Leadership Howard County Announcements

November 2023

"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.” 

– Neal A. Maxwell  

Illuminate With Leadership November 16, 2023

LHC is gearing up for a very fun-filled, entertaining Night of Illuminating Leadership on Thursday, November 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at HCC's Horowitz Center. Register today for this can't-miss evening of inspiration and entertainment as we recognize some of our community's great leaders including, Key Leader, Zack Shariff, LP '12, and 2023's recipients of the Best Class Ever (BCE), LHC's new Emerging Leader Award, which honors a recent graduate from LHC's Premier Class of 2023, and the Corporate Community Impact Award, that recognizes a company who is serving as a role model for other organizations and making significant contributions in Howard County to make our community a better place to live, work, and play. In addition to being inspired, get ready to laugh with Robert Mac, our entertainment for the night. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are thrilled to be joined by Ofelia Ross Ott, LE '09, Administrator of Howard County's Office on Aging & Independence, joined by OAI Staff, Emily Leclercq and Carly Shilling, Matt Madera, LE '11, Manager of Howard County's 50+ Centers, and Bruce Fulton, LP '21, Director of Neighbor Ride, who will discuss Aging in Howard County and available resources for individuals and their caregivers.

Final call for LELeadership Essentials 2024 Community Impact Projects! Does your nonprofit have a project you would love to do, but you just don't have the time, expertise, or staff? A CIP team may be the answer! Projects are a key component of Leadership Essentials, a leadership development program for emerging and mid-level leaders offered by Loyola University Maryland in partnership with Leadership Howard County. Program participants work in small teams with a host organization to address an organizational challenge or strategic issue. Community Impact Project Applications are now being accepted and are due November 3. Project work will begin in January and will be completed by early June. Questions? Please email Katherine Keefe.

Thank you to Conscious Capitalism and all participants at the recent Ignite Howard County event. Leadership Howard County was the fortunate recipient of a $500.

On Tuesday, November 7, Bright Minds Foundation is hosting “Breakfast with the Superintendent” to support HCPSS students and educators. This event will feature a networking session, a showcase of HCPSS programs, and a very interactive presentation from Dr. Martirano. Click here for more details.

The Howard County Veterans Day Parade will take place on Sunday, November 12, beginning at

9:30 a.m. in downtown Columbia with Grand Marshal Edward Hall. Read more ...

Planning is underway for the Howard County Chamber of Commerce's Women's Leadership Conference (WLC) on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Maryland Live! Casino & Conference Center. This year's theme is The Power Within: Unleashing Dynamic Disruptors. Speaker applications are now being accepted; submissions are due Monday,  November 6, 2023 and may be uploaded to a Google Drive - click here for drive link. Please email Rikia Ceasar with any questions. The Program committee will review all submissions and make final selections, which will be announced by the end of November, 2023.

The Community Action Council of Howard County's (CAC's) Season of Hope is here! If you are interested in participating in this endeavor, please visit the 2023 Season of Hope page to learn about ways you can get involved, make a difference, and give the gift of HOPE to Howard County this holiday season! 

Congratulations and the very best wishes to Nikole McWright! Nikole's last day with Leadership Howard County was Friday, October 27 (but she will be at A Night of Illuminating Leadership on November 16 so, just an extra reason to plan on attending!) Thank you, Nikole, for sharing your talents with Leadership for the past five years!

The next Class Connections will be distributed in mid-November. Remember to let LHC know how you are staying connected... please share your news/updates/photos with Karen Bryant.