First published in the April 21 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
Leadership Pasadena, a community leadership organization, will hold a workshop geared to young adults just exiting school and entering the work force on the weekend of May 14 and 15 at Harambee Ministries 1609 Navarro Ave.
With a goal of reaching and nurturing potential community leaders early in their leadership journey, the workshop is designed to mimic Leadership Pasadena’s adult program — including strength-based personal leadership coaching, immersion into Pasadena’s core sectors and discussions on complex community challenges.
Believing that the next generation of leaders should be homegrown, Leadership Pasadena saw an opportunity to identify youth, ages 17-22, who want to continue to live and work in the greater Pasadena area and connect them to the resources they need, including other local residents.
Graduates receive a “Leadership-Trained and Community-Informed” certification as a homegrown leader.
With 22 years of community leadership development, the network access is a resource for graduates for years to come.
Professional development is a key focus of the program. Participants are matched with a community mentor according to their interests for a one-on-one tool kit development session. They are also taken through activities aimed at identifying their unique strengths and applying them to personal and professional arenas.
Last year’s inaugural program ran virtually over three Saturdays and graduated 11 youth from Pasadena Unified schools, Westridge, Pasadena City College, Cal State Northridge and UC San Diego.
Graduates were recognized during an online ceremony and an in-person event at the Maxwell House. This year, the workshop will be held in-person at the Harambee campus in northwest Pasadena.
The graduates will be recognized with a community barbeque at the completion of the program as well as the adult community leadership cohort during a ceremony on Thursday, June 23.
Applicants who live or attend school in the greater Pasadena area, and are between the ages of 17 and 22 years old can apply. Applications are due on Sunday, May 1, and the workshop is limited to 15 participants.
For more information, contact info@leadershippasadena.org.
