Telling your story and finding connections to build community was the basis of discussion during the April Hourglass First Friday Forum. Jennifer Diaz, executive director of Leadership Lancaster, led a presentation on the mission and value of the organization and how storytelling can lead to connection.
Leadership Lancaster, has been gathering and training local leaders of diverse backgrounds for 40 years. Last April Diaz became the executive director of the organization.
Diaz became an “accidental storyteller,” when she posted a story on Facebook about her son learning how to use the bathroom and the difficulties that come with motherhood. The post got attention from other mothers with boys who had the same issues. Diaz felt a sense of community, and this led to her starting a blog, doing speaking engagements and telling stories. “As my leadership career grew, I realized there was this great power and connection that happens when we share our stories with each other.”
Her journey with the organization started in 2000 when she signed up for its cohort. Through the nine-month course she learned more about the community she was serving and made lasting connections with other participants. After Diaz graduated, she got a job at Goodwill Keystone area. She worked there for 22 years and was given the opportunity to be a part of the executive directors’ program, which was a similar program to Leadership Lancaster’s.
Diaz felt that there needed to be a change in her life and when she saw that Leadership Lancaster was looking for a new executive director she jumped at the opportunity.
Leadership Lancaster was formed in 1983 by the Junior League. The idea was to have individuals train and effectively work and volunteer in their community. This idea was taken to the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and sparked a partnership between the organizations and led to the creation of the organization’s core curriculum.
For 40 years the organization operated under the Chamber until 2021 when it became an independent 501(c)(3). The program has over 3,500 graduates, many of whom have taken on significant leadership roles within the community. Notable alumni include Willonda McCloud, CEO of Bright Side Opportunities Center; Kate Zimmerman, president and CEO of United Way of Lancaster County; and Tim Lapp, co-Owner/CEO of Lapp Electric and secretary of Hourglass Board.
The organization intentionally builds a diverse class so participants can see a different viewpoint than their own. It also collaborates with different nonprofits so participants can make a community impact.
The Core Class is a nine-month program with 12 sessions and 140 hours of content. The 60-person cohort focuses on personal development, understanding community systems and experimental learning.
The Executive Class gathers senior leaders, executive directors and CEOs to participate in a scaled down version of the core class for six sessions, in the span of nine to ten weeks
A new initiative starting in March of next year is the Encore Academy, in partnership with Willow Valley. The program is for retired individuals to reconnect with the community, build their network and see where their knowledge and skills can be useful.
Diaz explained the concept of the Humane Library, where instead of borrowing a book you borrow a person, to learn more about them and make a connection. Imagine a library setting with titles of stories displayed on the wall, now, replace the books with people. Diaz had attendants write their own title on a piece of paper, walk around in a circle, pick a partner and share their stories.
