The Empire State Food and Agricultural Leadership Institute, or LEAD New York, announced that the 30 members of its 17th class have successfully completed the “Leadership Fundamentals” portion of the training program. Class members were recognized at a graduation ceremony April 7 in Watkins Glen, New York. The graduation ceremony came at the end of the group’s local leadership seminar, where they learned about challenges facing local leaders and the opportunities that exist to serve their communities in a local leadership capacity.
“This first year of the program focuses on leadership skill development, heightened self-awareness, improved understanding of the food, agriculture and natural resource sectors in New York State, and building a team of aspiring leaders that will support each other on their development journey” said Larry Van De Valk, executive director of the program and senior extension associate in the Department of Development Sociology. “In the second year, we turn our attention outward, spending less time on skill development and more time on issues awareness, critical thinking and developing a global perspective” he said.
LEAD New York is a leadership development program based in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for adult professionals in the food, agriculture and natural resource sectors. It consists of seminars, workshops, and field travel experiences both in and out of New York State, including an international study trip. The program focuses on leadership skill development, enhanced self-awareness, civic engagement, a greater understanding of issues facing our food system and rural communities, and cultivating leadership networks. Currently, there are over 400 LEAD New York alumni serving in leadership positions in private business, local, state and federal government positions, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.
For more information, contact Larry Van De Valk, Director of LEAD New York at 607-255-7907 or at ljv4 [at] cornell.edu. Additional information is also available on the LEAD New York website.
