Leadership Lexington
PRESENTED BY:
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
MISSION: Leadership Lexington is a leadership development program sponsored by Commerce Lexington and directed toward individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities. The program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our city and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. Leadership Lexington is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of our city.
ELIGIBILITY: Residents and individuals who work in the Lexington area are eligible to apply for Leadership Lexington. Applicants must be employed by firms or organizations that are active members of Commerce Lexington. Non-employed community volunteers may also apply.
STRUCTURE: Leadership Lexington is an eleven-month program involving an overnight Orientation in August and a full-day session lasting eight hours each month from September until June. A Get Acquainted Reception is held before the overnight Orientation retreat. The Orientation retreat is mandatory. Classes meet in different locations around the area each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed include media, government, growth, preservation, agriculture, education, public safety, economic development, arts, health and human services, and leadership development. At the end of the Leadership Lexington program year, a graduation is held in recognition of the class with an alumni reception following.
For more information about the Leadership Lexington program, contact Amy Stout at (859) 226-1610.
MISSION: Leadership Lexington is a leadership development program sponsored by Commerce Lexington and directed toward individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities. The program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our city and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. Leadership Lexington is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of our city.
ELIGIBILITY: Residents and individuals who work in the Lexington area are eligible to apply for Leadership Lexington. Applicants must be employed by firms or organizations that are active members of Commerce Lexington. Non-employed community volunteers may also apply.
STRUCTURE: Leadership Lexington is an eleven-month program involving an overnight Orientation in August and a full-day session lasting eight hours each month from September until June. A Get Acquainted Reception is held before the overnight Orientation retreat. The Orientation retreat is mandatory. Classes meet in different locations around the area each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed include media, government, growth, preservation, agriculture, education, public safety, economic development, arts, health and human services, and leadership development. At the end of the Leadership Lexington program year, a graduation is held in recognition of the class with an alumni reception following.
For more information about the Leadership Lexington program, contact Amy Stout at (859) 226-1610.
Leadership Lexington Application Tutorial
Learn from Selection Committee members about what they are looking for when they score Leadership Lexington applications. This video will provide guidance for you on each section of the application as well as answering general questions we often receive from applicants. Applications for the 2023-24 class are now closed.
Learn from Selection Committee members about what they are looking for when they score Leadership Lexington applications. This video will provide guidance for you on each section of the application as well as answering general questions we often receive from applicants. Applications for the 2023-24 class are now closed.
2023-24 PROGRAM SPONSORS:
PRESENTED BY:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
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ORIENTATION SPONSOR:
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NAME BADGE SPONSOR:
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GOLD SPONSORS:
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HISTORY SPONSOR:
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Dr. Mandy Higgins spoke to the class at the Lexington History Museum during the Leadership Lexington History Day session. (Photo by Mahan Multimedia)
Latest Session: Leadership Lexington Class Explores Lexington's Rich History
Recap by Emily Metcalfe, Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass
On August 14th, the Leadership Lexington spent the day learning about Lexington’s history. Fellow class member and Executive Director of the Lexington History Museum, Dr. Mandy Higgins, gave an overview of our city’s history. Dr. Higgins encouraged the class to view history as an argument that challenges us and our ways of thinking.
Class participants then visited the Kentucky Room at the Lexington Public Library, which features a collection of books and archives, such as the second issue of the Kentucky Gazette. A visit to the Lexington History Museum allowed participants to take a personal tour throughout Lexington’s history, learning about the agricultural history of Fayette County, the Civil Rights Movement in Lexington, the impact of IBM, and more.
Eric Brooks and Jim Clark from Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate shared about the history of the estate, as well as their efforts to improve the telling of the history of those enslaved at Ashland through the new “Traces” tour. Local historian, Yvonne Giles, then led participants on a mobile tour of African American Heritage throughout the city
Lastly, class participants visited the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, which was an entertainment center and cultural hub for Lexington’s African American community from 1948-1963. Executive Director, Christian Adair, shared the history and importance of the Lyric, and showcased the many ways the Lyric is now honoring and celebrating its past through art exhibits like “We…Meaning Black Men.” Keeneland’s Exhibit Curator, Roda Ferraro, also joined the group to share more about “The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers,” which is currently on exhibit at The Lyric.
As Dr. Higgins mentioned, historical thinking is a leadership skill. The day was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Lexington history, while engaging in challenging, yet important conversations.
On August 14th, the Leadership Lexington spent the day learning about Lexington’s history. Fellow class member and Executive Director of the Lexington History Museum, Dr. Mandy Higgins, gave an overview of our city’s history. Dr. Higgins encouraged the class to view history as an argument that challenges us and our ways of thinking.
Class participants then visited the Kentucky Room at the Lexington Public Library, which features a collection of books and archives, such as the second issue of the Kentucky Gazette. A visit to the Lexington History Museum allowed participants to take a personal tour throughout Lexington’s history, learning about the agricultural history of Fayette County, the Civil Rights Movement in Lexington, the impact of IBM, and more.
Eric Brooks and Jim Clark from Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate shared about the history of the estate, as well as their efforts to improve the telling of the history of those enslaved at Ashland through the new “Traces” tour. Local historian, Yvonne Giles, then led participants on a mobile tour of African American Heritage throughout the city
Lastly, class participants visited the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, which was an entertainment center and cultural hub for Lexington’s African American community from 1948-1963. Executive Director, Christian Adair, shared the history and importance of the Lyric, and showcased the many ways the Lyric is now honoring and celebrating its past through art exhibits like “We…Meaning Black Men.” Keeneland’s Exhibit Curator, Roda Ferraro, also joined the group to share more about “The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers,” which is currently on exhibit at The Lyric.
As Dr. Higgins mentioned, historical thinking is a leadership skill. The day was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Lexington history, while engaging in challenging, yet important conversations.
Celebrating 40 Years!
Reflecting on the last 40 years of Leadership Lexington, the impact on the individual participants, their businesses and the community is incredible! As alumni, many of us have our own story of how participating in the “best class ever” changed the trajectory of our life both personally and professionally. Leadership Lexington’s first class, which graduated in 1980, to present day reminds us that with each new leader comes new challenges, but with each new class comes new solutions! Leadership Lexington focuses not on the position and title of leader, but instead teaches though action and example. While the mission of the program is to provide the participants with a better understanding of our city and prepare them for future challenges, it does even more, by becoming the fabric that weaves our local leaders together. In the coming months, join us as we celebrate the impact this program has made not only on the community, but also its participants. Special thanks to those alumni who shared their experience with us. Join the celebration!
A Legacy of Leadership: Leadership Lexington Celebrates 40 Years
Business Lexington Article by Kathie Stamps [November 2020]
Sign up or renew your membership to the Leadership Lexington Alumni Association. Sign up or Rejoin today HERE.
Reflecting on the last 40 years of Leadership Lexington, the impact on the individual participants, their businesses and the community is incredible! As alumni, many of us have our own story of how participating in the “best class ever” changed the trajectory of our life both personally and professionally. Leadership Lexington’s first class, which graduated in 1980, to present day reminds us that with each new leader comes new challenges, but with each new class comes new solutions! Leadership Lexington focuses not on the position and title of leader, but instead teaches though action and example. While the mission of the program is to provide the participants with a better understanding of our city and prepare them for future challenges, it does even more, by becoming the fabric that weaves our local leaders together. In the coming months, join us as we celebrate the impact this program has made not only on the community, but also its participants. Special thanks to those alumni who shared their experience with us. Join the celebration!
A Legacy of Leadership: Leadership Lexington Celebrates 40 Years
Business Lexington Article by Kathie Stamps [November 2020]
Sign up or renew your membership to the Leadership Lexington Alumni Association. Sign up or Rejoin today HERE.
Video produced by Mark Mahan, Mahan Multimedia.
Hear more about the impact Leadership Lexington from past participants.
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MEMBER TESTIMONIAL:
"Participating in Leadership Lexington was truly a life-changing experience for me. I thought that I knew my city, having lived here for about 15 years, but I learned so much about the industries and organizations that make Lexington a great place to live and work. Going through the program even inspired me to pursue a career change from professional services marketing to the nonprofit sector, because I wanted to do more to give back to our community. Not only that, it also connected me with amazing people from different professions and sectors that I might not have met otherwise. Leadership Lexington is one of the most impactful things I've done to better myself both personally and professionally. I can't recommend it enough!"
- Lauren Parsons
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications
Blue Grass Community Foundation
Attention Leadership Lexington Alums: Help Us Stay Connected to You
The Leadership Lexington Alumni Association is ramping up! In order to make this association a success, we need all alums to send in any updated contact information. If you are a graduate of Leadership Lexington, please send your updated information via e-mail to Dawn Pope. Find out more at www.leadershiplexingtonalumni.com.
The Leadership Lexington Alumni Association is ramping up! In order to make this association a success, we need all alums to send in any updated contact information. If you are a graduate of Leadership Lexington, please send your updated information via e-mail to Dawn Pope. Find out more at www.leadershiplexingtonalumni.com.
MEMBER TESTIMONIAL:
"Leadership Lexington is by far the best program that I have ever participated in! The friends and connections that I have made are life-long and so rewarding! I'm very thankful for the continued opportunities to remain active with the program. Thank you!"
- Bradley Stevenson (Immanuel Baptist Church)