At Home Places Spring 2021

COMMUNITY

LEADERSHIPWASHINGTON COUNTYOur strong community, supported by leaders

HOW SCHOLARSHIPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

written by CHRISTINA WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE ENGAGEMENT FOR LEADERSHIP WASHINGTON COUNTY Submitted photos

Leadership Washington County awarded more than $117,000 in scholarship funds to 68 individuals since 2010. The recipients of these scholarships have been employees of nonprofits, small-business owners and employees, along with self-funded individuals and entrepreneurs. LWC strives to ensure that the program is accessible by reducing financial barriers, which also helps ensure that a variety of perspectives are represented in each class. We are grateful to have been granted funds from several foundations and organizations to aid with scholarship funding: Antietam Broadband, Class 30 Be Nice Scholarship, FirstEnergy Foundation, Judy Greenwald Fund, Hamilton Family Foundation and Women’s Giving Circle. At least half of the scholarships awarded have come from LWC directly.

We are excited to highlight some of our scholarship recipients and their LWC experiences:

Jonathan Parrish, Class 34 – 2021 Executive director Maryland Symphony Orchestra

Jonathan Parrish, Class 34, 2021 Executive director Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and his family.

“As a new resident and leader of a local nonprofit, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in Leadership Washington County’s Class 34. The experience has been really invaluable in terms of introducing me to so many organizations and other leaders in our community. I’m learning about the great work that is being done here and the work that needs to be done. As a nonprofit organization that relies on the support of the community and must plan our expenses very carefully, I and the MSO are very grateful for the scholarship assistance I’ve received. I know that I’m making relationships now that will benefit me and the orchestra well into the future. Thank you, Leadership Washington County!”

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Sarah Burge, Class 33 – 2020

Director, grants and donor relations Community Foundation of Washington County MD Inc. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I was given to be part of the Leadership Washington County program and a member of Class 33. Being part of LWC gave me the opportunity to grow not only as a professional, but also as a person. Because the Community Foundation works with so many nonprofits, people may not realize that we are also a nonprofit. Without a scholarship from LWC, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to participate in such a wonderful experience.”

Kelly Kline, Class 32 – 2019 Realtor, RE/MAX Achievers

“I considered participating in Leadership for a few years before I had the guts to step outside of my comfort zone and submit my application. As a RE/MAX Achievers real estate agent, I am self-employed, so the out-of-pocket cost of the program was concerning. The scholarship program made LWC affordable. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect of the program, but it exceeded anything I could have imagined. I have lived in Washington County my entire life and really had no idea what our county has to offer. The retreat was definitely a highlight of the experience, and the program provides - and encourages - multiple opportunities to get to know your classmates. When I returned from the weekend, I was already looking forward to the first program day. The program days are informative, interesting and incredibly wellorganized. My concerns over so many type A’s on one bus quickly vanished as each month allowed for more

relationship-building and a view of our community I hadn’t experienced before. I really can’t speak highly enough of Leadership Washington County. I am so thankful to have participated and will continue to stay connected.”

Mary Teal Medina, Class 31 – 2018

Legislative aide to Sen. Paul Corderman

“I vividly remember attending State Government Day in Annapolis with my fellow Class 31 members. I was simply blown away by what I learned that day and it truly made me grateful for the opportunity I had to be in this program. Without the financial assistance I received through the Small Business Scholarship, I would not have been able to be a part of the class. I want to thank the LWC board of directors, businesses in our community and LWC graduates who have paved the way through the scholarship program for others to participate.”

Terri Gwizdala, Class 30 – 2017

“At the time I applied to Leadership Washington County, I was working for an organization that had an operating budget of under $75,000. While we recognized the importance of the LWC program, the tuition was just not something we could include in our budget. I was a member of LWC’s Class 30 due in large part to the scholarship support I received from Antietam Broadband. I will be forever grateful for their generosity, as it allowed me to participate in one of the most meaningful programs I have ever attended. Being a part of Leadership Washington County gave me a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of living and working in Washington County, expanded my professional network and led to friendships that continue to this day.”

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Maria Rubeling, Class 29 – 2016 Executive director, YMCA of Hagerstown

“I was hesitant about getting involved with LWC so early at the start of my new position at the Hagerstown Y. My original plan was to wait a year or two and then join, but after chatting with Tara (Sargent, LWC’s executive director) and some LWC alums, I started in the class just seven months into my first year as CEO at the Y. The scholarship funding that was provided to me was a huge help also since our organization at the time did not have the funds available to help me attend. The decision to join Class 29 was one of the best I have made since my tenure at the Hagerstown Y. It was the best and most effective way for me to make important community connections and learn about all that is going on right here in Washington County. The program is excellent and so wellorganized that it could not have been any easier to get engaged and to meet people. A huge ‘thank you’ to Tara and her team for making my experience extra special.”

Kelsey Lorman, Class 28 – 2015

Social media strategist and community manager Lindsey Elmore

“I rely on and am grateful for my Leadership Washington County experience, both personally and professionally, every day. During my time in the program, I worked for a nonprofit organization, and was lucky enough to have received a scholarship to participate. This allowed me to be an active member of Class 28, which provided

me with invaluable knowledge to bring back to my organization. I was also able to connect classmates who were looking to serve with my nonprofit organization, as well as provide a unique perspective to those who may not have ever interacted with my organization before. I believe the nonprofit scholarships introduce the capacity for a variety of voices at the table from all areas of Washington County, making for meaningful discussions and the building of beneficial relationships for all of those involved. Nonprofit organizations work hard to raise funds to be appropriately placed back into the community, which is why scholarships are so vital to Leadership Washington County. The scholarship I received led to valuable connections for myself and my organization, benefiting it in ways including, but also far beyond, monetary value.”

Wallace Lee, Class 27 - 2014

Development director Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

“As a recipient of a nonprofit scholarship to attend Leadership Washington County, Class 27, I’m grateful and humble for those who could provide the resources to participate, as many nonprofits usually can’t afford to budget for staff to attend various professionaldevelopment opportunities. Leadership Washington County was a tremendous personal experience, allowing me to extend and develop new relationships to support and promote the Museum of Fine Arts.”

To learn more about Leadership Washington County, the application process and upcoming events, go to leadershipwashingtoncounty.org

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