We made it to May. Together. As I pause for just a moment, looking back on the month of April in these strange, surreal times, I am overwhelmed with admiration and gratitude for the community leaders rising to meet the challenges of each day.

Shifting between the global picture and our local response, one thing is clear: We are the leaders we've been waiting for. Never has it been more important to start where you are, use what you have and do what you can. Each and every day we are called to show up, connect and serve.

Last month, I shared just a few examples of LAA alumni rising to meet the the early challenges. As I attempted to do the same this month, it was dizzying. LAA leaders are simply everywhere in the COVID-19 response: healthcare, food distribution, emergency management, education, economic development and finance... to name a few would inadvertently leave out so many.

Just a glance at the LAA Board roster or current Flagship and NLA class lists and you will see leaders at every level, leading our key institutions and developing grassroots initiatives on the fly. They are at the frontlines of healthcare, education and food delivery and helping small businesses get PPP funds, and they are getting chrome books and art supplies in the hands of kids who otherwise wouldn't have access.

Great News: We are currently accepting nominations for the Distinguished Graduate Award! The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional Leadership Anne Arundel graduates. Recipients are individuals who have adopted “the heart of community trusteeship” and have made significant and notable contributions for the betterment of our community. Click here to learn more and submit a nomination today.

LAA is proud to serve these leaders in this unique moment, providing visibility, resources and connections for immediate relief initiatives. We will also be there in the months to come. Celebrating the 2020 graduating classes and welcoming a new Flagship class in September. In between, we will offer valuable training and connections to help local leaders access all of the resources available to see our community through these challenging times.

For instance, last month we welcomed Captain Rick Rubel for the first ever Conversations on Leadership with Griff Hall program. Rick led an interactive and highly valuable three hour virtual conference on Ethical Leadership. We dove into challenging conversations around morals and character. The top take away seemed to be the concept of intentional moral fitness: "Be mindful and ready when ethics issues arise as they come quickly. Unless you are thinking about them and aware, the wrong decision may be made."

This month's Leadership Speaker Series - You're IT: Leading Through Coronavirus and Beyond, scheduled for Thursday May 21st - offers an insightful and practical talk on leading in times of crisis with Harvard-affiliated Author, Speaker and Educator, Eric McNulty.

And in these swiftly changing times, we've refocused the monthly LAA101 meetings to focus on our community's evolving initiatives and needs. We invite leaders to hop on and share volunteer opportunities and the community at large to join in to learn how to get involved. 

Finally, this month we'll be coming down the home stretch accepting applications for the Flagship Class of 2021. The deadline to apply is May 31st.

We can't predict exactly what the limitations may be in terms of social distancing in the fall, but we know for certain that leadership doesn't stop. We have proven with current Flagship and NLA classes that we can and will continue to deliver our mission virtually when needed, and we are currently drafting parallel program plans for in-person and virtual sessions to provide interactive, immersive, behind the scenes experiences for the 2021 class. We also know the Class of 2021 will have a most unique year, building relationships and sharing a deep dive into our community opportunities and challenges in these unprecedented times. We hope you will consider investing in the Flagship 2021 class by applying to participate in the class, sponsoring a Flagship session or donating to the Flagship scholarship fund.

After all, we are the leaders we've been waiting for.