Leadership Oakland

05/29/2026

What an incredible day of community impact with the Leadership Oakland Cornerstone LO###VI Class Day of Service project at Oakland HOPE! 💙🌱🎨

Together with volunteers from Home Depot, this year's class, self-named "The Blueprint", built 20 raised garden beds that will help Oakland Hope provide fresh food to the community for years to come. The day also included the creation of a beautiful new mural on the side of the Oakland Hope building, led by artist Zach Curtis ARTwork through a community “paint by number” experience.

This project was a true reflection of collaboration, service, and leadership in action — and we are so grateful to everyone who made it possible.

A special thank you to our generous sponsors:
The Home Depot, Henry Ford Health, Health Alliance Plan, MSU Federal Credit Union, Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan, Baker College, and Kasasa .

Thank you to Oakland Hope for partnering with us and allowing the LO###VI class to leave a lasting impact in the community!

05/27/2026

Leadership isn’t built in a classroom alone—it’s built through connection, experience, challenge, and community impact.

That’s exactly what Leadership Oakland’s Cornerstone Program has been doing since 1990—developing influential leaders who are shaping the future of Oakland County and beyond.

Applications are now open for the LO###VII Cornerstone Class, beginning this August.

Through immersive sessions, behind-the-scenes access to regional issues, meaningful conversations with community leaders, and hands-on experiences, Cornerstone helps participants grow both personally and professionally while building a powerful network across industries and sectors.

Cornerstone is an opportunity to:
• Expand your leadership perspective
• Build authentic regional connections
• Explore the challenges and opportunities impacting our communities
• Develop the confidence and skills to lead with greater purpose and impact

This isn’t just professional development—it’s a transformational leadership experience that continues long after the program ends.

If you are ready to grow your leadership, strengthen your community impact, and join a network of leaders committed to making a difference, now is the time to apply.

Learn more and apply today:
[https://www.leadershipoakland.com/cornerstone-program/]

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

What an unforgettable evening celebrating 36 years of leadership, collaboration, and community impact at Leadership Oakland’s Taste of LO!

The night was filled with meaningful conversations, reconnections, new relationships, and a shared commitment to strengthening Oakland County through leadership and service. It was inspiring to see Leadership Oakland alumni, community partners, sponsors, and supporters come together to celebrate the power of community building and the lasting impact created through the Cornerstone Program’s Day of Service projects.

This year’s event proudly recognized several incredible community partners who have collaborated with Leadership Oakland classes over the past decade, including:
• Micah 6 Community
• Hope Against Trafficking
• House of Providence
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace
• Center for Success
• E-Community Outreach Services
• United Community Family Services

We were honored to hear from Coleman Yoakum, who shared the inspiring story and mission behind Micah 6 Community’s work in neighborhood revitalization and food security in Pontiac. We also appreciated hearing from Eisha Branner, whose passion and leadership continue to create meaningful impact for families and communities across the region.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a special celebration of service, leadership, and partnership. Together, we continue building stronger communities and creating lasting impact throughout Oakland County.

05/19/2026

The strongest leaders don’t grow alone—they grow through experience, perspective, and connection.

Leadership Oakland’s Cornerstone Program has spent more than three decades bringing together professionals from across industries to explore the issues shaping Oakland County while building lifelong relationships and leadership skills that extend far beyond the workplace.

Applications are now open for the LO###VII Cornerstone Class beginning this August.

Cornerstone offers participants the opportunity to:
• Engage directly with regional leaders and decision-makers
• Explore complex community issues through immersive sessions
• Build meaningful relationships across sectors and backgrounds
• Strengthen leadership skills through real-world experiences and collaboration
• Create lasting impact through service and community engagement

This experience challenges participants to think differently, lead intentionally, and become more connected to the communities they serve.

If you are looking to expand your perspective, grow your network, and invest in your leadership journey, Cornerstone may be the next step for you.

Learn more and apply today:
https://www.leadershipoakland.com/cornerstone-program/

05/18/2026

We are excited to spotlight Leadership Oakland’s own Susan Hollady as part Un-Networking™: Seasons of Womanhood – An Intergenerational Conversation!

Susan joined an incredible panel of dynamic women leaders for a meaningful conversation exploring the many seasons of becoming, leading, growing, and navigating womanhood through different life and leadership experiences. The event was held at Jo's Upscale Resale in Southfield on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Curated by Ber-Henda Williams, this gathering brought together inspiring voices and perspectives designed to encourage authentic conversation, connection, and empowerment across generations.

We are proud to see Susan representing Leadership Oakland in this impactful discussion.

05/14/2026

Leadership Oakland’s Cornerstone LO###VI Environment Session was an incredible day of learning, exploration, and meaningful conversation centered around sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the session, participants gained a deeper understanding of environmental challenges, resources, and the important role each of us plays in protecting and improving the world around us. From sustainability initiatives in Oakland County and reducing food waste to composting, recycling, and understanding the effects of micro and nanoplastics on the environment, the day provided valuable insights into how local actions can create lasting impact.

A special thank you to our outstanding speakers and presenters who shared their expertise and passion throughout the day:
• Lucy Hale – Cranbrook Institute of Science
• Nicole Card – Oakland County
• Stephanie Osborne – Make Food Not Waste
• Bill Whitley – My Green Michigan
• Ava Brewer – WM
• David Rogers – WM / Eagle Valley Landfill
• Taliy Shkurupiy – ALLATRA International Public Movement
• Christy Clark – DTE Energy

We are especially grateful to WM (Waste Management)for sponsoring the session and sharing valuable insight into sustainability, waste management, and recycling efforts impacting our communities.

Thank you as well to Cranbrook Institute of Science for hosting this wonderful experience and providing exceptional tours that brought environmental science and sustainability to life for the class.

The LO###VI class walked away inspired to think more intentionally about how our daily choices impact the environment and how leadership can help create a more sustainable future for all.

05/07/2026

Only ONE WEEK until we come together to celebrate the leaders, partnerships, and community impact that have shaped Oakland County for the past 36 years at Taste of LO - Celebrating 36 Years of Community Impact!

May 14, 2026
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Community House, Birmingham

For more than three decades, Leadership Oakland’s Cornerstone Program has connected passionate leaders through meaningful Day of Service projects that create lasting change across our region. From supporting local nonprofits to building stronger communities, these partnerships continue to leave an incredible legacy of impact.

At Taste of LO, we’ll celebrate the nonprofit organizations and community partners that have worked alongside Leadership Oakland classes to make a difference, including:

• United Community Family Services
• eCommunity Outreach Services
• Center for Success
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace
• House of Providence
• Hope Against Trafficking
• Micah 6 Community

Join fellow alumni, community partners, and supporters for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration as we recognize the relationships and service that continue to strengthen Oakland County.

Registration is filling quickly — reserve your spot as soon as possible!

Register today:
https://www.leadershipoakland.com/event/taste-of-lo-may-14-2026/

05/06/2026

Leadership Oakland’s Board recently gathered for its quarterly board meeting at the impressive General Motors Performance and Racing Center on the GM Powertrain Campus.

Board members had the unique opportunity to tour the facility where the Cadillac and Corvette racing teams build and test their high-performance racing engines. A highlight of the visit was seeing the actual Corvette that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans—an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

A special thank you to Rosana Hull, LOXXI class Alumni and Board Member, for coordinating such an incredible location and helping make this memorable experience possible.

We are grateful to all Leadership Oakland board members for their continued support, leadership, and commitment to strengthening our mission and community. To find out more about Leadership Oakland's Board of Directors: https://www.leadershipoakland.com/board-of-directors/

05/04/2026

What an inspiring morning at Leadership Oakland’s Breakfast of Champions: 2026 Young Professionals Panel!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Iroquois Club for an energizing conversation filled with thoughtful discussion, meaningful interaction, and fresh perspectives from an outstanding panel of emerging leaders.

Our panelists shared real-world experiences, leadership lessons, and honest insights about career growth, community impact, and navigating today’s evolving professional landscape. Their diverse backgrounds created a dynamic conversation that highlighted the power of collaboration, authenticity, and leadership at every stage of a career.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, SMART smartmovesus. And also thank you to moderator Aarron Wiburn and panelists Justen Daniels, Chris Hagan, Kaitlyn Hoyes, and Olga Kovtun for bringing such valuable perspectives and engaging dialogue to the morning.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the energy, questions, and connections that made this event so impactful.