Center for Social Transformation and Leadership

About the Center

Seattle University's Center for Social Transformation and Leadership (CSTL) is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through dynamic, transformative experiences rooted in global connections and creative pursuits. CSTL serves as a hub for engaged scholarship and community-based research focusing on issues of concern to Seattle and PNW communities. 

Grounded in the mission of Seattle University as a Jesuit and Catholic institution, CSTL seeks to inspire and equip students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external participants to become catalysts for positive change locally, nationally, and globally. 

At CSTL, we strive to: 

1. Foster robust community engagement, amplifying the university's commitment to being an engaged Jesuit and Catholic institution. Through partnerships with organizations and change efforts, we seek to cultivate thriving communities that are empowered to address pressing social challenges. 
2. Catalyze substantial scholarship and research that advances understanding and addresses complex social issues through interdisciplinary collaboration and rigorous inquiry. We aim to generate knowledge that informs policy and practice, ultimately contributing to positive social change and the promotion of human dignity and the common good. 
3. Increase community capacity and enhance leadership preparation by providing innovative educational programs and resources rooted in equity and social justice. We believe in equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to lead ethically and effectively in a diverse and interconnected world, guided by principles of social responsibility and solidarity.  
4. Expand our collective potential as leaders to build a sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected global community by nurturing a culture of collaboration, empathy, and innovation.  We strive to empower individuals to take meaningful action towards a more just and equitable society, reflecting the inherent worth and dignity of all people. 
5. Through these efforts, CSTL is committed to advancing the values of social justice, equity, and compassion in accordance with the strategic vision and mission of Seattle University, and to shaping a future where all individuals and communities can thrive.