For the last six months, 14 residents from communities across Southwest Minnesota gathered to learn, share perspectives, and explore what leadership looks like in their communities. On October 20, those participants celebrated the completion of the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program during a graduation ceremony at the Little Theatre Auditorium in New London.
Led by Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF), the program helps emerging leaders strengthen relationships, build leadership skills, deepen civic engagement, and explore ways to create positive change close to home. The Department of Public Transformation and University of Minnesota Extension Community Development help with facilitation and training.
What began as a room full of strangers became a network of leaders connected by shared experiences and a commitment to their communities.
“Every cohort is different,” said SWIF Community Development Officer Khou Lor during the commencement ceremony. “Connection doesn’t always happen immediately. Sometimes, it takes time, showing up, and getting to know one another.”
Exploring leadership in action
Each month, the emerging leaders came together in different communities across Southwest Minnesota to cover leadership development topics. Along the way, participants connected with regional leaders and learned from one another’s experiences. They explored how leadership can take shape in many forms, from volunteering and mentoring to serving on boards, supporting neighbors, and advocating for community needs.
Graduates shared some reflections at the closing ceremonies:
- “Meeting new people and knowing there’s such a wealth of knowledge, resources and people in Southwest Minnesota is motivational. It motivates me to get involved in a more real way going forward.” Leslie Gens, Slayton
- “The thing I learned is to be an example. Don’t tell people, ‘Let’s do this.’ People follow good actions and support, and that’s how they can succeed in the future.” Abdifatah Mohamed, Willmar
- “As a leader, I want everybody to feel welcomed to the table and accepted and that they have a place.” Jordan Walter, Worthington
- “Really for me it’s thinking about how can I be that positive catalyst that’s going to drive the change I want to see in the community that I live in and I want to lead in.” Kelsey Hedlof, Spicer
- “I think success as a leader is inviting others to come along.” Kiona Hermanson, Dawson
‘Lead with strength, move with hope’
As the evening concluded, graduates received certificates and celebrated alongside the mentors and supporters who accompanied them throughout the journey. Khou encouraged participants to embrace their unique leadership styles and continue investing in their communities: “You don’t have to wait for a title or for someone to give you permission to lead. You can lead right where you are.”
She advised graduates to continue growing, asking questions, making room for new voices, and remembering the value they bring to their communities.
“May you lead with strength, move with hope, and leave every place you touch a little better than you found it.”
2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders Graduates
- Makayla Ebbers, Worthington
- Leslie Gens, Slayton
- Kelsey Hedlof, Spicer
- Kiona Hermanson, Dawson
- Kyle Hoffman, Buffalo Lake
- Lindsey Houston, Westbrook
- Antonio Ledbetter, Marshall
- Abdifatah Mohamed, Willmar
- Medardo Moreno Castellón, Brewster
- Harley Pfarr, Fairfax
- Iztlacihuatl Ramirez, Worthington
- Charity Rudnick, Benson
- Michelle Vazquez, Willmar
- Jordan Walter, Worthington
Learn more about the 2026 emerging leaders.
What’s your next step as a community leader?
The graduates of this year’s cohort leave with new relationships, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to strengthening their communities. We encourage you to explore ways to get involved locally and support the people and organizations helping Southwest Minnesota thrive.
