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Leaders Lab Class of 2024 Testimonials

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The Leaders Lab of Greater Charlottesville is a 9-month leadership training program for everyone who wants to be great at collaboration! Current and emerging leaders build leadership skills, practice community problem-solving, and learn first-hand how people are working together on local issues. Applications are open now to join the Class of 2025.

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"The time spent in Leaders Lab has opened many doors to learning about the City of Charlottesville and the Region 10 district. Meeting community leaders and other citizens, other working and recreational organizations, and learning about policy, procedure, and the challenges faced, as well as how those challenges will be managed, has been inspiring. We've also met academic leaders working to correct history and tell untold stories, making it all come alive in ways I've not experienced before Leaders Lab.

I feel more connected and educated about the area I chose to live in more than 15 years ago. Because of the newfound connectedness, I also feel more responsible and want to be a part of the solutions. That's realistic now because of Leaders Lab, and I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity and everything the 2024 Class has collectively gained through this experience!"

Novella W Thompson, UVA Health

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"Leaders Lab has helped me grow more knowledge about local organizations and community challenges. I’ve learned different strategies and techniques to advocate and address community issues and strengthen my leadership skills."

Whitmore Merrick, City of Charlottesville

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"I have completed an Executive Leadership Program as well as numerous leadership training sessions, so I was initially skeptical about how much value I would get out of the Chamber's Leaders Lab. I quickly learned the Chamber is different in the way it promotes community involvement. In addition to detailed, unbiased education about numerous local current events, the speakers and workshops tackled vital yet rarely addressed leadership concepts such as mindfulness, ethics, cultural humility and respect. I always looked forward to the monthly meetings and will miss them when our cohort is done!"

Dawn Heneberry, Cary Street Partners

Dettey Audette

"Leaders Lab created a unique forum of professional from the community and allowed us to engage in developing leadership skills while fostering connections throughout the monthly meetings."

Dettey Audette, The Miller School

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"Leader's Lab has been an invaluable experience for my personal and professional growth in numerous ways. Firstly, the diverse cohort has provided me with unique perspectives and insights that I wouldn't have gained otherwise. Interacting with individuals from different backgrounds and industries has broadened my understanding of leadership and community development.

The community development case studies were particularly enlightening. They allowed me to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, enabling me to develop practical solutions to complex issues. These case studies challenged me to think critically and creatively, ultimately enhancing my problem-solving skills. One aspect of Leader's Lab that I truly appreciate is the introduction to community partners I hadn't previously known. Collaborating with these organizations has not only expanded my network but also deepened my understanding of community dynamics and the importance of partnerships in driving positive change.

Overall, Leader's Lab has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to make a meaningful impact in my community. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such a supportive and diverse group of individuals."

Khalilah Jones, Chic & Classy Image Consulting

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"I have done a handful of leadership and management courses in my career, and went into Leader’s Lab expecting more of the same – basic leadership theory and some networking opportunity. The course has vastly exceeded my expectations.

The most rewarding part, to me, has been the civic education and sense of community that the program has fostered. I have been in Charlottesville for 12 years now, but so many of the local issues and history that we have studied in Leader’s Lab were new to me, and it has helped me feel much more like an informed and engaged citizen. This has been especially helpful in my recent transition to locally focused work and community engagement. I’ve also made so many great connections through the course, and I’m excited to work with my Leader’s Lab alumni in the years ahead to make Charlottesville the best it can be."

Coles Jennings, Community Climate Collaborative

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"Growing up in this town, I believed I knew it like the back of my hand. But as it turns out, I couldn't have been more mistaken. Entering the Leaders Lab program gifted me with a remarkably fresh and optimistic outlook on my hometown. Previously, I found myself succumbing to negativity and cynicism, focusing solely on its shortcomings. However, through Leaders Lab, I was introduced to a network of individuals dedicated to effecting positive change. The speakers provided invaluable insights, yet it was my peers who truly broadened my perspective. Struggling with feelings of imposter syndrome, the discussions with my classmates served as a beacon of reassurance, guiding me past such doubts. I discovered the significance of pausing to reflect on one's journey, acknowledging personal growth, and charting the course ahead."

Sarah Sweet, The Scrappy Elephant

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"I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Leaders Lab cohort of 2024. It has been an invaluable opportunity to build relationships with local leaders, learn about pressing issues facing our community and enhance my own leadership skills. Through Leaders Lab I have become more confident as a leader and better educated on critical topics in our community. Leaders Lab has provided the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse group of local leaders looking to make a positive impact in Charlottesville and beyond.

Leadership Development: During each cohort session we learn from experts on topics such as leadership styles, mindfulness, conflict resolution, and negotiation tactics. We got to engage with subject matter experts in a small group setting that was dynamic and engaging. I liked that each month was a different topic, and I found them all to be relevant in both my professional and personal life.

Local Case Studies: One of the most meaningful part of Leaders Lab was being able to learn about complex issues facing the Charlottesville community firsthand from local leaders. Some examples of our case studies were The Haven and the homelessness crisis, the building of the UVA’s Memorial to Enslaved Laborers and leveling in public education. My favorite session took place at the Rotunda where we completed a Case Study on the building of the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. We spoke with various leaders who were directly involved with the committee and multi-year iterative process that went into designing and building the memorial. We had the privilege of taking a tour of the Memorial by a founding member of the Descendants of Enslaved Communities at UVA, a local non-profit organization. This powerful experience is something that I will never forget.

Relationship Building: I truly valued the time spent getting to know and building relationships with my cohort members. Our cohort is full of impressive leaders from a wide range of industries and organizations in our community. I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to collaborate with cohort members beyond Leaders Lab. This program has expanded and enriched my network in Charlottesville and fostered new collaborations."

Katharine DiResta, University of Virginia

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