MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
Introduction and Kick-off
The first session of Leaders Link Communities marked an exciting beginning for our group. We kicked off by providing an overview of LLC’s mission and objectives, setting the stage for our journey ahead. Each participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves, sharing their background and personal stories, fostering a sense of connection and collaboration from the start.
This session was particularly special as it was our first time coming together as a group, laying the foundation for the leadership development and community building that LLC aims to achieve.Below are a few highlights from this memorable session.
MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2024
Session #1
Will County Habitat for Humanity CEO- Joliet ReStore
The second session of Leaders Link Communities took place on October 7th at Habitat for Humanity Joliet, and it was a truly inspiring experience. Nicole Murray, the CEO of Will County Habitat for Humanity, served as our main speaker. She shared her leadership journey, offering valuable insights into leading with purpose and building strong, community-centered organizations. A special shoutout goes to Nickolas Columbus, who did a fantastic job as the discussion leader, guiding us through thoughtful conversations and reflections on the role of leadership in driving positive change.
Here are some pictures of the event below, capturing the energy and connection we experienced during the session!
MEETING NOVEMBER 11, 2024
Session #2
Ali Tucker of Ali's Catering at Monte Bello Estate in Lemont
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Ali Tucker, founder of Ali Tucker's Catering, shared with the LLC emerging leaders her inspiring journey of transformation, recounting how she turned a struggling Sweet Shop Cafe into a thriving commercial catering business. Today, her company serves esteemed organizations such as the Diocese of Joliet, Silver Cross Hospital, and Argonne National Laboratory. Ali has a unique ability to elevate ordinary catering into something truly extraordinary, bringing creativity and excellence to every event.
MEETING DECEMBER 6, 2024
Session #3
Joliet Catholic Academy Innovation Research Center
Exxon Government Affairs Manager - Pete Colarelli and
Lewis University-Dean of College of Education and Social Science- Dr. Kip Klien
Pete and Kip shared valuable insights with our emerging leaders on the vital role community involvement plays in leadership. They discussed their collaborative work on community projects, highlighting how such initiatives strengthen leadership skills.
They also shared that being connected within the community allows you to build relationships with others who can help you make things happen, offering support and resources that are crucial for success.
Both Pete and Kip bring strong, dynamic personalities to everything they do, and with these big personalities comes an increased sense of accountability. They emphasized that when people have expectations of you, it’s essential to not just meet them but to exceed them, always going above and beyond in both leadership and service.
