We are nearly an entire month into 2016 and Leadership Winter Park is already gearing up for another great year of programming and engagement! Stay up to date with all of the latest happenings and events with our e-newsletter sent the last Monday of each month.

One of the first big initiatives of the new year is kicking off the planning for our summer Youth Leaders program. A few changes have been made in 2016 to enhance the experience for student participants.

One of the major changes is a new online application we rolled out last week. The application now includes leadership in action essay prompts and a resume submission. Accepted students will have an opportunity to build on their resume throughout the one-week program and on the last day will be presented with revisions, feedback and advice to use for college and job applications.

How can you help? We are in need of volunteers to interview each candidate. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, May 18 from 2:00 - 6:00pm and Saturday, May 21 from 9:00am - 1:00pm at the Winter Park Chamber. An interviewer training workshop will be held in advance for all volunteers. To sign-up as an interviewer, email Megan at malmasi@winterpark.org.  

Want to learn more about the Youth Leaders program? Check out the video below created by students in the July 2015 class about their experience.

Youth Leaders Class XV Student-Produced Video

On January 14, 2016, Class XXVI members took part in the "Health & Wellness" session, which puts them half-way through the nine-month program. They had a full agenda which included stops at our areas top health facilities and interaction with key leaders in the industry. See what they experienced in the video below.

LWP Class XXVI Health & Wellness Session Recap

Leadership growth is a constant journey and hopefully in the new year you have made some strides to continue your development. A recently published Forbes online article discusses courageous leadership - leaders who are willing to take risks and push their comfort zone to grow their business. Are you the type of leader who can evolve with the authors predictions for 2016?

Top 5 Leadership Predictions that will Impact Business Evolution in 2016 and Beyond

Began a new job as Assistant Director at Mead Botanical Garden Inc. Heather was also selected as a new 2016 Chamber Ambassador.

Received the Leadership Winter Park 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Holiday Luncheon on December 10, 2015.

Join Jessica, Megan and fellow LWP alumni on the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life team! The event will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 12:00 - 10:00pm in Central Park's West Meadow. Be a part of the LWP team and reunite with alums for a cause! To join the team, contact Megan.

Reappointed as chair of the Orlando Division, Middle District of Florida Grievance Committee by United States District Judge Steven D. Merryday. Drew was also named E-Discovery Attorney of the Year in Florida by Global Law Experts.

Received the Rollins College Alumni Service Award. The award honors alumni who provide leadership to the College through volunteerism and acts of service.

Named a "Woman to Watch" honoree by the Orlando Business Journal "Women Who Mean Business Awards"