Leadership Institute of NCW Celebrates Inaugural Graduating Class - Lake Chelan News and Information

The Leadership Institute of North Central Washington celebrated its inaugural graduating class on February 27, 2025, recognizing 26 community members from Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties who completed a comprehensive training program. This milestone event was officially acknowledged by the City of Wenatchee, which proclaimed the day as Leadership Institute of NCW Day. The graduation ceremony, held at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center, featured inspiring speeches from graduates and a keynote address by Zulema Gomez, underscoring the program's dedication to fostering civic leadership. The 20-session curriculum was designed to empower participants with essential skills in advocacy, communication, and public policy understanding. This initiative was born out of the “Game Changer” initiative from Our Valley, Our Future’s Action Plan, which sought to enhance civic engagement based on feedback from over 2,500 local residents.

The program's success was supported by various partner organizations committed to delivering high-quality training. By equipping individuals with the tools to become effective advocates, the Leadership Institute aims to strengthen community ties and promote active participation in local governance. The collaborative effort reflects a significant step toward building a more engaged and informed citizenry in North Central Washington.