Leadership Greater Washington makes a difference across our region by connecting leadership who collaborate to make positive change. Here is just a sampling of some of the powerful connections created, fostered and enhanced by the Leadership Greater Washington network.

• Business success of JR Communications

• Business Champions Program

• Creation and on-going leadership of Greater DC Cares, the region’s largest coordinator of volunteer services and support.

• The formation of the annual Business Philanthropy Summit sponsored by the Washington Business Journal and Greater DC Cares.

• Creation, support and leadership of the Non-Profit Roundtable.

• Greater Southeast Community Hospital was kept open and continues to provide needed services thanks to members of the Class of 2000.

• Girl Scouts Council of the Nation’s Capital: Many Camp CEO participants are LGW members.

• The Fishing School now owns its own building thanks to members of the Class of ’97. The Fishing School provides computer training, tutoring, hot meals and a safe place to at-risk youth.

• Expansion of annual AIDS Walk sponsored by Whitman Walker Clinic.

• Support of the Center for Non-Profit Advancement.

• Mentors Inc. was created by the late Shayne Schneider (’90) and its current board chair is Herb Tillery (’04). Many of Herb’s classmates have provided support to this program that pairs adult leaders with high school aged youth.
• Creation of JR Communications & ssb enterprise, among many small businesses, were launched through connections made among LGW members.

• My Sister’s Place expanded its housing and support to allow more women who are victims of domestic violence to find safe haven. Many members of the Class of 2002 were directly involved in all aspects of this expansion.

• The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) secured additional resources, board members and expanded visibility through its involvement with LGW.

• Support of DC College Access Program (DC CAP).

• Election of Mayor Anthony Williams, Class of ’98.

There are many ways that Leadership Greater Washington “comes to life” in the region. Its’ members connect and collaborate in ways that makes good things happen in the community. The story of Youth Leadership Greater Washington is one example.

“This program has changed my whole perspective of the future," says Danielle. 

For the past decade, Youth Leadership Greater Washington has identified and connected promising young leaders and given them the tools they need to make a difference in their community – to make a difference in their future. Started by a handful of graduates of the 1991 Leadership Greater Washington (LGW) program year, the effort has been led, managed and staffed by LGW member volunteers since.

“We were motivated to act by our experience in Leadership Washington, particularly the day we spent with young people. We were determined to bring the same kind of stereotype busting, barrier breaking, eye-opening experience to kids,” says founding board chair Terry Holzheimer (LGW 91). “The magic is that the program continues today and has thrived on volunteer blood, sweat and tears generated though the LGW network.”

Youth Leadership Greater Washington brings together about 30 high school sophomores and juniors from across the metro area each year for intensive hands-on leadership training. Like the larger program, the goals are straightforward. Interactions are the key ingredient.

“To me, this program is about emergence to leadership. The students come to Orientation not knowing anyone and not knowing what to expect. Soon they get engaged in what matters to them most,” noted Kanu Kogod (LGW 91) a frequent facilitator/leader for the sessions. “And for me, as a founder, my continuing commitment stems from the feeling of fulfillment I have from working with young people.”

Current Board chair Barbara Donnellan (LGW 99) has given more than 5 years to the cause, serving as chair, treasurer and program honcho for the effort. “Once you get past the organizing and spend time with the kids it is immediately worth every effort.” She has also led a series of discussions that has resulted in the Youth Leadership program formal merger with LGW.

“We cannot say enough about the support of the Freddie Mac Foundation for this program,” notes Donnellan. “They have sustained us and now they have stepped up to help make this merger work by providing support for the part-time staff that will allow Tim Kime and his team to actively support the committee in bringing this program to life each year.”

"The more youth that become aware of the things Youth Leadership Greater Washington discuss, the higher the success rate for our communities," said Cassiah.

It can’t be said any better.