Heart to Heart Leadership

06/23/2026

Please help us wish the participants of the 11th Expedition of the Purposeful Leadership Program congratulations!

Over the past several months, this cohort has invested in themselves and one another through reflection, conversation, and meaningful learning experiences.

They have explored their values, sharpened their self-awareness, deepened their emotional intelligence, and developed practical skills to lead with greater purpose and clarity.

Leadership is not simply about what we accomplish, but about who we are becoming and the impact we have on those around us. We are grateful for the commitment these leaders made to their own growth and inspired by the ways they will continue to influence their workplaces and lives.

Expedition 11, thank you for allowing us to come alongside you on this journey. We celebrate all that you've accomplished and look forward to seeing the positive change you will create in the world.

Congratulations to:

Sarah Bassett
Melanie Black
Laura Gerlich
Denise Davis-Pitcock
Tedette Jones
Lynn Kegley
Catarina Ralheta
Sara Schopf
LaDarrius Steele
Bradley Virgin
Kat Wentz

Are you an experienced leader hoping for an experience like this to carry you into 2027? Apply for our fall 2026 cohort before July 13 here: https://www.htohleadership.org/plp/

06/22/2026

A special congratulations to all of those selected for the Leadership Akron Signature Class 43!

Your commitment to leadership and making a meaningful impact in our community is truly inspiring.

We are especially proud to celebrate former Purposeful Leadership graduates Melanie Korman, Malinda Sampsell, and Heather Yannayon. Congratulations on this achievement and for continuing to lead with purpose and to serve with passion.

Well done!

Leadership Akron is proud to welcome Signature Class 43. 🎉

This year’s class brings together 40 leaders from across business, nonprofit, government, education, healthcare, philanthropy, arts and culture, and community development. Together, they will begin a ten-month experience designed to deepen their understanding of Greater Akron, build meaningful connections across sectors, and consider how their leadership can serve the community for the long haul.

“Signature is one of the most meaningful ways leaders can come to know Greater Akron and one another,” said Justin Hilton, President and CEO of Leadership Akron. “Class 43 represents a wide range of experiences, industries, and perspectives. As they move through this year together, they will be invited to listen deeply, think differently, and consider how their leadership can serve the community for the long haul.”

Join us in welcoming Class 43!

📣 Read the full announcement: https://www.leadershipakron.org/press-releases-blog/pr6-10-26

👉🏻 Meet the class here: https://www.leadershipakron.org/signature43

06/18/2026

These testimonials reflect the growth, connection, and leadership development experienced by past participants. If you're ready to invest in yourself and lead with greater purpose and impact, we encourage you to apply..

Let us come alongside you as you continue becoming the leader you are meant to be.

Apply today here: www.htohleadership.org/plp

06/15/2026

What does the Purposeful Leadership Program mean to the leaders who’ve experienced it?

We could tell you about the coaching, assessments, leadership development, and growth that happen throughout the program—but hearing directly from participants says it best.

These leaders came from different organizations, industries, and backgrounds, but each walked away with greater self-awareness, renewed purpose, and practical tools to lead with more clarity and intention.

Thank you to these graduates for sharing their experiences and reflections with us.

Purposeful Leadership is designed for experienced leaders who are ready to deepen their impact—professionally and personally. Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open. Apply today: https://www.htohleadership.org/plp/

A special thank you to LaDarrius Steele, Bradley Virgin, Tedette Jones, Melanie Black, and Kat Wentz for sharing what PLP meant to you.

06/10/2026

How can we impact positive change in the world?

At the heart of our organization is a simple but powerful belief: purposeful leadership has the ability to transform workplaces, communities, and lives.

That belief is what inspired the creation of the Purposeful Leadership Program.

In this short video, Jeremy Lile, our CEO and President shares more about our organization’s core purpose and why we believe investing in leaders matters now more than ever.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open. Please apply https://www.htohleadership.org/plp/

If you're ready to grow as a leader and deepen your impact, we invite you to apply.

06/09/2026

Our Purposeful Leadership Program Expedition Akron Zoo12 got to hear from Akron Zoo's President & CEO, Doug Piekarz and have an open dialogue around leadership at their last session.

Heart to Heart's Purposeful Leadership Program is for experienced leaders who are ready to deepen their impact.

Applications for the Fall 2026 expedition are now open.

The cohort is intentionally limited to 18 participants to create meaningful connection, coaching, and growth.

Learn more and apply today here:
https://www.htohleadership.org/plp/

06/05/2026

We hear sentiments like this one often from participants in the Purposeful Leadership Program.

Experienced leaders today are navigating increasing complexity, pressure, and change. Technical expertise alone is not enough. Leadership requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to lead with purpose.

The Purposeful Leadership Program was designed for experienced leaders who are committed to growing not only as professionals, but as people.

Through coaching, assessment, reflection, and community, participants deepen their impact at work, at home, and in their communities.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open!

Please apply early. Size is intentionally limited to create meaningful connection and growth.

Apply now: https://www.htohleadership.org/plp/

06/02/2026

It has been a privilege to partner with the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and this dedicated group of leaders. Thank you to everyone who participated, shared ideas, and made each session of the Compass Program meaningful and impactful.

06/02/2026

You’ve built expertise. But who are you becoming as a leader?

Leadership today requires more than operational skill. It demands self-awareness, resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead with clarity and purpose through increasing complexity and change.

The Purposeful Leadership Program is designed for experienced leaders with who are ready to deepen their impact—professionally and personally.

Through coaching, assessment, reflection, and community, participants develop the inner resilience and practical leadership competencies needed to lead more intentionally and effectively.

Applications for the Fall 2026 expedition are now open.

The cohort is intentionally limited to 18 participants to create meaningful connection, coaching, and growth.

Learn more and apply today here: https://www.htohleadership.org/plp/

05/28/2026

Meet Carlos! Carlos is the Director of Conservation at the Akron Zoo and was in Expedition 10 of Purposeful Leadership. his passion for protecting wildlife and wild places allows him to connect with audiences locally and around the world. This is what Carlos has to say about his Purposeful Leadership Experience:

What part of your work right now feels most meaningful to you?
Seeing our program grow in all fronts. I just hit my two-year anniversary with Akron Zoo and the Conservation Department is making strides thanks to the support of everyone at the zoo.

What competencies from the Purposeful Leadership Program are you finding most helpful?
The ability to lead with purpose and act with intent. Making sure I listen to understand.

What was your favorite part about the Purposeful Leadership Program?
The morning meditation and breathing sessions. It has worked for me to this day as a method of grounding myself daily and setting up the pace for the day.

Purposeful Leadership Program Applications open next week! Click here for more information: https://www.htohleadership.org/plp/