This past semester, I was able to serve on the Local Leader team for the McConnell Scholars. Along with Eric Kiser and Trey Pippin, we were able to bring in Mayor Greg Fischer, our very own archivist Deborah Skaggs and visit with Coach Rick Pitino.
Of all the leadership positions that I have held within the McConnell Center, this has been the most interesting and the most challenging. This puts perspective on the Center's ability to coordinate the amount of events that it does. The idea behind the local leader part of our program is that the scholars would be able to meet leaders in the community that we are currently in. The events are private with just about 20 scholars. The featured leader gives some background on their journey to leadership and then the scholars are given an opportunity to participate in a Question and Answer session.This general education opportunity gives each scholar the ability to become more personally invested into the amazing network that is Louisville. All of us come from different parts of the states, but it is important that we take the time to get to know the place we are living for four years.
Another opportunity that I have been given is the chance to attend several of Leadership Louisville's 100 Wise Women Events. Female leaders from the Louisville community take time to speak about their successes and failures in leadership both in Louisville and outside of the city. They also lead table discussions that give the attendees a chance to network and make personal connections within the city. These events have opened my eyes to the true value of networking and the amazing network of women that are available and willing to help in Louisville. This coming semester I will be working hard to bring a female local business leader to the McConnell center as a "local leader." This should prove to be a valuable event for the male and female scholars who want to be leaders in the business world and leaders in general.