Discover your strengths, elevate your local leadership.
Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is an eight-month program designed to help up-and-coming leaders discover and build on their unique strengths so they can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.
When local leaders thrive, so do the communities they champion. By investing in the next generation of leaders, we empower individuals with the skills and confidence to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing our rural areas. These homegrown leaders understand the local context and are passionate about shaping a vibrant future for their communities. The Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program helps cultivate this vital leadership pipeline for southwest Minnesota.
Partnering with the University of Minnesota Extension, we offer a dynamic program where emerging leaders can:
- Boost their confidence as a leader.
- Learn about board and commission structures.
- Gain valuable tools and resources to navigate their leadership journey.
- Connect with a supportive network of emerging leaders and mentors.
- Make a lasting impact on the places and people they care about.
Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is one part of our larger community engagement work bringing people together with innovative approaches to build vibrant and welcoming communities.
2024 Program Participants
- Abebe Abetew, Worthington
- Marlen Balster, Adrian
- Elizabeth Briones Flores, Worthington
- Alma Contreras, Murdock
- Savina Gerren, Windom
- Petra Jimenez, Fulda
- Darren Lind, Woodstock
- Chukuma Ijioma, Litchfield
- Abigail Navarro, Hutchinson
- Jose Ivan Parga, Worthington
- Samantha Prechel, Sanborn
- Michael Peters, Tyler
- Jaime Salinas, Worthington
- Mary Anne Wangen, Hutchinson
- Julia Wright, Fulda
2024 Program Sessions
- April 30, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Granite Falls: Launching Your Community Leadership
- May 28, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Redwood Falls: Developing Effective Communication Skills
- June 18, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Madison: Discovering Your Strengths
- July 23, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Glencoe: Understanding Community, Culture and Engagement
- August 20, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Hutchinson: Organizing Committees that Work
- September 17, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Willmar: Navigating and Leading through Conflict
- October 15, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Worthington: Using Emotional Intelligence and Courageous Followership
- November 12, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Olivia: Stepping into Visionary Leadership, Action and Celebration
- (Date TBD): Networking Event, Connect with Experienced Local Leaders
Who should apply?
This program is geared toward people who are interested in being more involved in local leadership through boards, commissions and elected leadership roles. To get the most out of the program, you should be at the start of your leadership journey. That can mean you have little to no experience, all the way up to two years of experience in community leadership roles. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, especially if you identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC). Applications typically open in February.
For more information
Khou Lor
(320) 583-6579
[email protected]
