Tuesday 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Session Details

It's Getting H.O.T. in Here: Creating Emotionally Safe Learning Environments   • Kindra Dionne | Leadership Loudoun, VA - 301 A

Today's leaders face unprecedented challenges with real-time communication, social media, and the intense pressure to remain politically correct and culturally conscious at all times. While our community leadership programs strive to create immersive opportunities for social learning, we, as practitioners, must go the extra mile to ensure that learners feel safe learning. Adult learners must feel respected and safe in order to fully engage and maximize the experience. This session will guide practitioners through the creation of H.O.T. learning environments and the process of introducing tough topics in a safe space.    

About the Speaker: Kindra Dionne is the Founder purpose WorX, LLC, and the Program Coordinator for Leadership Loudoun. Kindra holds a Master's in Adult Education Training & Development and a Bachelor's in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Professionally, Kindra has spent the past 17 years working in Human Resource Development, Training and Development, Employer Services, and Business and Economic Development. During her tenure in Economic Development, Kindra led the charge in her community to create a support system for HUBZone companies and local job seekers. This model is now being duplicated in communities across the country. Kindra also serves on the HUBZone National Council, where she is Chair of the Economic Development Committee.      

Leadership Programs for New Americans  • Jessica Hendricks & Joseline Reyna  | Hall County Leadership Unlimited, Inc., NE - 301 B

Attendees will learn about Elevate Grand Island, a new leadership program created by Leadership Unlimited. Elevate Grand Island was created to empower and engage underrepresented members of our community. Our current community leadership is not representative of the demographics that make up our community. Elevate is designed to provide the tools to welcome, engage, and empower individuals to step into leadership roles.      

About the Speakers: Jessica Hendricks is the Executive Director of Leadership Unlimited in Grand Island, Nebraska. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Doane University. Jessica is a Certified Community Leadership Practitioner through the Association of Leadership Programs. Jessica has been involved in the Grand Island Young Professionals, Toastmasters, and the Grand Island Little Theatre. Before joining Leadership Unlimited, Jessica served as the Director of Workforce and Community Development for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and as the Community Liaison for Congressman Adrian Smith.    

Joseline Reyna (LT Class 35) moved from Mexico to Grand Island in 2005. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and obtained a Criminology and Criminal Justice degree. Joseline has over five years of experience in nonprofit and advocacy. In 2020 she received the Top 35 under 35 award from the Chamber of Commerce, and in 2021 Connecting Young Nebraskans honored her with the Community Involvement & Impact Award. Joseline is a Big and serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She also runs her small candy business. She likes to travel and spend time with her family in her free time. She loves helping out in the community and encourages others to do the same.  

Maintaining a Healthy Work/Life Balance • John Palmer | Grimes Leadership Academy, IA - 301 C

77% of employees have experienced burnout at least once in their current jobs. 72% of workers believe work-life balance is a significant factor when choosing a job. During this workshop, we will unpack the life principles embedded in the formula: Assessment + Action + Accountability = Personal Growth. Each participant will take a personal 'Work/Life Balance Assessment' developed by the workshop speaker. After taking this assessment, participants will discuss action and accountability steps to establish and/or maintain a healthy work/life balance. By maintaining a healthy work/life balance, we can be effective and happy both in our work and personal commitments.      

About the Speaker: John Palmer has been married to Debbie, his college sweetheart, for forty-eight years. Together, they have three children and six grandchildren. While serving as a Senior Pastor for over three decades, John led a large congregation with ten Associate Pastors on his team. Additionally, John had the privilege of serving as President of an international counseling agency, leading a team of thirty psychologists and counselors. During more than forty years of leading teams, John learned, through mistakes and failures, the value of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. While partially retired, John currently serves as CLO of Christian Brothers Automotive in Grimes, Iowa, and provides leadership for the Grimes Leadership Academy.     

Rethinking Youth Programs: How to Engage with Student Leaders in New and Creative Ways • Nicole Susdorf  | Leadership Toledo, OH 

- 301 D

Curious about youth programming outside the traditional 10-month program and why you should pursue it? Come and learn about other means to engage with local high schoolers, from a second program centered on youth philanthropy to one-day opportunities with local sports conferences and schools, to round table discussions on specific topics relevant to youth. Leadership Toledo has found avenues to engage more students while also diversifying revenue streams, and you will walk away with ideas and strategies to implement them in your own organization.

About the Speaker: Nicole Susdorf (she/her) is the Program Director for Youth Programs at Leadership Toledo and has been working in education spaces for over 15 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Adolescent and Young Adult Education as well as her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. Nicole is active in her community through board service with Toledo YES Project and Partners in Education and as a member of the City of Toledo’s Human Relations Commission: Youth Empowerment and Engagement committee.  

Revamp Your Annual Fundraiser to Boost Your Revenue  • Dani Brockert | Leadership Greater Washington, D.C. - 301 E

Learn best practices and lessons learned to increase fundraising for your organization's annual gala or fundraising event. Join Dani Brockert, Director of Membership & Development from Leadership Greater Washington (LGW), to learn how LGW has continued to increase revenue generated from sponsorships and ticket sales at our annual gala. Dani will cover changes in the structure of the event and fundraising methods that led to the event raising almost triple the amount from the previous year. You will come away with all the tips and best practices you need to improve or begin your own fundraising gala or event.       

About the Speaker:  Dani Brockert (she/her) joined the Leadership Greater Washington (LGW) team in 2018 and now serves as the Director of Development & Membership. In her role, she connects with LGW's vast network of Members to help them connect to create positive change for our region and coordinates with LGW's incredible sponsors and donors to impact LGW and the region. Dani also enjoyed participating in LGW's phenomenal Rising Leaders program in 2019. Before joining the LGW team, Dani volunteered as an AmeriCorps member for a year, responding to natural disasters across America. After her service year, she moved to the DC area to support future AmeriCorps members as a staff member, managing the application process. Dani earned her B.A. from St. Norbert College in Wisconsin. In her free time, Dani enjoys cheering on any Wisconsin sports team, reading, and watching movies.