Multicultural Leadership Institute + Program

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Multicultural Leadership Institute + Program The Multicultural Leadership Program (MCLP) is a premier leadership development program.

MCLP alumni are making an extraordinary impact across industries and communities—leading with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to positive change.

A day full of reflection, honest conversations, and a few moments that made us look at leadership a little differently. ...
10/08/2026

A day full of reflection, honest conversations, and a few moments that made us look at leadership a little differently. 💬

The MCLP Class of 2027 spent October 3 exploring:

🔹 Team 360 with Gina Defa, Lacey McLeod & Nel Lewis
🔹 Leading with Values with Sonya Mau & Nayoka Griffis
🔹 Crucial Conversations with Sharon McFarland
🔹 Leadership Presence with Janet Wilson

Different topics. One common thread: leadership is not just about what we know. It’s about how we show up, how we listen, how we respond, and how others experience us.

A big thank you to our facilitators for creating space for learning, reflection, and honest conversation.

And to the Class of 2027: take these lessons with you. The real learning happens when they show up in our everyday lives and leadership.

What’s one leadership practice you’ve become more intentional about?

🌟 Unsung Hero Spotlight: Katie Pratt, Sharon Peoples & Ashley LoveSo much of what makes MCLP work happens behind the sce...
10/05/2026

🌟 Unsung Hero Spotlight: Katie Pratt, Sharon Peoples & Ashley Love

So much of what makes MCLP work happens behind the scenes.

This month, we’re celebrating three incredible people who consistently show up, pitch in, support others, and help move MCLP forward: Katie, Sharon, and Ashley.

Each contributes in different ways, but they share something important: they care deeply about MCLP and the people who are part of it.

From Leadership 360 and mentoring to facilitation, storytelling, logistics, and all the little things that often go unnoticed, they help make the Class of 2027 experience better.

This is servant leadership in action: showing up, helping others, and doing the work without needing recognition.

Katie, Sharon, and Ashley, thank you for everything you do. We’re lucky to have you on the MCLP team! ❤️

THANK YOU!

We’re getting ready for our next MCLP session on October 3.This one is about the parts of leadership that can be easy to...
10/01/2026

We’re getting ready for our next MCLP session on October 3.

This one is about the parts of leadership that can be easy to overlook: knowing what we stand for, navigating difficult conversations, understanding how others experience us, and being intentional about the presence we bring into a room.

Our cohort will explore Leading with Values, Crucial Conversations, Leadership Presence, and Team 360.

Different topics, but one common thread: leadership isn’t just about what we do. It’s also about how we show up, how we listen, and how our actions affect the people around us.

We’re looking forward to another day of learning, reflection, honest conversations, and probably a few moments that make us a little uncomfortable in the best possible way.

What’s one leadership lesson that has changed the way you show up for others?

The first few days of MCLP Class of 2027 are in the books.And what a few days it was. ❤️We looked inward through MBTI, S...
09/16/2026

The first few days of MCLP Class of 2027 are in the books.

And what a few days it was. ❤️

We looked inward through MBTI, Strengths, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership 360.

Then we turned outward.

Mentors. Community partners. Teams. Purpose. Influence. Tough conversations. Lots of laughs. And a little happy hour, too.

A special thank you to Heartland Community College for hosting us. It was wonderful to spend the weekend in the Gregg Chadwick Board Room. Gregg was a mentor and a member of the MCLP Advisory Council, so being in that room carried a little extra meaning for us.

At the heart of it all is something we talk about a lot at MCLP: recognizing the leader in each of us and becoming the best version of ourselves for the people, organizations and communities we serve.

But here's the thing about MCLP:

It takes a village.

Facilitators. Coaches. Mentors. Alumni. Community partners. Volunteers. Board members. And so many people behind the scenes.

Each one leaves a thumbprint on the experience.

To everyone who gave their time, energy, experience and heart to make these first few days possible, thank you.

And to our Class of 2027:

Welcome to the MCLP community.

We are off to the races. 🏁

This past Friday, our Class of 2027 began their Leadership 360 coaching conversations with 11 remarkable coaches who are...
09/13/2026

This past Friday, our Class of 2027 began their Leadership 360 coaching conversations with 11 remarkable coaches who are investing their time, experience, and perspective in our participants.

Different backgrounds. Different industries. Different leadership journeys.

One thing in common: a willingness to invest in someone else’s growth.

That’s servant leadership in action.

To our coaches, thank you for showing up with candor, curiosity, and care.

To our participants, be open. Ask the hard questions. Listen to the feedback. And then do something with it.

Because at MCLP, leadership development isn’t about collecting another credential. It’s about becoming a better leader for the people, organizations, and communities we serve.

We’re grateful to have these 11 leaders alongside our Class of 2027.

Unsung Hero Spotlight: Sharon DoddToday, the MCLP Board is excited to continue our tradition of recognizing an Unsung He...
09/10/2026

Unsung Hero Spotlight: Sharon Dodd

Today, the MCLP Board is excited to continue our tradition of recognizing an Unsung Hero: someone whose dedication, leadership, and service help advance our mission, often behind the scenes and without seeking recognition.

This month, we are proud to recognize Sharon Dodd for her extraordinary commitment, leadership, and service to MCLP during one of the most significant transitions in our program’s history.

As the last Executive Director of MCLP, Sharon helped guide the program through a period of tremendous change, including the transition to a hybrid learning environment. She navigated challenges with resilience, care, and a deep commitment to ensuring that MCLP continued to serve participants and develop future leaders.

Even after transitioning from her role as Executive Director, Sharon continued to support MCLP in countless ways. She generously shared her knowledge, answered questions with patience and kindness, and helped ensure a smooth transfer of institutional knowledge to the new group of volunteers stepping forward to lead the program. This transition would not have been possible without the incredible support of Sharon and Kali Thomas.

Because of the strong foundation created by Sharon and many dedicated MCLP volunteers, the Class of 2027 recruitment was completed, the curriculum was thoughtfully updated, and the path was paved for the future-state design of MCLP.

Beyond her contributions to the program, Sharon’s greatest impact may be reflected in the way she leads and serves. Her optimism, positive spirit, healthy perspective on life, and genuine commitment to servant leadership have inspired many individuals throughout her journey with MCLP.

Thank you, Sharon, for your time, talent, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the mission of MCLP. Your impact extends far beyond what can be measured, and we are deeply grateful for all you have done to help develop the next generation of servant leaders.

With gratitude, we celebrate you as this month’s Unsung Hero.

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Heather Brackney. Heather is the Assistant Finance Director at YWCA...
09/09/2026

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Heather Brackney.

Heather is the Assistant Finance Director at YWCA McLean County, where she combines financial leadership with a passion for supporting people, improving processes, and developing teams. Throughout her career, she has embraced opportunities to mentor others, create training resources, and strengthen organizational operations in service to the community.

Heather recently earned her Associate in Arts in Human Development & Family Studies and is committed to lifelong learning and leadership growth. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and dogs, and finding meaningful ways to connect with her community.

Quote: Lead with kindness. Learn with humility. Leave every person and every place a little better than you found it.

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Aemun Lupeyok.  Aemun Lopeyok is a junior at Illinois State Univers...
09/09/2026

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Aemun Lupeyok.

Aemun Lopeyok is a junior at Illinois State University, majoring in political Science with a minor in Psychology. An international student from Kenya and Heartland Community College alum, he served as President of the Student Government Association and later represented students on the Heartland Board of Trustees as Student Trustee.

Outside of academics, Aemun enjoys riding his bike and Djing.

Quote: Take a step back and let life surprise you.

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Rebecca Long. Rebecca serves as the Electrical Engineering Departme...
09/08/2026

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Rebecca Long.

Rebecca serves as the Electrical Engineering Department Office Manager and Building Coordinator at the College of Engineering at Illinois State University. She is devoted to serving and supporting others with compassion and empathy.

Rebecca loves learning across a wide range of topics, particularly history and cultural studies. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys discovering "firsts" with her daughter and husband, Zack.

Quote: "Well, the Ugha word for 'gold' translates as 'treasure.' But their treasure wasn't gold; it was knowledge. Knowledge was their treasure." - Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Bart Hickey. Bart Hickey has been with COUNTRY Financial for 19 yea...
09/08/2026

MCLP is proud to introduce Class of 2027 Participant Bart Hickey.

Bart Hickey has been with COUNTRY Financial for 19 years, starting as an intern and growing through multiple roles, including leadership positions, before becoming a Sr. Product Owner. Passionate about community service, he has served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters, ABC Counseling & Family Services, and currently the Ecology Action Center.

Bart enjoys connecting with others, sharing life experiences, and learning from different perspectives. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his husband and their cats and tending to his large native pollinator garden.

Quote: Leadership begins when we stop wishing for the situation we want and start leading the situation we have.

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P. O. Box 854
Bloomington, IL
61701

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