? In this episode of Leading Owls, host Lana sits down with Rice senior Alena, a Wiess College O-Week Coordinator and student leader whose experiences span campus traditions, venture capital, consulting, and mentorship. Alena shares how her own unconventional path to Rice shaped the empathy she brings to leadership and her commitment to making sure others feel seen, understood, and included. She also reflects on what she has learned from managing teams of her peers—including the importance of earning trust, setting boundaries, delegating responsibility, and knowing when to lead with confidence and when to lean on others. From building community during O-Week to creating opportunities for women interested in venture capital, Alena offers a thoughtful look at leadership grounded in relationships, humility, and a genuine desire to understand the people around you. Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey.  The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders. Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University? Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes! Connect with the Doerr! • Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/ • Follow Doerr on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@riceleader?_t...) • Follow Doerr on Instagram (  / doerrinstitute  ) • Get Matched! (https://ricedoerr.az1.qualtrics.com/j...) Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.