Leadership Delaware, Inc.

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Wilmington, DE
Leadership Delaware, Inc.

We recruit and mentor the best and brightest Delawareans, who can and will transform the state. Leadership Delaware, Inc.

is a nonprofit leadership foundation established in 2009 for the purpose of identifying, tutoring, and mentoring outstanding young Delawareans who have the capacity, desire, and the courage to seek and excel at community, nonprofit, political, professional, and corporate leadership within the First State. These young leaders are recruited from throughout Delaware, without regard to gender, race, r

eligion, sexual orientation, or political persuasion. To apply for next year's class, visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/LeadershipDelawareInc/_2023LeadershipDelawareApplication

Learn more about us - visit leadershipdelaware.org

Leadership Delaware helps fellows "collect the dots...so they can connect the dots." And in doing so, they are making profound impacts on the state, transforming it for the better each day. Jennifer Cohan, CEO
[email protected]

Jaimie Watts, Chief of Operations
[email protected]

06/08/2026

June Sessions brought the Apex Class of '26 together to explore the critical intersections of Public Safety, Law, and Leadership.

Fellows had the opportunity to hear from leaders and professionals whose work helps protect, serve, and support communities across Delaware. Through thoughtful conversations and firsthand insights, our cohort gained a deeper understanding of the challenges, responsibilities, and leadership required to keep our state safe and thriving.

We were also grateful to be hosted by the New Castle County Police at the Department of Public Safety Building. Fellows had the opportunity to tour the facility, learn about the technology and coordination that support public safety efforts, and meet some of the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes every day.

Thank you to our hosts and speakers for sharing your expertise, experiences, and commitment to serving Delaware.

Chris Burkhard: President & Founder of Placers, Inc.
Chief Wilfredo Campos with Wilmington Police Department
Major General James A. Benson with Delaware Air National Guard
Mike Brickner: Executive Director of American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware
Dr. Michelle Taylor: President & CEO of United Way of Delaware
President Judge Eric Davis with the Superior Court of Delaware
County Executive Marcus Henry
Justice Christopher Griffiths with Supreme Court of Delaware
Attorney General Kathy Jennings
State Auditor Lydia York
Michael Hoffman, Esq.: Partner with Connolly Gallagher
Benjamin Wagner: Founder of Essential Industries, Inc.

06/04/2026

🎓 Congratulations to our Leadership Development Series graduates!

Over the past six weeks, this outstanding group of leaders dedicated themselves to learning, growing, and strengthening their leadership skills alongside peers from organizations across Delaware.

Through conversations, collaboration, and hands-on development, they explored how to communicate more effectively, provide meaningful feedback, build stronger teams, and lead with greater impact. Most importantly, they invested in themselves, their organizations, and the communities they serve.

We are grateful for the energy, insight, and commitment each participant brought to the experience. Watching this cohort learn from one another and grow together has been inspiring.

A special thank you to Dogfish Head for hosting this cohort and helping create a space for connection and development.

👏 Please join us in congratulating our graduates:

Laura Brittingham, Brittingham Farms
Leigh Ann Coleman, Bayhealth
Alyson Cunningham, Carl M. Freeman Foundation
Amanda Deng, ILC Dover
Megan Dixon, ILC Dover
Lauren Fender, Dogfish Head
Corey Green, Dogfish Head
Matthew Greenlee, Assurance Media
Emily Heuring, ILC Dover
Jaclyn Hulihan, State of Delaware
Shelly R. Kavanagh, WSFS Bank
Brittany Kern, Bayhealth
Kristen Mallin, Baxter Farms, Inc.
Rebecca Marcinak, Beebe Healthcare
Janelle Mazur, Dogfish Head
R. Blake Moore, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Jory “JJ” Moore, Delaware Division of Small Business
Mikayla Paul, Delaware Farm Bureau
Nick Pereira, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
Dionndra Rooks, SHRM-CP, WSFS Bank
Edwin Santos-Valladares, United Way of Delaware
Stephanie Savage, Delaware Technical Community College
Sarah Tezak, SHRM-SCP, Schell Brothers
Matthew Whalen, State of Delaware

We can't wait to see how these leaders continue to make an impact across Delaware and beyond.

05/21/2026

Congratulations to the inaugural cohort of the Leadership Delaware, Inc. Alumni Accelerator!

Over the past several months, this group of alumni committed to investing in their growth as leaders — leaning into new challenges, navigating transitions, and supporting one another through honest conversation and shared experience.

We’re incredibly grateful to this cohort for helping shape and launch this new experience for our alumni network. Your openness, engagement, and willingness to lead with vulnerability made this inaugural program something truly special.

Thank you for being part of this first chapter. We can’t wait to see what’s next for each of you.

05/20/2026

We remember the life and legacy of Mayor Mike Purzycki. Mayor Purzycki served as an early board member of Leadership Delaware, was a frequent speaker with our Fellowship classes, and served as a mentor to many in the LDI community. His contributions to Wilmington and our state have made a lasting impact, and he will continue to serve as a role model for the leadership courage, grit, and vision we strive to instill in our Fellows. On behalf of the entire LDI community, we offer our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.

05/19/2026

Earlier this month, the Leadership Delaware Class of 2026 gathered at the Freeman Arts Pavilion for an in-depth look at All Things Sussex County! Over the course of three days, Fellows explored one of the fastest-growing counties not only in Delaware, but across the country.

Through conversations with community leaders, innovators, and changemakers, the cohort gained insight into the exciting growth and development shaping the region. Discussions focused on the balance between preserving Sussex County’s unique small-town charm while embracing new opportunities and progress.

As Sussex County continues to evolve, our Fellows had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, community impact, and the thoughtful decisions that help move the area forward. Thank you to everyone who helped make this experience possible!

David Tam, MD with Beebe Healthcare
U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
Chris Perdue with Perdue Farms, Inc.
Alexander Pires, Esq. with Highway One Companies
Rachel Hersh and Rony Baltazar-Lopez with La Red Healthcare
Todd Lawson and Doug Hudson with Sussex County Council
Rich Borrasso with Sussex Preservation Coalition
Jonathan E. Horner, Esq. with Schell Brothers
Mariah Calagione with Dogfish Head
Rep. Alonna Berry
Rep. Daniel Short
Kevin Andrade with The Voice Radio Network
Michael Meoli with Meoli Companies

05/13/2026

Yesterday, our Leadership Delaware Series cohort had a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of Dogfish Head during an exclusive tour led by Jason King, the director Dogfish’s Beer and Benevolence program and a current 2026 fellow.

From brewing and distribution to culture and community impact, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the systems, teams, and leadership that power one of Delaware’s most iconic brands.

We’re grateful to Dogfish Head for serving as host site for this Sussex County cohort and for opening their doors to our leaders.

05/01/2026

Are you a college student or recent grad interested in expanding your skills and network this summer?

We’re excited to introduce a new $325 Student All-Access Pass for Intern Delaware — designed to help you stay engaged, build connections, and grow professionally across Delaware.

Think:
• CEO roundtables
• Public speaking + improv workshops
• Behind-the-scenes experiences (yes… even NASCAR)
• Statewide connections across industries
• Social events... and more!

No employer sponsor required. Just show up ready to grow.

June–August
Limited spots available

Register here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/leadership-delaware-inc/2026-intern-delaware

04/30/2026

Leadership Delaware is proud to continue our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware as Fellows from the Class of 2026 served as judges for this year’s Junior Youth of the Year Competition.

Throughout the state, our Fellows had the opportunity to visit multiple Clubs and meet the incredible students who shared their talents, reflected on their personal journeys, and spoke about the role the Clubs have played in shaping their growth and future aspirations. These moments are a powerful reminder of the impact of mentorship, opportunity, and community.

The experience culminated in a meaningful celebration recognizing participants from both the Junior Youth of the Year and Youth of the Year competitions—honoring the students and the dedicated educators and mentors who support them every day.

We would also like to recognize Seth Cottom of the Leadership Delaware Class of 2026 for his continued dedication and impact in the lives of these students.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support and uplift the next generation of leaders across Delaware.

04/15/2026

Welcome to our newest Leadership Development Series cohort!

Yesterday, we kicked off this six-week series with an incredible group of leaders representing industries across Delaware – from agriculture and healthcare to banking, government, nonprofit, and more.

Over the next six weeks, these leaders are committing time and energy to grow – strengthening how they communicate, give feedback, lead teams, and drive impact within their organizations and communities.

Thank you to Dogfish Head for hosting us and creating space for this experience.

Please help us welcome this cohort:

Lauren Biddle, Dogfish Head
Laura Brittingham, Brittingham Farms
Leigh Ann Coleman, Bayhealth
Alyson Cunningham, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation
Amanda Deng, ILC Dover
Megan Dixon, ILC Dover
Corey Green, Dogfish Head
Mathew Greenlee, Assurance Media
Emily Heuring, ILC Dover
Jaclyn Hulihan, Lt. Governor's Office
Shelly Kavanagh, WSFS Bank
Brittany Kern, Bayhealth
Kristen Mallin, Baxter Farms, Inc.
Rebecca Marcinak, Beebe Healthcare
Janelle Mazur, Dogfish Head
Blake Moore, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Jory (JJ) Moore, Delaware Division of Small Business
Mikayla Paul, Delaware Farmers Bureau
Nicholas Pereira, Chesapeake Utilities
Dionndra Rooks, WSFS Bank
Edwin Santos-Valladares, United Way of Delaware
Stephanie Savage, DTCC
Sarah Tezak, Schell Brothers
Matthew Whalen, State of Delaware/DTI

04/10/2026

What if your interns didn’t just spend a summer in Delaware—but chose to build their future here?

With 71% of students leaving their state after graduation and employers struggling to fill roles, retaining talent has never been more important.

Intern Delaware creates meaningful connections between interns, employers, and the broader community—transforming short-term experiences into long-term opportunity.

From professional development workshops to networking events and community engagement, interns gain the confidence, skills, and connections that make them more likely to stay and succeed.

Because when interns feel connected, they stay.

🔗 Learn more: https://leadershipdelaware.org/intern-delaware

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Wilmington, DE

Website

https://leadershipdelaware.org/

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