We have selected 29 participants from across the region for our 2023 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. Through this annual initiative, our foundation provides intensive, high-quality leadership training designed to identify, develop, and connect a diverse and growing group of aspiring community leaders. The result is growing a network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service.
Class members will take part in six training sessions from May through June conducted by the nationally recognized Leadership Development Institute at Eckerd College. We provide all training and resources at no cost to participants in exchange for their commitment to use their new skills to benefit the community.
The 29 participants selected for the 2023 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute are:
Jasmine Akins, CAN Community Health
Charlene Altenhain, The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center
Uzi Baram, UBHeritage LLC
Emilie Campos, Harvest House
Kecia Carroll, KC Roberg
Chris Collins, Ability to Include, Inc.
Misty Daniels, Community Volunteer
Grier Ferguson, Church of the Redeemer
Marlene Hauck, Lee & Bob Peterson Foundation/Sunshine from Darkness
Megan Howell, Second Heart Homes, Inc.
Ashley Jimenez, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Jessica Johnston, SPARCC
Cynthia Keaton, Prescott HR
Amber Lamerson, The Bay Park Conservancy
Will Luera, Florida Studio Theatre
Cole McHargue, Merrill Lynch
Michael Meerman, CareerSource Suncoast
Anne Miller, Operation ECO Vets
Sarah Miller, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Nan Morgan, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida
Steven Pajevic, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning
Karen Pharo, Children First
Mark Royce, Bayside Sod Inc.
Evan Samson, DMSI International
Tiona Settles, Centerplace Health
Lauren Stroman, The Sarasota Ballet
Kiarra Womack, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation
Earl Young, Take Stock in Children/Booker Promise
Lisa Zachary, SunCoast Blood Centers
This is the 17th year that we have offered Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. In all, about 400 community members have completed the training provided through this leadership-development initiative. Many continue to work together on civic initiatives and community-improvement projects, as well as participate in periodic learning and reunion opportunities offered to Gulf Coast Leadership Institute alumni.
For more information on the program, please click here.