Leadership Jacksonville

PLEASE SHARE Do you know someone who may be a good fit for our Leadership Jacksonville yearlong flagship program? If so, let us know! We are looking for passionate leaders who are eager to learn more about the Jacksonville community, elevate their impact, and leverage relationships to make a lasting difference. To nominate, click here: https://lnkd.in/g5m-mwWJ

More than 350 community members gathered to celebrate The Honorable Audrey Moran (LJ 1989) as she received the Frederick H. Schultz Lifetime Achievement Award on October 24. Audrey is the fourth person to ever receive this award since Leadership Jacksonville's inception nearly 50 years ago. As Board President Cynthia Griffin shared, "to know her, is to love her."

Sponsored by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Jacksonville, LJ 2025 participated in Economic Hardship Day on October 17 at the new Feeding Northeast Florida Food Bank. Class members learned about the ALICE population and how income disparities impact individuals and families in Duval County. Participants also discussed the complex challenges to gaining and maintaining self-sufficiency, and met with several agents who work tirelessly to provide wraparound solutions for individuals experiencing economic hardships.

Leadership Connect is fostering connections and building relationships across diverse communities in Northeast Florida. Alumni members have enjoyed attending more than 60 breakfast, lunch and happy hour gatherings! Sign up now to attend an upcoming Leadership Connect: https://lnkd.in/eDKzyurx

We are nearly sold out! Join us as we celebrate The Honorable Audrey Moran (LJ 1989) and present her with Leadership Jacksonville's coveted Frederick H. Schultz Lifetime Achievement Award at our luncheon just two weeks away. The luncheon takes place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at the Schultz Center. Both Leadership Jacksonville alumni and community members are invited to attend. We cannot wait for you to join us when we commemorate Audrey's far-reaching impact and connection with our city and its citizens. Register here: https://lnkd.in/edWu9ieF

Join us in congratulating Nicole Bryan on her recent promotion to Vice President of Programs effective October 7.    "I am thrilled to be named the Vice President of Programs for LJ. It is the culmination of years of enjoying the work we do to now helping facilitate cross-collaboration among all LJ programs. I am excited about working with the community at large, our alumni members, and the growing LJ staff," Nicole shared.

LJ CEO Gracie Simendinger joined more than 60 Leadership Jacksonville alumni members on the annual JAX Chamber Leadership Trip to Indianapolis, IN. The business and civic leaders explored and learned about the city's sports commission, jail and justice relocation efforts, downtown education ecosystem, children’s museum and more. The trip brought forward many commonalities between Jacksonville and Indianapolis. We are excited to see what’s to come from the participating 140 thought leaders!

Congratulations to Meg Folds (LJ 1999) who received a very special recognition proclaiming, today, September 30, 2024, as Meg Folds Day at her retirement party last week. Today is Meg's official last day serving as Programs Director at Leadership Jacksonville, and it also happens to be her birthday! "Whereas: After 22 years of distinguished service to the city, Meg Folds will retire on September 30, 2024, leaving a profound legacy of impact and ensuring that the programs she has built will continue to inspire and uplift youth for years to come. "Now, therefore, I, Mayor Donna Deegan, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2024, as Margaret 'Meg' Folds Day in Jacksonville and encourage all citizens to join me in recognizing and celebrating the tremendous contributions Meg Folds has made in empowering future generations to lead with integrity and compassion, ensuring a vibrant and thriving future for our community." Happy birthday, Meg, and Happy Meg Folds Day to all!

Have you heard? The Leadership Jacksonville Swag Shop is back! We kept alumni favorites while adding a few new items. The online store is open NOW through October 12. Order pictured swag and more here: https://lnkd.in/ebkxUXx5

Sponsored by Gate Petroleum Company, LJ 2025 participated in Government and History Day on September 19 at Jacksonville City Hall and the Ritz Theatre and Museum. Class members gained a better understanding of the city's history, local government, and how individuals can impact change. Thank you to the volunteers and speakers for their time and knowledge.