Leadership Oakland

06/11/2026

Last Chance! Remember to apply for this round of Acorn2Oak Grants by June 15th. If you know of a young community-minded entrepreneur, ages 8-18, please see how Oakland County and Leadership Oakland can support them! Have them join the 2025 grant recipients as an Acorn2Oak participant!
https://www.leadershipoakland.com/acorn2oak-youth-grant-program/
Next application opportunity will be June, 16 - September 15, 2026.

06/10/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Class LO###VI! 🎓

What an incredible evening celebrating the graduation of another outstanding class of regional leaders. Surrounded by family, friends, alumni, board members, and community partners, LO###VI marked the culmination of a transformative year of learning, connection, and growth.

The evening was filled with meaningful reflections, recognition of achievements, special awards, and a look back at the unforgettable experiences that shaped this remarkable class. From their first session to their final session, LO###VI embraced Leadership Oakland's mission of developing and connecting diverse and influential leaders committed to making a difference in our region.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Chief Financial Credit Union to celebrate this milestone and to all who supported the class throughout their Cornerstone journey.

As they cross the stage from participants to alumni, we can't wait to see the impact these leaders will continue to make in their organizations and communities, and how these connections will continue to grow.

Welcome to the Leadership Oakland Alumni family, LO###VI! Your leadership journey is just beginning. 💚

For more information regarding the Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Program: https://www.leadershipoakland.com/cornerstone-program/

06/05/2026

What a way to close out an incredible year!

The Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Class LO###VI gathered at the Detroit Zoo for their final session, *Shaping the Future*—a day dedicated to reflecting on lessons learned, strengthening lifelong connections, and exploring ways to stay engaged as leaders in our community.

From looking back on a transformative year to revisiting strengths through Real Colors, discussing future involvement with Leadership Oakland, and participating in the cherished Circle of Friends tradition, the day was filled with inspiration, gratitude, and excitement for what comes next.

A special thank you to the Detroit Zoo for hosting this memorable session, as well to our other sponsors: Chief Financial CU, and Catherine Peterson and Aarron Wilburn from Insuring Change. Thank you also to all of our outstanding speakers who challenged and encouraged the class throughout the day, including Hayley Murphy, CEO and Executive Director of the Zoo.

Congratulations, LO###VI! Your Cornerstone journey may be coming to a close, but your impact is just beginning as a Leadership Oakland Alumni!

🎓 Next stop: Graduation!

06/02/2026

One of the best parts of Leadership Oakland is seeing our alumni continue to connect, lead, and make an impact long after their class year ends. 💚

We’d love to know how YOU would like to stay involved with LO!

Current opportunities include:
✔️Serving on the LO Board
✔️ Joining a committee
✔️Helping plan programs and events
✔️ Connecting with nonprofit board opportunities in the community

Whether you’re looking for a leadership role, a lighter volunteer commitment, or a way to expand your community impact, there’s a place for you.

No commitment needed today — we simply want to hear where your interests lie! Reach out via the link below and let us know how you’d like to stay connected with the Leadership Oakland network.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/jTAcu25tuW

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.