Leadership Winter Haven was founded in 1980. Since that time the program has been dedicated to developing a well informed and diverse pool of leadership talent ready to help the community and area reach its full potential. In the course of the program, participants leadership skills are nurtured while they are exposed to the spectrum of business, industry, governmental and social issues that confront Winter Haven’s current leaders and will challenge the leaders of tomorrow.
The application period for Leadership Winter Haven Class 42 are closed.
Nominations are closed.
The application period for Leadership Winter Haven Class 42 are closed.
Nominations are closed.
Since the program’s inception as one of Florida’s earliest community leadership programs (and Polk County’s first), over 500 people have completed the course. Leadership Winter Haven alumni represent a strong communications network within Greater Winter Haven uniting people of varied interests and backgrounds. From agribusiness to entrepreneur, finance to public servant, the program is rich with diversity.
LWH graduates possess a unique understanding of the complexity of our region. Participants learn first hand the assets, opportunities, challenges and needs within our community, county and Central Florida.
Graduates of Leadership Winter Haven are found throughout not only business, government and community organizations but serving as effective, aware volunteer leaders on Boards of civic organizations and community projects. The benefit of this leadership program is the shaping of a vibrant yet diverse group of individuals who, through well informed decisions, will help our community face tomorrow’s challenges.
LWH graduates possess a unique understanding of the complexity of our region. Participants learn first hand the assets, opportunities, challenges and needs within our community, county and Central Florida.
Graduates of Leadership Winter Haven are found throughout not only business, government and community organizations but serving as effective, aware volunteer leaders on Boards of civic organizations and community projects. The benefit of this leadership program is the shaping of a vibrant yet diverse group of individuals who, through well informed decisions, will help our community face tomorrow’s challenges.
Who Should Participate:
Participants include established leaders seeking more thorough knowledge of the community , young executives who aspire to leadership as well as civic volunteers who seek a stronger communications network.
Selection of Participants:
Application to Leadership Winter Haven involves both a written application and informal interview conducted by several program graduates. The primary criterion for participation is a sincere interest in furthering your leadership ability and community understanding. You may be nominated or nominate yourself. .
In the interest of group dynamics, married couples or close relatives are not selected for the same class. The program has, however, graduated a number of husband/wife teams who participated in different classes.
In the event that more qualified candidates apply than class space allows, first consideration will be given during the following year to those whose applications were deferred.
What Do Participants Stand to Gain:
Everyone reaps their own personal rewards from participation. Among them:
• Greater understanding of the community
• Stronger communications network
• More self-confidence in personal leadership abilities
• More opportunities for active participation in the future of your community
• New friends for life
If you have any questions regarding Leadership Winter Haven, contact Ana.
Example of Class Day Topics:
Participants include established leaders seeking more thorough knowledge of the community , young executives who aspire to leadership as well as civic volunteers who seek a stronger communications network.
Selection of Participants:
Application to Leadership Winter Haven involves both a written application and informal interview conducted by several program graduates. The primary criterion for participation is a sincere interest in furthering your leadership ability and community understanding. You may be nominated or nominate yourself. .
In the interest of group dynamics, married couples or close relatives are not selected for the same class. The program has, however, graduated a number of husband/wife teams who participated in different classes.
In the event that more qualified candidates apply than class space allows, first consideration will be given during the following year to those whose applications were deferred.
What Do Participants Stand to Gain:
Everyone reaps their own personal rewards from participation. Among them:
• Greater understanding of the community
• Stronger communications network
• More self-confidence in personal leadership abilities
• More opportunities for active participation in the future of your community
• New friends for life
If you have any questions regarding Leadership Winter Haven, contact Ana.
Example of Class Day Topics:
- 1-hour orientation
- 2-day opening retreat (overnight) and welcome reception
- City Government
- County Government
- Arts, History & Heritage
- Education Day
- Capital Days - Tallahassee Trip (2-day overnight)
- Agriculture and Industry Day
- Tourism Day
- Regional Impact Day
- Health and Social Services Day
- Closing Retreat and Graduation
Sample video from Class 38's day trips:
Don't take our word for it, check out the video created by LWH Class 34 Alum Steve Elias for his Graduation:
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