02/02/2026
🌱Spotlight on Our Environmental Leaders Program Cohort🌱
This year’s Environmental Leaders Program cohort is truly outstanding. From day one, participants have shown curiosity, asked thoughtful questions, and collaborated meaningfully with peers, mentors, and presenters.
As the program progresses, the cohort is moving from exploring what drives their own environmental leadership to learning how to communicate and collaborate with those who may hold different perspectives. Their journey began at Cox Arboretum MetroPark with the question “Why are we here?” led by former First Lady Hope Taft and Connie O’Connor of the Cincinnati Nature Center. Participants are also completing The Ripple Effect online course as an integrated part of the program.
The cohort has explored topics pertaining to leadership, ethics, values, communication, and motivation with inspiring leaders including Professor Brian Raison (The Ohio State University), Nancy McHugh (Executive Director of the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community), and a master-class panel hosted with The Dayton Foundation. Panelists included Mike Parks (President of The Dayton Foundation), Alexis Larsen (Chief of Philanthropy for Five Rivers MetroParks), and Steve Carne of Partners for the Environment.
We’re grateful for the partners who make this program possible—and inspired by this incredible cohort. 🌎
👉 Stay tuned for more Environmental Leaders Program updates!
