Leadership Howard County kicked off the FY22 program year by learning about some of the needs HCPSS students have and also how some of these gaps are being addressed. Thank you to our speakers, Tracey Williams, HCPSS Pupil Personnel Worker, Rick Robb, LP '17, Principal, Patuxent Valley Middle School, and Suzi Padgett, LP '16, Board Chair, Brightminds Foundation. Also, thank you to our Members who also generously donated school supplies - or funds used to purchase school supplies - to benefit Homewood Center through Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas' Operation Backpack program.

LHC is excited to shine a light on how our Board Members are taking the lead both at Leadership and in the community. Meet Louann Magi, LP '14, Principal, L'IMAGE Design Studio. Louann joined LHC's Board of Directors in July and we're delighted to welcome her and her creativity!

How do you define leadership? Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal In a business setting, this can mean directly working with colleagues with a strategy to meet the company's needs.

What leader inspires you and why? Oprah Winfrey. She is one of the world's most powerful business leaders who exerts a great deal of influence on popular culture and mainstream society. She overcomes the odds to empower an entire generation of women to succeed.

What is your favorite thing about being a leader? In order to effectively lead in my community, I need to be armed with as much quality information as possible. The quality of one's life can be directly traced to the quality relationships that are present or lacking. Being a leader allows for life-changing relationships to develop regularly ... and you can't beat that!

What is your favorite leadership quote? "The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." - Oprah Winfrey

What would you say to someone considering getting involved with LHC? I think LHC's mission statement says it best ... Leadership Howard County is the critical force in preparing, inspiring, connecting, and sustaining community leaders to make Howard County the best place to live, work, and play.

What are your go-to hobbies or pastimes? Playing individual sports ... running, biking, swimming, and weight-lifting. Reading (non-fiction and fiction). Cooking and anything creative!

Fueled by enthusiasm and optimism, LHC continues to be committed to offering valued programming for our members to stay engaged, continue learning, and remain informed about the issues affecting our community. Whether alumni of Leadership Premier or Loyola's Leadership Essentials, LHC's program planning team is working hard to identify hot topics and speakers of interest, along with additional opportunities to keep our network of over 1,500 community leaders connected. Your financial support (paying dues) and personal engagement are critical to making this happen. Click the link below to renew your membership online - or consider upgrading to an individual Leadership 500 sponsorship. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to your participating in our 21-22 program year!

Leadership Essentials (LE) is gearing up for 2022. This six-month leadership development program is offered through ASPIRE, Loyola’s extended learning community, and in collaboration with Leadership Howard County and consists of three main components; Leadership skill development, individual coaching, and a community impact project. The Program begins in December 2021 and is designed for emerging leaders who have demonstrated abilities and want to enhance their personal commitment for development and growth, connect with diverse participants from throughout the area, and explore community service.

Steady interest has been forming around the 2022 cohort - consider being a part of this terrific class! Attend a (virtual) Happy Hour, Thursday, September 16, beginning at

5 pm via zoom to meet other prospective participants, LE alumni, and learn more.

RSVPs are encouraged to Lori Fuchs. Visit the Leadership Essentials webpage for more details and to apply. The application deadline is October 11, 2021.

Click here for the zoom meeting link (meeting ID: 436 215 8667).

Leadership Howard County, the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, and the Howard County Economic Development Authority are coming together to host a small retirement celebration/reception for Dr. Kate Hetherington, LP '01. Please join us to congratulate and thank her for her service to the Howard County community Wednesday, September 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Victoria's Gastro Pub. Spots are limited for this event, so please register today!

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Howard County's Office of Veterans & Military Families is hosting a free viewing of the award-winning documentary, Bastards' Road, Friday, September 17, from 7 to 9 pm, at the Chrysalis in downtown Columbia. Registration is required for this free showing due to limited seating - click here to register. Read more about this documentary.                            

The African Art Museum of Maryland is hosting two free programs Saturday, September 18. Sights and Sounds of Africa, begins at 1 pm, followed by When Youth Speaks at 2 pm.

Click here for more details.

HopeWorks’ Youth Leadership Project is a service-learning program that promotes healthy relationships, behaviors, and attitudes. The goal of the project is to inspire introspective thinking, social consciousness, and the use of these concepts to reduce interpersonal violence. The program is open to teens of all genders, ages 13-18. Click Youth Leadership Project to apply for the 2021/2022 school year - the deadline to apply is September 4. Contact the Community Engagement Department at (410) 997-0304 or email outreach@hopeworksofhc.org with any questions.

The Community Foundation has moved to Athol Manor, one of Howard County's oldest residential properties! Their new mailing address is The Community Foundation of Howard County ~ 6680 Martin Road ~ Columbia, MD 21044. Read more ...

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The next Class Connections will be distributed in mid-September. Please share your news/ updates with Karen Bryant - remember to let us know how you are staying connected!