Leadership Oakland, one of the region’s longest-running leadership programs, transitioned its 13th Junior Leadership Oakland program to a virtual platform this year because of COVID-19. More than 400 high school leaders have participated in the Junior Leadership Oakland program since its inception in 2007.
The Junior Leadership Oakland program attracted a diverse group of high-aspiring high school students from 15 area high schools. There were 23 young women and 15 young men ranging from freshman to senior year.
“I loved the experience a lot. Probably one of my best programs I have ever been to. All the speakers gave us great insight in the future,” said one participant.
The students spent three days reviewing topics ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion to finance and navigating real life conversations.
“We knew we needed to continue to offer our Junior Leadership Oakland program, even if we couldn’t provide the program in person. With all the turmoil in our society, leadership matters more than ever before. These students are our future and it is very important to make sure they have the skills and knowledge to put their stamp on the world,” Leadership Oakland Executive Director Thomas Sommer said.
The 14th Junior Leadership Oakland class will begin to accept applications in the Spring of 2021 and is open to all high school students in Oakland County.
The major sponsor of this year’s program was The Center for Financial Planning in Southfield, Michigan.
For more than three decades, Leadership Oakland has played an important part in the personal, professional and public development of nearly 1,500 leaders throughout the region. Applications for the 31st Cornerstone Program are now available at LeadershipOakland.com
About Leadership Oakland
Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. The organization provides a nine-month Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region.
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