When faced with challenges, leaders rise to the occasion and take action. Unwilling to sit on the sidelines, they harness their passion and strive to effect change. Their ability to understand the landscape of the community and the issues facing it enables them to see opportunities, find solutions, and inspire others to become involved. Assuming a leadership role may seem like a lofty pursuit that is beyond reach, but leadership is accessible to anyone who possesses the desire and vision to make a difference. And perhaps one of the most invaluable resources for Anne Arundel County residents who want to embark on their leadership journey is Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA).
Based in Annapolis and serving Anne Arundel County, LAA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that offers leadership training and networking opportunities to provide people from all walks of life with the resources necessary to become effective leaders. Significant programs include the Flagship Program, which educates participants about community issues and develops their leadership skills, and Neighborhood Leadership Academy, which is geared toward grassroots leaders and provides the skills that enable them to improve the quality of life in their communities. Participants are selected through an application process.
“We will always need good leaders, and LAA offers programs that allow participants to interact with people from diverse backgrounds who they may never have met in their day-to-day lives,” says LAA President & CEO Kris Valerio Shock, who is a graduate of the Flagship 2006 class. “They build strong relationships with enthusiastic people and truly engage with them. These relationships are critical because they help participants realize their true potential and their ability to make a positive impact. LAA’s programs inspire, develop, and connect leaders, so they can step up and play a vital role in the community.”
“LAA serves as a catalyst that awakens people’s passions,” adds LAA Director of Operations Nancy Hartzell, who is a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy 2016 class and the Flagship 2017 class. “Participants in the programs collaborate for the common good. They learn how to see the broader picture about issues in the community and look at them in a different way. LAA offers an extraordinary leadership journey that allows participants to build lifelong relationships—not only with the members of their class but with all of LAA’s alumni.”
Since LAA’s inception in 1993, more than 1,400 graduates have emerged from its programs—a testament to the organization’s dedication to its mission. The following is a snapshot of a few alumni who are making great strides. The personal experiences of these exemplary leaders differ, and their backgrounds and interests vary. But they are united in their desire to serve their communities.
The Youth Mentor
When Deonte Ward received the NAACP Business Award in 2018 for his company, Black Wall Street Annapolis, LLC, which has provided opportunities for youth, he was deeply honored. Although Ward, a youth program director in Annapolis, had already established himself as a dynamic leader in the community, the award inspired him to apply to LAA’s programs. As a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy 2019 class and the Flagship 2020 class, he credits LAA with helping him elevate his leadership skills.
“The programs increased my understanding of the structure of the community and the different levels of leadership,” Ward says. “Young kids often don’t have the guidance they need, so I want to set an example and have a positive impact on their lives. Since I am young, they don’t see me as an authority figure. They relate to me and just see me as ‘Deonte.’ I want to inspire them and teach them the value of leadership, so they get involved at a young age. It’s important to bring young leaders forward to play a role in the community. Leading by example is my way of applying what I’ve learned and paying it forward.”
The Bicycle Safety Advocate
A former resident of Montgomery County, Jon Korin was familiar with Leadership Montgomery. So when he and his wife relocated to Anne Arundel County for their retirement in 2011, he wanted to find a similar leadership organization. And LAA definitely met his expectations.
As part of the Flagship Program, participants are responsible for identifying a need in the community and completing a group project. Three members of Korin’s class suggested making the county more bicycle friendly. An avid cyclist, he was definitely up to the task, and a group of six classmates undertook the project. When they learned that Anne Arundel County didn’t have a bicycle advocacy group, they decided to launch one. Established in 2013, Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BikeAAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates safe cycling.
“I’m proud of BikeAAA,” says Korin, who is retired from Northrop Grumman and a graduate of the Flagship 2013 class. “The project demonstrated that by working together, we can accomplish our goals. LAA’s program was a life-changing experience for me, and it’s making a difference in our community. Not only did I further develop my leadership skills, but I also built lasting relationships.”
The Industry Leader
Heather Lalor’s experience with LAA began as part of the Flagship Program. A graduate of the 2016 class, she learned a lot about the county, including topics such as government, education, the arts, and the environment, during the 10-month program. She also discovered ways to increase her involvement in the community and has attended numerous events hosted by LAA to keep her engaged and expand her personal and professional networks. In addition, Lalor was recognized as one of LAA’s New Leader honorees in 2019 after becoming a partner at TMDL CPAs & Consultants.
“This leadership role requires great responsibility, and I’m thankful to have LAA as an invaluable resource,” Lalor says. “I have utilized LAA’s training to enhance my leadership skills. The most recent session focused on ‘Ethics in Leadership’—an area that I find particularly important in my line of work. I have also relied on LAA to bring awareness to new needs and initiatives throughout Anne Arundel County, so I’m able to offer my experience and assistance.”
The Recent Graduate
As a child, Jerray Slocum never imagined that he would have an opportunity to be involved in an organization like LAA. A graduate of the Flagship 2020 class, he attributes the program to opening doors that allow him to be part of the community in an impactful way. Slocum is a member of and also serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Annapolis and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County—two opportunities that would not have presented themselves if he hadn’t participated in LAA’s Flagship Program.
“LAA has enlightened me so much,” says Slocum, business development manager at Severn Bank. “I now have a better understanding of the community, the issues that need to be addressed, and the changes that need to be made. I want to surround myself with like-minded, forward-thinking people and have meaningful conversations with leaders who want to make a difference. I pride myself on being a leader, and I want to serve the community and be a source of inspiration to others.”
The Graduate Turned Board Member
After three people suggested tha Chris Barber would be a perfect fit for LAA’s programs, his interest was piqued. After giving the idea some thought, he decided to explore the opportunity, and he is so glad that he did.
“The program was awesome,” says Barber, who is a graduate of the Flagship 2016 class and the founder of Cheaper Than a Geek. “It was a fantastic learning experience that helped me develop my leadership skills. I wish that I could go back in time and get involved sooner. I connected with so many people and formed great relationships.”
As part of the Flagship Program, participants attend a day-long session each month that focuses on a specific topic. Barber especially enjoyed Law Enforcement Day and Government Day, and he was impressed that every session was enlightening and fun. His experience with LAA was so rewarding that he decided to take his involvement to the next level. In 2018, Barber joined the board of directors and currently serves as vice chair.
Looking Toward the Future
LAA recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and while this milestone is definitely a cause for celebration, it also represents a time for reflection. The world continues to evolve dramatically, and complex issues, such as the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, racial injustice, and climate change, among a myriad of others, pose challenges that can seem insurmountable. But it’s important to realize that these extreme difficulties also present opportunities to find solutions and implement change. Leadership is a lifelong endeavor, and it’s critical to inspire the next generation to join the ranks and assume the mantle of leadership. Many great leaders have paved the way, and the next generation is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future. Indeed, their leadership journey awaits.
