Page 20 - LIN DEC WEB

My Transformational Journey In Leadership Collier

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director,
Naples Pathways Coalition We received a broad overview of how local human service
agencies collaborate to serve the growing needs of Collier County
he mission of the Leadership Collier effectively and how they impact our community overall. Specific
Foundation (LCF) of the Greater Naples sections included Human Service Needs and Programs, Housing
TChamber is to activate the potential and Homelessness, Basic Needs (Food, Housing, Financial
of leaders to build a stronger Collier County. Assistance), Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, and Child
The LCF builds a broad-based network of Abuse, and Hunger and Food Insecurity.
community leaders who enhance their leadership It was an emotional and eye-opening day as we heard from
abilities and skills through continuing education, or toured 28 local non-profit organizations. We gained a better
shared perspectives, and community involvement understanding of the range of needed services provided in our
to enable them to work toward solutions in the public interest. community and numerous devoted non-profits, many that work in
When I applied for Leadership Collier (LC) last spring, I partnership to care for those in need.
knew many equally qualified candidates would do so as well, and I Two weeks later, it was Education Day. We learned about the
wondered at my chances. I was thrilled and humbled when I was triumphs and challenges happening in early childhood education;
selected for the LC Class of 2022! Knowing numerous successful, the incredible opportunities students in elementary, middle, and
influential business leaders who have graduated from the program, high schools now have through the visionary leadership of Collier
I feel honored to become part of this illustrious group. County Public Schools District Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton;
The program is designed for experienced leaders who want and the exceptional college and career training available at Lorenzo
to significantly increase their organization and community. It is Walker Technical College, Florida SouthWestern State College,
a transformational community leadership experience for both and Florida Gulf Coast University.
participants and the organizations they lead. Our third program day was all about the wonderful Arts we
Through hands-on experiences and exclusive behind-the-scenes enjoy in Naples. We started at Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris
sessions, participants fully explore local government, education, Center, then visited Paul Arsenault’s Artistic Compound, Artis-
economic development, the arts, and more. Class members also Naples, the Collective, and wrapped up at The Naples Players. We
hear from experienced area leaders who deal with our community’s discovered that the Arts are a vital segment of the United States
most impactful opportunities and challenges. With the benefit of and local economy during economic highs and lows. There are far
new perspectives and connections, participants are prepared to take more theater, opera, museums, and other cultural venues in the
their places as effective community leaders for a better future. Naples area than many realize!
LC Class of 2022 kicked off in September with an evening I am looking forward to delving into Commerce, Government,
reception where we met our classmates and alumni. Next, we were Growth Management, Environment, Agriculture, Law
immersed in a full-day retreat learning more about the program, Enforcement, and Healthcare in the next several months. In my
getting to know everyone in our class, and hearing from prestigious brief tenure with the program so far, I am already gaining a broader
heads of business. The third day of the kick-off was Human and deeper perspective of Collier County and the role of my
Services Day, the first of ten program days. organization, Naples Pathways Coalition, within this community.
Collier County is exceptionally diverse, with people of varying
economic status, countries of origin, professional affiliations,
strengths, and needs. I am encouraged by the high level of
collaboration that I have already seen through this program.
The experience enhances my understanding of the multi-faceted
challenges so many in our community face and equips me to
become a better leader of the Naples Pathways Coalition.
We live in an incredible community. Whether you are here for a
few months a year or this is home year-round, I encourage you to
get involved. Visit www.NaplesChamber.org and www.CFCollier.org
to learn more about the businesses and non-profits that help us
thrive. There are many opportunities to volunteer, mentor, serve on
boards, and give back to this beautiful town. Your community needs
Leadership Collier Foundation Class of 2022. you, and I guarantee you’ll be enriched by the experience too.

20 Life in Naples | December 2021