June 2016 
Features
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Kayla Roney Smith, LOXXV
Executive Director
Hazel Park Promise Zone and College Access Network
  
Crain's Detroit 20 under 20 honoree
  
What made you decide to go through the LO program?
I decided to go through LO in an effort to gain a better understanding of the workings and resources of Oakland County, as well as to further develop my professional network and leadership skills.

What did you think you'd get out of it?
I hoped to leave the LO Cornerstone Program with meaningful relationships and a better grasp of all that Oakland County has to offer. Through the leadership training, I hoped to develop a clearer vision for how I could best serve our community.

What did you actually get from the experience?
I gained all I'd hoped for and more!  I learned about many aspects of the county, including topics I never would have thought to inquire about.  The relationships gained have not only been professional; they are also personal friendships.  These friends pushed me to leave my comfort zone and think outside of the box while in the program, and they continue to motivate me now.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about the Cornerstone program?
I would tell anyone interested in the program that it is a must-do.  In addition to the knowledge gained through the program content and reflective sessions, LO alumni are well-connected and committed to their LO family. When I asked my classmates, for example, for volunteers to speak at an event I coordinated for high school students, I was amazed by the response I received.  LO alumni truly care about each other and their communities!


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Summer Camp Opportunity!

Applications being accepted for GenCyber Computer Science for  Cyber Security  Summer Program for upper elementary (4th, 5th and 6th grades), middle school, and high school students in Detroit Urban Area (Macomb County, Oakland County and Wayne County)


Job Opening



Senior Human Resources Manager

We are looking for an experienced Senior Human Resources Manager. This position will be responsible for assisting the HR Director in coordinating department functions. Serving as a liaison to and is responsible for assisting department managers/supervisors, employees and potential employees with all aspects of employment including recruitment, retention, training, and counseling, compensation, and employee benefits. Candidate must be customer focused and have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.


You Are Invited!

Humble Design's annual event 
Gigs for Digs.



Humble Design is a local non-profit based out of Pontiac, Michigan, co-founded by CEO 
Treger  Strasberg, LOXXVI.  We serve families that are transitioning out of homeless shelters and into their new place of residence. They usually have nothing but the clothes on her back, and are sleeping on the floor.  We provide all the furniture and necessities to make their house a home. We take slightly used items from the community and re purpose them for the families we serve.

Individual tickets for the event go on sale this Friday, July 1st on the Humble Design website.

 

LOXXVI Alum Melissa Parks is Truly Being a Public Leader!



A new exhibit at the Rochester Hills Public Library celebrates the beauty of children while raising awareness of the need for adoptive parents.

Art&Soul is a traveling photo exhibit that is working in partnership with Orchards Children's Services.

This is a new initiative for Oakland County. The project teamed with nationally recognized, award-winning photographers to capture photos of children in need of forever families.

ART&SOUL

Melissa Parks, who founded Art&Soul, said the photographers dedicated their time and effort to produce beautiful photos that capture the children's stories.


 
A Message from the Director, Nancy Maurer
 
Taking Time to Celebrate

'Tis the season for graduation celebrations and Leadership Oakland is no exception. Earlier this month, 54 members of LOXXVI - the self-proclaimed "Best Class ... Period!" - officially graduated from the Cornerstone program. In a celebration held at Baker College's Auburn Hills campus, there was laughter, reminiscing, fun, and promises to not let the bond developed between them die now that their Cornerstone journey is over.

Nine months ago, this group gathered for the kick-off retreat, mostly strangers, and over the course of the year they grew, connected, challenged themselves and each other, and executed one of the most successful Day of Service projects in LO history. It was only fitting that they take the time to celebrate their accomplishments and enjoy each other's company. As the ceremony ended, many of them lingered to take pictures and chat more with each other.

The whole evening left me feeling inspired and a little reflective - how many of us actually take the time to celebrate and have fun, especially after a job well done? I know it's something I don't do enough. Usually, we're on to the next thing on our "to do" list or latest issue clamoring for our attention. The number of unused vacation days in the U.S. is staggering.

Summer is here. The year is half over. There's no time like the present to take some time to celebrate what you, your team, or your family have accomplished. Maybe it's a small step on a large project or maybe it's getting through a difficult health diagnosis. Whatever it is, pause, reflect, celebrate and declare it the "Best Success ... Period!"

Enjoy your summer!

Upcoming Events
There is Still Time to Nominate Yourself or Someone you Know for Cornerstone - LOXXVII




Due to a couple of drops and new procedures that allow us to exceed a set number of participants, we are still able to take additional applications for 3-5 open spots. If you are on the fence about this, make the leap. If you know someone that is interested, encourage them to contact us right away.
Don't miss out on being in our next class. Apply now!

Download the application  or call 248-952-6880 for more information.

Advanced Leadership Institute 

Applications are now being accepted!

 

The Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) is intended for those who recognize that we are never "done" in our quest for personal excellence. 

 

Individuals selected for the program will:

  • Explore leadership best practices
  • Discover new ways of thinking and applying leadership in all aspects of life
  • Challenge themselves and others to rise to a higher level of performance
  • Establish individual and group goals and track progress, challenges and attainment
  • Support, mentor and encourage one another toward success
Membership in the LO Alumni Association (LOAA) is a 
pre-requisite for this program.
Don't miss out on being in our next class. Apply now!

Download the application  or call 248-952-6880 for more information.
LO Happenings
  Congratulations to LOXXVI on their Graduation!

  
Congratulations to the LOXXVI class on their graduation from the Cornerstone Program on June 14, 2016, at Baker College's Auburn Hills campus. The graduates completed all the requirements of our nine-month leadership development program. They learned valuable information about the region, discovered new things about themselves, increased their network and made some new friends. Welcome to our new Leadership Oakland Alumni!

T h ank you to our graduation sponsors: Baker College, HAP, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and DTE Energy Foundation
  Junior LO Nine

32 Student Leaders Representing 22 Schools

  

Congratulations to our student leaders on completion of a three day leadership experience as part of the ninth Jr.Leadership Oakland program. The annual program was held at Oakland Community College's Auburn Hill's campus who hosted the program, and meals, each day.

Over three days, this group of rising twelve grade students came together to develop personal leadership skills, and were exposed to both professional and community leadership concepts as well. LO alum provided insightful presentations and activities; a favorite being the Crossroads for Youth sessions. Students also had an opportunity to visit Dasi Solutions in Pontiac and The Legacy Center in Oxford, Michigan.

Thank you to our sponsors, Genisys Credit Union, Oakland Community College - Auburn Hills, Crossroads for Youth and Oakland County. A special thank you to all our speakers for their time and talent.


Member News

Congratulations to Lori Blaker, LOXX on being named one of Crain's Detroit 100 Most Influential Women.


Congratulations to Kayla Roney Smith, LOXXV, on being named to Crain's Detroit 20 under 20 list.


Congratulations to Haven  CEO  Beth  Morrison, LOXIV who is leaving the agency to become CEO of Our Family Services in Tucson, Arizona. Join us in thanking her for her tremendous contribution to our region!  [email protected]

Congratulations to  Ryan Bladzik, LOXXIII, for declaring candidacy for Michigan State Representative. 


Nancy Maxwell, LOXXVI  and Sweet Dreamzzz, Inc. are planning their annual fundraising event for Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Ford Field in Detroit. Sponsorship opportunities are available on the website at http://sweetdreamzzz.org/newzzz-events/. Join us for a great night in support of our sleep education programs for at-risk children and their families!