Voice, Power, and Responsibility = Superpower [Leading Forward]

April 6, 2026  |  By Kyra Shahid 
Part of the "Leading Forward: Leadership Insights with Dr. Kyra" blog series

If you’ve ever watched a Marvel movie, you know this: Power alone doesn’t make someone a hero. In the Marvel universe, almost everyone has power. The difference is how they use it.

Take Tony Stark. Brilliant, wealthy, and inventive. His power expands before his maturity does. Let’s consider T'Challa. He inherits power from his ancestors, but spends time questioning how to use it responsibly. Or Wanda Maximoff. Her power grows out of pain and without accountability, it harms the very people she loves most.

Same universe. Different relationships to power. In many ways the University of Michigan and Trotter/MESA are their own cinematic universe. Student leaders have influence. Organizations have visibility. Administrators hold decision-making authority. Voices rise. Alliances form. Tensions surface. And in moments of transition, power becomes more visible.

And here’s the truth:

Having a voice is not the same as holding responsibility.
Having responsibility is not the same as silencing others.

Responsible leadership requires both clarity and accountability. When I wrote the introduction to this blog I reflected on the quote that has guided my career: “Knowing who you are, makes who you are worth knowing.” In Marvel films, chaos usually erupts when someone uses power without considering consequences or when someone avoids responsibility altogether– in part to them not fully understanding who they are and the impact they can make in the world.

In these films and in our lived experiences the heroes aren’t perfect. But they grow into their power when they connect their power to their voice and their responsibility to the communities they serve. In our merged Trotter/MESA community, each of us possess a unique power, a distinct voice, and a shared responsibility. As we evolve, and navigate an evolving campus, how will we use our influence to uplift, connect, and serve?

As we grow as leaders, we should ask ourselves:

• Where do I currently hold influence and who is affected by my decisions?
• Am I acting from fear, ego, or purpose?
• What does responsible use of my talents, position, and power require right now?
• How am I using my voice in ways that create clarity rather than chaos?

That’s leadership.

Not shrinking your authority or identity.
Not grabbing for control.
But standing fully in your role and using it with care.

Power isn’t the problem. Irresponsible power is. And in every universe, cinematic or real life– power reveals character. Change reveals character. As we evolve together in Trotter/MESA, let’s reflect on how we wield our power for the good of our communities. What does your leadership tell the world about who you are?

— Know who you are. Then Lead Forward.

Dr. Kyra