2007 New Leader Spotlight: Romeo Domdii Cliff   School: University of Tampa Program: 2007 CPL New Leader Internship: M&R Strategic Services

How have you been a leader in your community?

At The University of Tampa, I continued to strive to improve my community. In 2004-2005, I was instrumental in founding the Golden Legacy Series, The University of Tampa’s first Annual Black History Month kick off program featuring a noted guest speaker, the Honorable Judge Greg Mathis. I coordinated and raised $7,000.00 from local corporate contributors and other private and public donors to fund this event. The program’s goal was to motivate the youth in the Tampa Bay area to pursue an education as well as remain in school and discover the ability to overcome the everyday obstacles that they may face. In 2006, again with the help of the University of Tampa and my fraternity brothers, the Golden Legacy Series Part II was also a success.

What personal values most shape your political beliefs?

Some of the political values that most shape my political beliefs are integrity or honesty, equal opportunity, self discipline and faith. I believe integrity is the most important of these values because it really defines who I am as person. If I compromise my integrity, then I am compromising what I stand for.

What are your long-term leadership interests?

My long term leadership interest is to become the president of Cameroon and bring about progressive changes to the country’s infrastructure - changes that will allow the people of Cameroon to effectively develop their full potential.

What does “Progressive” mean to you?

To be progressive means to change the status quo. It means to bring about fundamental political, economical, and social changes to the lives of the under privileged sector of our society - it means giving these people a greater voice in the development of our society.

What long-term change do you want to help create?

In the long run, I want Cameroon to be economically, politically, and socially stable and self reliant. I will strive to accomplish this by improving the quality of such crucial institutions as schools, health clinics, and political.

What attracted you to the CPL New Leaders Program?

The thing that attracted me to the New Leaders Program was the fact that it provided an opportunity for me to grow as leader and gave a chance to meet other young leaders from across the nation. I have a chance to learn from and share ideas with some of the brightest individuals in the country.

What did you get out of the New Leaders Program?

The New Leaders Program gave me an opportunity to be in the nation’s capital right before a crucial election year in the history of the country. I had the honor of networking among the ranks of many prominent political leaders in the United States. I was able to get some of the exposure I need to further develop my political ambitions and gain a profound understanding of what politics is really about in Washington DC. I also made lasting friendships with my fellow New Leader colleagues, which I know will develop into political alliances.