For three decades, Dan Rice's unyielding commitment to Akron has transformed the landscape of our community. His contributions to the Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail have not only added to our physical spaces but have also deeply embedded a sense of community within them.
Dan's philosophy, heavily influenced by Congressman John Seiberling's quote, “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t worry about who gets the credit,” is evident in his approach to community building. This ethos is particularly prominent in his work with Akron Civic Commons. Here, it's the neighborhood residents who truly shine. Their willingness to trust, collaborate, and be vulnerable has fundamentally changed how Akron forms and fosters relationships. Dan believes that it's this spirit of unity that forms the bedrock of Akron's successes.
Throughout his career, Dan's association with Leadership Akron has been transformative. It's not just the awards that spotlight his efforts; it's the ripple effect of these recognitions that amplify his work in the community. Fellow Leadership Akron members have been more than just colleagues; they've been mentors, supporters, and collaborators. The likes of the Read family, Phil Maynard, and countless others have been instrumental in guiding Dan, reminding him of the importance of giving back and recognizing the giants upon whose shoulders he stands.
On reflecting about Leadership Akron's milestone, Dan expresses profound gratitude. Being recognized as a Leadership Akron Read Family Difference Maker is a testament to his journey – a journey made possible by visionary leaders, dedicated mentors, and a community that believes in working together. As Dan looks to the future, he envisions a continued legacy of collaboration, leadership, and transformation for Akron.
To all our Alumni, remember that it's your dedication and commitment that create impactful stories like Dan's. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, know that your contributions form the very heart of Akron's narrative.
As we inch closer to one of Leadership Akron’s signature events, we are bubbling with excitement and anticipation. This year’s Lieberth Community Vision Award Breakfast is extra special as we honor none other than Laurie Zuckerman!
Why this is a must-attend event for all Leadership Akron Alumni:
Celebrating Laurie: Delve deep into the life and accomplishments of Laurie Zuckerman, as we take a journey through her influential role in shaping Akron's landscape.
Connect and Reflect: Laurie's story is not just about her achievements but the spirit of Akron itself. Connect with fellow alumni and discover shared inspirations and visions.
A Morning of Stories: From our community's seasoned leaders to its emerging voices, you'll hear tales of dedication, resilience, and innovation.
Spaces are filling up quickly. As our esteemed Alumni, your presence will contribute to the morning’s resonance. Celebrate Laurie, and through her story, celebrate Akron's vibrant spirit and potential.
Take 30 seconds to hear from Greg Skinner of Diversity on Board Class 8. He offers his congratulations to Leadership Akron on our 40th anniversary and shares a glimpse into his upcoming class experience.
A short watch, but packed with enthusiasm for our next chapter.
Being an effective leader isn't just about what you say; it's also about how attentively you listen.
True leadership extends beyond mere hearing and delves into the realm of active listening. When you do so, you're not only grasping the words but also tuning into the underlying emotions and intentions. This not only paves the path for robust communication but also solidifies stronger bonds of trust and mutual respect.
Here are three actionable tips to sharpen your active listening skills:
Clear Your Mind: Before diving into a conversation, take a pause. Set aside any ongoing thoughts or distractions. This mental decluttering will ensure you're wholly present and receptive.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Small gestures like nodding and maintaining eye contact can amplify your engagement. Every now and then, paraphrase or summarize what's been shared to confirm your understanding. Pro-tip: Asking open-ended questions can provide more profound insights.
Hold That Thought: Tempting as it may be, avoid interrupting. Let the other person complete their narrative. Responding after understanding the full context not only showcases respect but also guarantees you're addressing the heart of the matter.
Remember, in the realm of leadership, the power of active listening can be as impactful, if not more, than the most eloquent of speeches. Follow us on social media as we regularly share leadership tips.
It's always enlightening to understand the mechanics that drive an organization, especially one as instrumental to the community as Leadership Akron. Our mission, to shape future leaders and make a lasting impact in Akron, is an expansive endeavor. And so, let's shed some light on how we fuel this mission.
Navigating an annual budget of nearly $1 million, you might be surprised to learn that program participation fees, alumni dues, and event revenues collectively fund only half of our operational needs.
So, where does the other 50% come from? It springs from the heart of our community - from individual donors, benevolent foundations, and forward-thinking corporations.
It's essential to recognize and celebrate this partnership between Leadership Akron and our generous community.
Our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to breathe life into our programs, rely on this collective support. Each donation, big or small, stands testament to a shared vision for Akron's future and a commitment to cultivating transformative leadership experiences.
So, as we look ahead, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the network of generosity that sustains us. It's a gentle reminder that our journey is a collaborative one, made possible by the continued faith and support of our Akron community.
The latter part of the year is always bustling with excitement at Leadership Akron, and we've lined up some not-to-miss events for our alumni and community! Whether it's an opportunity to network, learn, or celebrate, we've got something for everyone. Here's a sneak peek:
🗓️ 11.2 - Lieberth Community Awards Breakfast: Kickstart November by celebrating leadership excellence. An event where we recognize and honor outstanding leaders in our community.
🗓️ 11.15 - Leadership on Main with Tia Ramlow: Dive deep into leadership insights with Tia Ramlow, as she shares her experiences and visions for Akron.
🗓️ 12.6 - Leadership on Main with Jenn Kidd: Another enriching session awaits as Jenn Kidd brings her unique perspective on leadership, aiming to inspire and engage.
🗓️ 12.14 - Holiday Party: Let's toast to a year of growth, learning, and community impact. Join us for a festive evening of camaraderie and celebration.
Throughout our 40th year, we hope you’ll attend Leadership Akron functions as often as possible — so we can celebrate seeing leaders thrive in our community and strengthening each other along the way. We are better together!
Embody Akron's Spirit of Leadership and Legacy. As we journey through our 40th year, embrace the vision to craft the next chapter of Leadership Akron.