More than 25 local leaders from a diverse range of sectors joined together at The Foundry last week to kick off the 2021 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Participants represent both large and small organizations from our region including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Live Your Song, Western Michigan University, and many others.

“Someone asked me the other day who the next community leaders and social change agents will be. When I look at the people who gather for Leadership Kalamazoo, I see the answer. This year’s class is no different,” said program lead Gretchen Slenk, a director at Southwest Michigan First. “It’s magical to see the energy in the room, the passion and the new connections already being ignited. It makes me proud and excited to be part of what’s happening in Kalamazoo and our region as a whole.”

Check out all the amazing participants and some fun facts about the Leadership Kalamazoo program in the video below! And, if you’re interested in taking advantage of our region’s premier community leadership development course, apply for next year’s cohort here.