In a unique opportunity to lead a global organization as a college student, Palm Beach Atlantic University senior Maria Landron of Royal Palm Beach has been elected a Circle K International trustee. She was elected in July by delegates of member schools at an International Council meeting.
Circle K International, a branch of Kiwanis International, is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization. With thousands of members, on hundreds of campuses on seven continents, Circle K International’s mission is to develop the next generation of servant leaders.
Landron studies public relations at Palm Beach Atlantic. She has served in Kiwanis International student leadership programs for seven years. She began service in high school as a member of Key Club International, the Kiwanis program for high school students to serve their communities and gain leadership skills.
It was in Key Club that Landron knew Kiwanis was the organization for her. “The first time I went to district convention, it was so eye opening, and I knew I was part of an organization that was bigger than I imagined,” Landron recalled. “When I graduated high school, I took my senior pictures in a Kiwanis sweater.”
As a Circle K International member, Landron earned the Outstanding Chairperson award for the 2019-20 year and the Outstanding District Board Member award in 2018.
Landron has served as a Circle K International trustee, Florida District Membership Development & Education chair and lieutenant governor for eight clubs in the largest division in Florida.
In 2017, Landron chartered Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Circle K International club. As president of a new club, she recruited and trained all officers and members. This experience taught her how clubs should operate in their beginning years.
Her experience starting a club and serving as trustee will prepare Landron to continue building clubs and make an impact that lasts long after her term.
In her second term as a trustee, Landron wants to help build new clubs. She will implement programs that helped her successfully charter clubs last year to continue growing Circle K International. She hopes to develop Circle K International clubs abroad and connect all clubs internationally.
After graduating, Landron plans to work in public relations and political advocacy for immigration for a think tank or governmental organization. She is a research fellow at the LeMieux Center for Public Policy, a census liaison for the Village of Royal Palm Beach and a peer mentor at her university.
