Emerging-Leaders-Graduate-from-Community-Leadership-Institute

Emerging Leaders Graduate from Community Leadership Institute

Twenty-four of the region’s up-and-coming leaders recognized for community service, engagement

Twenty-four of the region’s brightest, up-and-coming leaders were honored by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for completing the Chamber’s annual Community Leadership Institute (CLI) program. The Class of 2025 were recognized during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held on June 12 at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

CLI is a nine-month program focused on providing local, high-potential professionals who are nominated for participation to enhance individual leadership skills, obtain a stronger understanding of the region, and grow deeper connections to business and community leaders.

“The Chamber developed CLI to inspire a new generation of community leaders to enthusiastically assume important roles in their communities while motivating participants from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

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Mike Greenwood, Ph.D., chair of the business and technology department at Fitchburg State University and chairperson of the CLI program, was impressed by the caliber of this year’s class. “I am amazed with the dedication, creativity and motivation of our participants,” said Dr. Greenwood. “Programs like CLI are important to our community and help ensure a continuity of leadership, engagement and service as our region’s current leaders pass the baton to the next generation”

The program runs from October through June and includes an orientation and eight, day-long sessions on various topic areas, including Personal Leadership; Non-Profit Governance/Volunteerism; Media and Crisis Communications; Healthcare; Law and Justice; Arts and Culture; Legislation/Public Policy; Manufacturing; and Economic Development.

In addition, participants complete community service projects with a goal of positively impacting the community. This year’s class engaged in numerous initiatives, including organizing food collections for a local food pantry, collecting professional clothing for Fitchburg State University students, supporting a classmate who started a non-profit to benefit cancer patients, and provided numerous financial literacy sessions to students across the North Central Massachusetts region. The group also attended events and advocated on behalf of various local non-profits. Their community engagement continues beyond graduation – the class is currently proposing mental health legislation, creating a support group for mothers and hosting a murder mystery gala on September 27, 2025 to benefit Ginny’s Helping Hand in Leominster. Tickets and sponsorships are available for the gala.

The Class of 2025 found tremendous value in their CLI experience. When asked about their favorite aspects of the program, participants consistently highlighted the relationships with fellow classmates as the most meaningful takeaway. The leadership lessons, site visits, community connections, deeper understanding of the local region, and collaborative community projects were also cited as highly valued components of the program.

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Graduates of the CLI Class of 2025 and their sponsors are as follows:

Ely Aguilera, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Hannah Bovill, Bemis Associates
Stefanae Bowen, Mount Wachusett Community College
Marian Colon, Enterprise Bank & Trust
Catherine Comerford, Workers Credit Union
Travis Condon, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Emily Dewey, IC Credit Union
Danielle Duval, All One Credit Union
Rosa Fernandez, Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass Inc
Luisa Fernandez, Fitchburg Public Schools
Calla, Flannery, Workers Credit Union
Jacqui Girouard, AIS, Inc.
Nathan Glenny, Fitchburg Access Television
Deb Hinkle, Fitchburg Public Library
Lauren Howe, empHowered PR
Brittany Knowles, Bin There Dump That
Meghan Maceiko, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
Sabbra Reyes, Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center
Brandon Robbins, Ginny’s Helping Hand
Eladia Romero, Rep. James McGovern
Jake Simopoulos, Office of Senator John J. Cronin
Kristen Smith, NXT Level Studios
Sarah Tavitian, NewVue Communities
Lynese Wiafe, Fitchburg State University

To learn more about the Community Leadership Institute, please visit www.northcentralmass.com/community-leadership-institute or contact Maureen Babcock at 978.353.7600, ext. 222 or for more information.

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