Congratulations to our newest Emerging Leaders graduates! Our Spring 2019 cohort recently wrapped up the three-month program, aimed at providing early-career professionals with the tools to be active leaders in their careers and the community.
“Emerging Leaders has blown my mind,” says WyKeshia Atkins, Director of Learning Assistance Programs for Southeast Missouri State University. “I have been exposed to people, ideas and experiences that have impacted me as a professional, and I am more self-aware and conscientious about my role in the community.”
Over the course of the program, the class participated in large and small-group discussions, interviews with regional leaders, hands-on activities and personal reflection exercises – all designed to prepare them for the next step in their leadership journeys.
The class also had the opportunity to put the leadership skills they were learning into practice through their Civic Action Projects. These team projects allowed participants to work directly with community organizations and leaders to address challenges facing our region.
“Emerging Leaders has provided me with an opportunity to identify and grow my skills as a leader and also expand my understanding of the region and my role in taking action as a leader,” says Ellen Ziegler, Senior Account Manager at Bonfyre.
Thank you to our community partners for supporting their growth and learning!
- Better Together: Improving government access and service delivery
- COCA: Increasing stakeholder engagement in COCAedu Arts Integration Professional Development
- The Little Bit Foundation: Exploring a youth mentoring program
- Perennial: Strategic planning for program growth
- We Stories: Expanding stakeholder engagement beyond early adopters
“Emerging Leaders gives you the toolbox necessary to change the region and allows you to meet people outside of your professional silo,” says Jacob Surratt, Analyst, Site Selection & Incentives Advisory, for Duff & Phelps.
Recruiting is underway for our fall cohort, and applications are due online July 12, 2019.