We believe EVERY Leadership Akron graduating class is the best class …
Because we have seen growth and initiative from our members, from Day One through graduation, and how our community has become a better place to work and live thanks to our alumni.
As leaders rise up, change happens! Our alumni prove this every day, inside and out.” Here’s what a few of them have to say:
“I made deeper connections with class members. I discovered some of my own vulnerabilities and issues with my commitment.” —Signature Class 39
“The Open Space Conversations were fantastic. I gained so much from listening to classmates ideas and thoughts on several topics.” —Signature Class 39
“[Today] I am full of passion, ideas, and love for the community, but I am underutilizing my talent. Show up!” —DOB Class 7
“This program continues to be an amazing learning experience. Not only am I learning, my family is learning. After each session, I share what I have learned. What I have gained is an assurance that ‘smart’ people are actively planning for our future world.” —NEXT 11
“Eye-opening! I am in awe of the many, many good works happening to help those in need. Once again, I was taken out of my comfort zone. I am challenged to think about what can I do to contribute!” —NEXT 11
“Recognizing the intentional work to improve the community and the collaboration and partnerships of the various organizations is impressive and inspiring — and made me recognize there are so many avenues to give back and contribute.” —Goodyear CLI
Your partnership with Leadership Akron helps raise up tomorrow’s encouragers, planners, and leaders. Thank you for being committed to a thriving community!
Welcome Elizabeth Saraceno as the new Leadership Akron Senior Development Director!
Elizabeth — who was formerly Vice President and Community Engagement Manager for First Commonwealth Bank — is deeply passionate about community and has spent 20+ years as a volunteer and employee, serving in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors with expertise in development, communications, marketing, events, and community engagement and impact.
A native of Greater Akron and alumna of the University of Akron, she spent several years at Stewart’s Caring Place and here, at Leadership Akron! She and her family have been residing in Pittsburgh, PA, for a while but are thrilled to be back in their hometown.
We are beyond thrilled to welcome Elizabeth back to Leadership Akron. “Her spirit is an uplifting one that shines brightly,” says Justin Hilton, “and it perfectly aligns with the mission and vision — to transform our community through transformed leaders who are inspired, strengthened, and empowered to make this Greater Akron community into the GREATEST AKRON commUNITY possible!”
Join us in celebrating this significant step forward for the organization — and for leaders throughout Akron
Prepare to be part of something extraordinary: the 2024 Leadership Akron Phil Maynard Memorial Golf Outing in collaboration with Torchbearers, where camaraderie on the green fuels impactful change in our community.
May 20th at The Ohio Prestwick Country Club and BigShots Golf Firestone promises an unforgettable experience, honoring the legacy of Phil Maynard while championing the causes closest to his heart.
This year's outing, co-chaired by Judi and Greg Hill and Ben and Candace Curtis, not only pays tribute to Phil’s passion for community and leadership but also amplifies the impact of the Leadership Akron Phil Maynard Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Ben Curtis Family Foundation’s vital mission against childhood hunger.
Here’s how you can play a pivotal role in this event …
Register/Sponsor and Golf: Register your foursome today — or elevate your brand by sponsoring our event and gain access to a suite of exclusive benefits:
Rounds of golf at the scenic The Ohio Prestwick Country Club Golf Clinic and VIP Red Carpet photos with British Open Champion Ben Curtis and his PGA trophies; access to the Champions Breakfast featuring Ben Curtis; invitation to the Awards Reception hosted by Judi Hill; a lively evening of networking, dinner, and more golf at BigShots Golf Firestone.
Champions Breakfast Only with Ben Curtis at The Ohio Prestwick Country Club, 8:00 - 9:30 am: Even if you aren’t sponsoring, you can still attend the Champions Breakfast at The Ohio Prestwick Country Club with Ben Curtis. It’s sure to be a morning filled with inspiration and stories of triumph, setting the tone for a day dedicated to legacy and leadership. Included in all sponsor levels.
BigShots Golf and Award Reception Dinner Only at Firestone, 5:00 - 8:00 pm: Cap off the day with an evening at BigShots Golf Firestone with Judi Hill. Includes unlimited golf, one drink ticket, a cash bar, prizes, a silent auction, and more! Included in most sponsor levels.
Every swing, every sponsor, and every breakfast attendee plays a critical role in continuing the Phil Maynard Scholarship Fund and making a tangible difference in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders through Leadership Akron.
Make your plans today to join us!
A huge thank you to Maynard Family Foundation for being our Title sponsor and Crafty Steere for being our Champion Breakfast & Awards Reception sponsor!
Leaders like you are our priority. So we take advantage of every opportunity we get to pour into your life and help you become a better you.
Today we’re diving into a valuable Leadership Tip: Expanding Leadership Through Community Engagement and Experiential Learning …
Actively seek out and immerse yourself in opportunities that connect you with different sectors and communities. Whether it’s participating in local initiatives, volunteering for worthy causes, or signing up for leadership development programs, these experiences can broaden your horizons, deepen your connections with others, and enhance your effectiveness as a leader.
Embrace every chance to step outside your comfort zone and into the community. The insights gained and relationships built through these experiences are invaluable, enriching your leadership journey and empowering you to contribute more meaningfully to the collective well-being of your community.
Active participation in community initiatives offers leaders firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities around them. It fosters a deep understanding of the socio-economic and cultural fabric that shapes the community and broadens your profession and personal perspectives, allowing for more inclusive and empathetic decision-making and approaches.
Leadership is not merely theoretical — it also requires practical application. Experiential learning, which includes participating in leadership programs like those offered by Leadership Akron, workshops, and real-world projects, equips leaders with the skills and insights needed to navigate complex situations. It emphasizes learning from experiences, successes, and failures alike, promoting a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability.
As a result of the above, you’ll naturally build expansive networks. These connections are invaluable resources for collaboration, mentorship, and support. Networking in diverse groups also exposes leaders to varied leadership styles and strategies, enriching their own approach to leadership.
Cultivate vision and influence. Leaders who are deeply involved in their communities and committed to experiential learning tend to develop a strong vision not just for their organizations but for the greater good. Their informed approach enhances their influence, inspiring others to follow and contribute to their vision.
In essence, expanding leadership through these means is about growing by doing and giving back. It’s about leaders stepping beyond the boundaries of their offices to immerse themselves in the broader context of their actions, leading to more profound, impactful leadership that resonates on multiple levels within and outside their organizations.
This is just what Leadership Akron is about! Thanks for being part of the community that welcomes every voice and treats everyone with respect.
The 2024 annual New Executive Leader Reception was a dynamic event celebrating the latest wave of executives and top decision-makers in our community!
Held at the Akron Art Museum in January, the reception was an incredible evening of celebrating Akron’s leaders and welcoming new ones … exploring the nooks and crannies of the museum … and having energetic, inspiring conversations together! Plus:
Four Mayors were recognized in this cohort.
Almost 200 people attended — our largest attendance in recent history!
Lots of excitement, connection, laughter, old and new friendships, and more.
Congratulations to all the New Executive Leaders! Your impact on our community is just beginning. Thank you to every friend who came out to support and celebrate with us.
The 40/forty Club is more than just a club. It’s a tribute to our roots, a platform to reconnect, and an invitation to reimagine Akron’s leadership landscape. It’s a select group of individuals championing our past, present, and promising future.
You are warmly invited to join the 40/forty Club by committing to invest $40 or more per month for our 40th year. You’ll become a brighter beacon of change and join the ranks of others who drive our mission forward in celebration of 40 triumphant years of Leadership Akron … and helping shape the next 40!
Your invaluable monthly partnership means you’ll:
Pay it forward — ensuring the continuation of transformative experiences for Akron’s future leaders.
Receive exclusive benefits — gaining access to all annual Leadership Akron events (eight total) while placing yourself at the forefront of Akron’s evolving leadership scene.
Champion the legacy — Directly fueling our mission to inspire, strengthen, and empower the next generation of leaders.
Click here for more details and join today! Be part of a historic moment and leverage this momentum to shape our next 40 years!
Your support for Leadership Akron keeps us on track and walking toward a bright future full of possibility and dedicated to empowering leaders of every neighborhood, every background, and every experience in Greater Akron.