VENICE, FL (May 23, 2023) – Gulf Coast Community Foundation has selected 29 participants from across the region for its 2023 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. Through this annual initiative, the foundation provides intensive, high-quality leadership training designed to identify, develop, and connect a diverse and growing group of aspiring community leaders. The result is growing a network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service.
Class members will take part in six training sessions from May through June conducted by the nationally recognized Leadership Development Institute at Eckerd College. Gulf Coast provides all training and resources at no cost to participants in exchange for their commitment to use their new skills to benefit the community.
The 29 participants selected for the 2023 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute are:
• Jasmine Akins, CAN Community Health
• Charlene Altenhain, The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center
• Uzi Baram, New College of Florida
• Emilie Campos, Harvest House
• Kecia Carroll, KC Roberg
• Chris Collins, Ability to Include, Inc.
• Misty Daniels, Community Volunteer
• Grier Ferguson, Church of the Redeemer
• Marlene Hauck, Lee & Bob Peterson Foundation/Sunshine from Darkness
• Megan Howell, Second Heart Homes, Inc.
• Ashley Jimenez, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
• Jessica Johnston, SPARCC
• Cynthia Keaton, Prescott HR
• Amber Lamerson, The Bay Park Conservancy
• Will Luera, Florida Studio Theatre
• Cole McHargue, Merrill Lynch
• Michael Meerman, CareerSource Suncoast
• Anne Miller, Operation ECO Vets
• Sarah Miller, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties
• Nan Morgan, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida
• Steven Pajevic, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning
• Karen Pharo, Children First
• Mark Royce, Bayside Sod Inc.
• Evan Samson, DMSI International
• Tiona Settles, Centerplace Health
• Lauren Stroman, The Sarasota Ballet
• Kiarra Womack, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation
• Earl Young, Take Stock in Children/Booker Promise
• Lisa Zachary, SunCoast Blood Centers
This is the 17th year that Gulf Coast Community Foundation has offered Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. In all, about 400 community members have completed the training provided through this leadership-development initiative. Many continue to work together on civic initiatives and community-improvement projects, as well as participate in periodic learning and reunion opportunities offered to Gulf Coast Leadership Institute alumni.
For more information on the program, visit www.GulfCoastCF.org/GCLI.
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About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for over 25 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting $510 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits To Work For” nationally by The NonProfit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. To learn more visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook at @GulfCoastCommFnd.