The 2025 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort is a dynamic group of individuals from across southwest Minnesota who are stepping up to shape the future of their communities. This year’s participants represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared passion for local leadership and community impact.
leadership
What makes a leader?
In the face of challenges including addiction and incarceration, Mark Stewart has persevered. After suffering the loss of his partner, Taylor Joy, to mental illness, something clicked for him, and he has been relentlessly serving his community since then. A nontraditional leadership journey like Mark’s has steep highs and lows. He has kept going through them all.
Petra Jimenez on leadership
Petra Jimenez has lived most of her life in southwest Minnesota and makes her home in Fulda. A graduate of our latest Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort, Petra plans to run for the local school board next year. Last year, she organized the first Welcoming Week celebration in Fulda to help build belonging.
Brad Gruhot on leadership
Brad Gruhot is a husband, dad, “Chamber guy,” sports lover and a volunteer. He’s been with the Marshall Area Chamber for nearly 11 years and is involved in Business Development, Ambassadors and Transportation & Legislative Committees as well as overseeing daily chamber operations. Brad and his wife, Karen, live in Marshall with their two children.
Laura Curtiss on leadership
Laura Curtiss wears many hats in life. She serves as our Grants and Operations Assistant in addition to being a devoted mom, a supportive sister, a grateful daughter, an enthusiastic follower and an ambitious dreamer. Each of these roles allows her to demonstrate leadership in unique and meaningful ways. Laura is also part of the current cohort of McLeod For Tomorrow’s leadership program.
Apply for the 2025 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community, but need the tools and confidence to step into more formal leadership roles? Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is a leadership education program designed just for you. We’ll help you discover and build on your unique strengths so you can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.