Leadership Kokomo makes it 41
More than 925 residents have graduated from program since 1982
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Leadership is a quality that is always in high demand. Businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations look to people with the skills to lead. It is what moves a community forward.
Last week, Leadership Kokomo celebrated its 41st cohort of graduates in a ceremony at Ivy Tech Community College. More than 925 residents have now completed the program since its inception in 1982. Laura Hafner, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo, explained that the success of the program relies upon the willingness of leaders and businesses to invest in it.
“You applied to be part of this program because you believed in it and you believed it would add value to your career,” said Hafner. “This is because of our community leaders who continue to pour into each group annually and give of their time generously. It is because of the employers who supported each of these cohort members by sponsoring their tuition and allowing them to take precious time out of their work week.”
Leadership Kokomo takes participants through more than 100 of hours of training and exposure to the local business community. According to Liz Kerns, Leadership Kokomo facilitator, the cohort is taught core leadership qualities in interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational contexts. And then they learn about the local businesses and organization that help Kokomo thrive.
“We learn about this great community that we all live, serve, and work in,” said Kerns. “We talk to industry leaders about what they do and how they do it. We talk about trends, challenges, and potential solutions across industries, local and national. We talk to them about what they do in the community and why it's so important.
“We hear from school leaders about working together and ensuring our children get the best potential education, along with legislation that is coming down at the state and federal level and impacting our schools. We talk to local and state government officials about how they work together at the local state and national level. And we talk about the issues affecting our community, including housing, economic development, education, infrastructure, public safety, and so much more.”
The participants also are paired up with local nonprofits to practice the skills they are taught. The cohort examines the strengths and weaknesses of the organizations, then comes up with possible action plans to capitalize on opportunities for growth and success.
This year, the Leadership Kokomo cohort selected the Boy Scouts of America and Refuge Community Garden as their nonprofit partners. Graduate Scott Taber presented the cohort’s Boy Scouts recommendations, and DeAndra Beard-Ingram made the presentation for Refuge Community Garden.
The keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony was Sherry Rahl, executive director of Kokomo Urban Outreach. A former Leadership Kokomo graduate herself, Rahl encouraged the new crop of graduates to embrace what they have learned.
“Changes are going to happen because you're poised for leadership,” said Rahl. “You might think that you didn't learn something. But what I'm going to tell you is it's like going to Kokomo Opalescent Glass. When that lump of glass goes into the forge, it doesn't look good. It takes molding and cracking on it and trying to mold it into something. But when it's done, it is beautiful. And that's what Leadership Kokomo really exemplifies.
“Each of you had to bring discipline to the table. You had to have commitment to get through this. You don't really know what's in you until your feet are put to the fire. We all are given those moments. You're going to see some things, and you're going to step up. You're going to be something extraordinary. You're going to make changes to our community, and you're going to make it better. And I'm very excited about that.”
Rahl encouraged the graduates to “do it scared.” She asked them to act, even when they don’t know the outcome, and to not be stopped by the obstacles that may present themselves in the process.
“It's your ability to recover from the obstacle that makes you who you are,” said Rahl. “The more that you can overcome the obstacles and the more quickly that you can recover, the better off you'll be.
“You persevered. You made it. You made it to the finish line of this race. I congratulate you for that. So, as leaders, go forth. My charge to you is change this community to be what you want it to be and do the very best at everything you put your hand to make you prosper.”
Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore also spoke to the class as a 1999 graduate of Leadership Kokomo.
“Hopefully the same excitement, that same love for what you've experienced and what you've accomplished, that love for community, has grown,” said Moore. “The love for a specific nonprofit, the love for your business that has philanthropic efforts within the community, has caused you to get a little more involved or maybe to inspire some of your co-workers or even your family.
“Yes, you reached this finish line. Hopefully, what's driving you now takes you across that finish line and continues to run that race, because we as a community need you. And we appreciate you.”
Applications are being accepted now for the 42nd Leadership Kokomo cohort. To apply, visit www.leadershipkokomo.com. The deadline for applications is June 2.