EMERGE Lakeland

06/16/2026

Applications are now open for EMERGE Serves 2026: Class XVI.

This program is designed for young professionals who want to better understand community service, nonprofit leadership, and what it really means to serve on a board. Over six sessions, participants will learn from local leaders, connect with other EMERGE members, and gain a stronger understanding of how to get involved in causes that matter throughout Lakeland.

Classes begin August 18th, and class size is limited to only 20 participants.

If you’ve been looking for a way to grow as a leader and get more connected to the community, this is your opportunity.

Apply today: https://www.emergelakeland.org/emerge-serves-2026

05/27/2026

Dogs, sunshine, and a good cause? Count us in 🐾

Join us Saturday, June 27th as we team up with Polk County Bully Project for a group dog walk and social meetup at Lakeland Highlands Scrub Preserve. We’ll be hanging out with some four-legged friends, getting outside, and supporting a local organization doing amazing work for rescue dogs in our community.

Can’t make it? No worries. You can still support PCBP by donating to their food and puppy pad drive. Reach out to Anna at [email protected] for drop-off details.

Register for the dog walk here:
https://www.emergelakeland.org/event-details/emerge-volunteers-polk-county-bully-project-dog-walk

05/13/2026

If you’ve got random knowledge locked away in your brain somewhere, this is your time to shine.

Join EMERGE Lakeland for Trivia Night at Swan Brewing for drinks, good competition, and a fun night with local young professionals! 🍺

Register here: https://www.emergelakeland.org/event-details/trivia-night-at-swan

05/12/2026

Some of Polk County’s most impactful young professionals are making moves behind the scenes every single day. Now it’s time to recognize them!

Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Polk Young Professionals Awards. Together, EMERGE Lakeland, ENGAGE Bartow, and Endeavor Winter Haven are coming together to celebrate the leaders, change makers, and community champions making an impact across Polk County.

Award Categories:
• Emerging Leader (Ages 21–30)
• Legacy Builder (Ages 31–42)
• Philanthropic Champion (Ages 21–42)

Nominations are open now through May 31, 2026.

Submit your nomination here: https://polkyp.com/

05/01/2026

Take the next step with your fellow EMERGE members by attending a committee meeting! Anyone can join a committee, or all five!
Committees are a great way to utilize your talents, develop new skills, and make deeper connections with members.

RSVP here to get started: https://shorturl.at/3sMMV

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

Alright… photo drop is LIVE! 📸

Photos from Follow the Leaders are officially up. Take a look through and see if you can spot yourself, your team, or someone you know

If you find one you like, share it and tag us!

Photo collection by Gustavo Film

04/28/2026

Still thinking about how impactful this year’s Follow the Leaders 2026 was.

Huge thank you to all of the panelists who took the time to share their insight and perspective on how higher education is shaping the future of Polk County. Being able to hear directly from leaders across Florida Southern College, Polk State College, Southeastern University, Webber International University and Florida Polytechnic University is something you don’t get every day.

Also, a big thank you to FSC for hosting and creating the space for these conversations.

What really stood out was the format. It wasn’t just a panel you sit and listen to. It was real, one-on-one conversations with the people actively shaping education and the future workforce right here in our community.

That kind of access, perspective, and connection is what EMERGE is all about, and why this continues to be one of the most impactful events of the year.

04/20/2026

Our most anticipated event of the year is here. Follow the Leaders is TONIGHT!

Quick heads up before you head over:

🅿️ Parking is available on both the north and south sides of Frank Lloyd Wright Way between South Blvd and Success Ave. The address is 905 South Blvd.

🚌 Shuttle service is required and will take you to and from the Thrift Room.

There will be no parking available on campus near the venue, so plan for a few extra minutes to get parked and over.

We’ve got a packed room, a strong lineup, and some really good conversations ahead. This is going to be a great night!

04/08/2026

Just joined EMERGE? New Member Mingle is where you start.

Come join us April 16th where you can meet our Committee Leaders, make connections, and get plugged in at Parlor Doughnuts. Plus, who doesn't like free coffee and doughnuts? ☕️🍩

This event is a simple way to step into the room and start building real relationships.

Be sure to register to ensure the coffee and doughnuts are on the house! 👉 https://www.emergelakeland.org/event-details/new-member-mingle-at-parlor-doughnuts

See you there!