LAA Selects Neighborhood Leadership Academy Class of 2008 (November 2007)

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 19, 2007) - Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) has selected 29 people from throughout Anne Arundel County to participate in its Neighborhood Leadership Academy [NLA] Class of 2008. (List of class participants is below.)

NLA is targeted to current and emerging grassroots leaders in neighborhoods throughout the county, providing them with the skills and experience they need to become community leaders. It is the only program of its kind in the state of Maryland.

"This year's NLA class is an excellent group of highly committed and engaged people," said Tatiana Johanning, NLA Co-Chair. "They are the perfect example of how Leadership Anne Arundel is bringing the best of our county together to create a community with true vision." NLA sessions are led by well-respected citizens who are in touch with the challenges and opportunities of grassroots communities.

The NLA curriculum combines skills concepts and practical applications. Participants learn community-building skills, such as collaborating with one another, assessing community needs, appreciating diversity, developing and utilizing resources, communicating effectively and networking. Then participants learn the fundamentals of project management that will enable them to undertake and follow through with activities to improve their communities. Each participant is expected to complete at least one community service project during the program year.

NLA participants meet for 14 sessions from November through May, roughly every other week. In June, the class will graduate with other Leadership Anne Arundel classes at LAA's gala dinner, "A Tribute to Community Leadership."

Leadership Anne Arundel develops and nurtures community trustees who improve the quality of life in Anne Arundel County by convening diverse stakeholders, bridging their divides, and facilitating resolutions for the common good. LAA provides people of diverse backgrounds with the education, resources and networks necessary to become successful pro-active leaders.

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NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS OF 2008

Dorothy Berman
Patrice Beverly, Volunteer Maryland
Gail Crawford, YWCA West County Family Support Center
De'borah Dent, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Lasership    Baltimore Couriers
Perry Ealim
Barbara Ealim, Merge Business Development Systems, Inc.
Patricia Ghaly, Centro de Ayuda
Anita Green, YWCA
Terra Greene, Edgewood Management at Admiral Oaks
Jennifer Huggins, Options for Senior America
Stephon Hutt, Bayada Nurses
Shelia Johnson, Strategic Economic Solutions, LLC
Elma Jones, YWCA West County Family Support Center
Robin Jones, YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
Stephanie Kastle, Leadership Anne Arundel
Cynthia Kelly, State of Maryland/DHCD
Denise Logan
Scherelle Makell, Maryland National Capital Park & Planning     Commission
Darlene Mayo, U.S. Department of Education
Kay Miller, Langton Green, Inc.
Cathleen Morris, Arbonne International
Glorestine Neal Nick, Intervise
Jonathan Rhodes, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Stephanie Scott, Howard County Council
Clay "C.J." Shaw, Gibson Island Country Club
Louise Smith, Langton Green, Inc.
Betty Turner
Isabella Washington
Eric Weilminster, Hunter's Pointe Community Association


LAA CONTACT: Pamela Brown, Executive Director
Leadership Anne Arundel
Phone: 410.571.9798
E-mail: Pam@leadershipaa.org