Leadership Howard County Announcements

October 2023

“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.” 

― Shannon L. Alder

Illuminate With Leadership November 16, 2023

Tickets Now Available at Early-Bird Rates

Join Leadership Howard County (LHC) for A Night of Illuminating Leadership on Thursday, November 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at HCC's Horowitz Center. Join us for an 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, honoring a recent graduate from LHC's Premier Class of 2023, and the Corporate Community Impact Award, recognizing a company making significant contributions and serving as a role model for compassion and service to make the Howard County community a better place to live, work, and play. In addition to being inspired, plan for a night of laughter as Robert Mac takes the stage as our entertainment for the evening. Get your tickets now for this not-to-be-missed event!

LHC's next Service Friday will take place Friday, October 20, in conjunction with LU's 3D HC event. Dig Deep and Discover Howard County is an experiential service-learning activity that allows for small groups (10-12) of Leadership U students to gain exposure and insight into a community host organization. Volunteers will help chaperone small groups of LU 2024 students while getting to learn about and help out some of our area's terrific non-profit organizations - Patapsco State Park, Howard EcoWorks at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and the Therapeutic & Recreational Riding Center. Click here to sign up!

One of this year's LU project teams is tackling transportation by advocating and informing the public about car alternatives... check out their Instagram!

Join us as we welcome Carolyn Berkowitz, President & CEO of the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, to share her insights and experiences in the areas of corporate social responsibility, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in programs. She will also discuss the influence and impact that can be made (and expanded), as well as the evolution happening in today's complex world and why collaboration is key to meeting rising challenges.

LHC is happy to spotlight our Board Members throughout the year so that LHC alumni may get to know a little bit more about who's taking the lead both at Leadership and in our community. Take a moment to get acquainted with Theresa Forget, LP '23, LHC's newest Board Member, and Vice President of Human Resources with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Howard County Medical Center.  Read more...

The Leadership Premier Class of 2024 had their retreat last week. Over two full days, class members spent time getting to know each other better, formed community impact project teams, and have readied themselves for their own unique program experience which will unfold over the next nine months. Stay tuned for updates along the way!

Last call for Leadership Essentials (LE) 2024 participants! Applications are due October 9! Don’t miss this chance to invest in your company’s emerging leaders and rising stars! For more information and to apply, visit the LE website or contact Katherine Keefe. Also, applications are currently being accepted for Community Impact Projects for Leadership Essentials 2024! Attend a Virtual Information Session to learn how your non-profit can benefit from a project; sessions are scheduled for Thursday, October 12, at 9 a.m. or Thursday, October 26 at 4 p.m. - click here to access meeting link (Meeting ID:

609 0728986).

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) invites county residents to take an active role in developing and revising school system policies as members of Policy Advisory Committees. The knowledge, experience, and perspective shared by community stakeholders are used to improve the quality of HCPSS policy. Residents interested in participating may submit a statement of interest online by Friday, October 13. A confirmation email with additional details will be sent to the individual(s) selected to participate. Questions? Email policy@hcpss.org; visit HCPSS policies to view all policies.

Ignite Howard County returns Monday, October 23 at Jailbreak Brewing Company from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Contact Wendy Baird, LP '15 for more details, or click here to read more.

Howard Community College (HCC) is looking for business professionals from the community to participate in an upcoming career networking expo and meet with students one-on-one, for approximately 15 minutes, to share tips on planning their career and education, have their resume reviewed, and practice answering interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself.” 

The Expo takes place Tuesday, October 17 from 2 to

3:30 p.m. at HCC's Duncan Hall, Suite 100. Please email Paul Martin, or call (443) 518-4855 to sign up.

Howard County's Office of Human Rights and Equity Commissions is seeking volunteers for several Commissions and Workgroups; visit their website to learn more - scroll down to the “Commissions & Workgroups” section.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 14 for Howard County's Hispanic Heritage Festival. Click here for details!

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